An international contest is being held for a new artwork in Asari Park in the coastal resort of Jrmala, Latvia (Deadline: 3 January)The competition featuring a 5,000 prize fund organised by Jrmala Municipality seeks proposals for a new functional urban art object which could be constructed within the park close to Asari railway station.The call for concepts aims to identify a range of innovative and multifunctional solutions for a new sustainable and inclusive installation which references the areas historic links to strawberry cultivation while also promoting community participation.Contest site: Asari Park in Jrmala, LatviaAccording to the brief: Authors are invited to interpret the theme without making a direct reference to the strawberry berry, but rather inspired by the theme of strawberry fields and related concepts growth, natural cycle, garden, working together, etc.The theme can be interpreted as a choice of materials, a conceptual message, a sensory experience (colour, texture, ornament, light). The design must harmonize with the surrounding environment, fit into the natural environment of the park, while becoming its visual and conceptual centre.The design should be aesthetically attractive, stimulating, it should create a dialogue with the surrounding landscape and the cultural history of the neighborhood, as well as the visitors of the park.Featuring dunes, steep cliffs, sandstone outcrops, rocks and caverns Latvias coastal area is home to many picturesque fishing villages, imposing port cities and popular resort settlements, such as Jrmala.Located on the shores of the Gulf of Riga Jrmala is a small resort town which is thought to have one of the longest beaches in Northern Europe. Local landmarks include the 33.5m tall Dzintaru Park observation tower by ARHIS Arhitekti which was completed in 2011.The contest seeks proposals for a new functional urban art installation which will be constructed as a new focal point within Asari Park close to a local railway station. The park currently hosts seating, a picnic area, water fountain and sports equipment including a basketball court.Asari station in Jrmala, LatviaCredit:Image by ScAvenger (Jnis Vilni) Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International licenseThe project aims to strengthen the cultural memory of Jrmala and highlight the important role played by the Asari neighbourhood which following the opening of the Riga-Tukums railway line in 1877 hosted a strawberry collection point where local growers would distribute their goods to markets as far afield as St Petersburg.Concepts will be judged on their response to the brief, aesthetic quality, response to the surrounding urban environment, functionality and sustainability. Proposals will be expected to harness high-quality, environmentally friendly and durable materials suitable for outdoor display.The overall winner will receive a 3,000 prize while a second prize of 1,200 and third prize of 800 will also be awarded.How to applyDeadline: 4pm local time, 3 January 2025Competition funding source: The municipality of the city of JrmalaProject funding source: European Union funds, The municipality of the city of JrmalaOwner of site(s):The municipality of the city of JrmalaContact details: anete.pinke@jurmala.lvVisit the competition website for more information