The Fourth Plinth is the name given to the empty plinth in the north-west corner of Trafalgar Square in London. It was designed by Sir Charles Barry and built in 1841. Originally the plinth was intended to hold a statue of William IV, but due to insufficient funds remained empty.
In 1999 the RSA commissioned a series of works to be temporarily displayed on the plinth. Deemed a success the ‘empty plinth’ has since been home to a number of temporary works of art. The Fourth Plinth project is now managed by the Mayor of London’s office and the next project to be undertaken in this public space is Antony Gormley’s One & Other.
One & Other will be running from 6 July – 14 October 2009, that is 24 hours a day for 100 consecutive days. Gormley’s idea is to create a living monument with the people of the UK. A different person will take the plinth for each and every hour the project is taking place, volunteers have been invited to apply for a ‘position’ and will be chosen so that ethnic minorities and people from all parts of Britain are represented.
Have you applied yet? I have.
They will let you know if you have won a place by email, then you’ll then have a few days to decide whether to accept the place or not.