This page is primarily for those who are considering commissioning us. Here are some comments from previous clients.
What was particularly notable was that even though the work drew an audience consisting mainly of families, the artists dealt with complex current issues such as migration and our relationship with machines in ways that were not overly simplistic or patronising. Nothing seemed compromised just because the target audience was more community and family-focussed.
I was particularly struck by the way in which the artists finely balanced the exploration of what could be considered 'risky' subject matter and producing art that is accessible to families and the wider public.
In summary:
Rigour: It was well thought through and put together
Originality: It was ground-breaking
Risk: The artists/curators really challenged themselves
Excellence: It is one of the best examples of its type that I have seen
"The Somme Commemoration Artwork is a unique and hugely impactful installation."
"There were great link ups with the local communities and schools to co-create the works."
"An excellent grass-roots public art project with special significance for the commemoration of the Somme."
"The sustainability credentials are well thought through and it is good that the work will be secured within the local community."
"Beautiful, poignant and absolutely relevant."
Why did you select M+R for your project?
Their personalities, charisma, and their passion about their proposal. The proposed artwork was
unique and so different to other pitches we saw. We enjoyed the concept of involving the
community in our local area to make them be a part of the project.
What were M+R like to work with and how well did they fulfil the brief?
They were both brilliant to work with, very professional, good communication and enthusiastic
throughout the project. They successfully fulfilled the brief; it was great to see the vision delivered
at the first pitch become a reality. They implemented high quality artwork, which involved the
community, providing 'Streets of Gold' for visitors to follow and enjoy in their own way.
What is the legacy of the work that M+R produced?
They have created thought provoking and eye catching art which will result in conversation
amongst visitors to the High Street for years to come. People are likely to stop and dwell which
was one of the objectives of the entire project. Overall, it will be the continued interaction the
community will have with the art work.
Why did you select M+R for your project?
We found M+R after quite an extended research on the internet but what particularly
caught our attention was their assumed mission 'to weave artistic stories into architecture
and public spaces in order to enhance a sense of community and belonging',
which coincidentally was one of the strongest objectives of our project. This overlapping
was also reinforced by their sense and sensibility regarding context, and the overall sense
of professionalism and good humour which are expressed through their projects.
What were M+R like to work with and how well did they fulfil the brief?
Neil and Jono are absolutely lovely to work with, and we were very pleasantly surprised by
their capacity to make the best out of each and every situation. There is an electrifying
chemistry between the two of them and working with such a duo is a great experience in
itself. The results were much more than anyone of us expected. In short, one of the best
collaborations we've had so far.
What is the legacy of the work that M+R produced?
The legacy of The Gathering, is a new cultural life for a neglected space. It also helped
diverse stakeholders come together and sit down to discuss about opportunities related to
this particular space and many others like it. In a sense, what they did was to shed light on
the beauty and potential of a forgotten space, bringing it into the public eye and the
reaches of all the cultural operators in the city.
Why did you select M+R for your project?
M+R fulfilled our specific criteria, in particular their experience of working with diverse
community groups. They also understood exactly what we wanted, and how important
emotional response to the final pieces was going to be.
What were M+R like to work with and how well did they fulfil the brief?
M+R were brilliant to work with. They listened - to staff, to volunteers and all the groups
involved. They were fully immersed in the project, emotionally, mentally and physically.
Working outside in a freezing car park in Derbyshire is not the greatest workspace! The
brief was fulfilled, not easy because we wanted the final piece to be informed by the
community involvement rather than us, so at the start there was literally no idea other than
we wanted to tell a story and for visitors to be able to interact and be emotionally involved
with the piece.
What is the legacy of the work that M+R produced?
We have not one, but five, permanent installations which our visitors can interact with and
discuss. The stories behind the figures are explained in a trail and as part of a teaching
pack for schools. Our staff and volunteers have taken them to their hearts and are always
keen to discuss them with visitors.
Why did you select M+R for your project?
The quality of their proposal (and the artwork it contained), professionalism and charming personas.
What were M+R like to work with and how well did they fulfil the brief?
Working with Neil and Jono has been an absolute pleasure. Their attention to detail, commitment to ensuring projects are fulfilled to the highest quality and willingness to engage communities in the development of their exceptional work makes them a fantastic and thoroughly engaging duo to commission. From the initial presentation, through to installing the final (public) artwork, Neil and Jono maintained excellent communication, kept to project timelines and produced work of the highest quality and aesthetic, resulting in a final public art installation that truly enhances its location and absolutely fulfils the original intentions of the project brief.
What is the legacy of the work that M+R produced?
The work was developed alongside community participants, enabling those who will encounter the work on a regular basis to feel pride and ownership of the work, as well as enjoy it!
Why did you select M+R for your project?
We selected M+R for our park commission as their practice combines excellent artist's vision with sound practical knowledge of fabrication, while embedding public engagement and collaboration into every aspect of the creative process.
What were M+R like to work with and how well did they fulfil the brief?
M+R are exceptional communicators; it is their ability to work collaboratively with each other, and the commissioner, to creatively evolve a project from initial idea to final artwork that results in successfully fulfilling the original brief.
What is the legacy of the work that M+R produced?
The lasting legacy of M+R's work exists in the genuine connection made with the audience from the school children who collaboratively created some of the final artwork, to the volunteers marshalling the installation, to the diverse range of visitors to the exhibition.
Why did you select M+R for your project?
We were extremely impressed with the proposal that M+R put together for our neon installation. They had carefully considered the brief and had woven in incredibly meaningful opportunities for local people to shape the final look of the piece through engaging workshops.
What were M+R like to work with and how well did they fulfil the brief?
Neil and Jono were a pleasure to work with - professional, personable and calm in the face of the unexpected! They fulfilled our brief in terms of the community engagement delivered and the final art work which hangs proudly in the foyer of our museum. The final 'Hierarchy' has the exact blend of reference to Gunnersbury's past and the modern, unexpected aesthetic that we were hoping to achieve.
What is the legacy of the work that M+R produced?
'Hierarchy' hangs in our entrance foyer and greets our visitors - it is certainly a talking point and a great opportunity to share with visitors how, throughout our restoration project, we have interpreted Gunnersbury's heritage in a range of ways and involved local people in the process
