The search is on for volunteers from Northern Ireland for a new piece of living art work in central London.

Artist Anthony Gormley wants 71 people from Northern Ireland to take part in his ‘The One and Other’ piece which will occupy the fourth plinth at Trafalgar Square later this year.

The Turner-prize winning sculptor needs members of the public from all parts the UK, up on the plinth for 24-hours, seven-days-a-week for 100 consecutive days.

Only one volunteer is allowed on the plinth at any time with posers swapping places every hour. Participants for the unique portrait are allowed to bring anything with them, as long as they are able to carry it alone, and they can do whatever they like — within reason. Thanks to sponsorship from television channel Sky Arts, a camera trained on the plinth will broadcast a live feed online.

A total of 2,400 people are required and online registration opened earlier this week. Applicants who are invited to apply via the website www.oneandother.co.uk will be screened to ensure all communities are represented.

“The idea is very simple. Through putting a person onto the plinth, the body becomes a metaphor, a symbol. In the context of Trafalgar Square with its military, valedictory and male historical statues, this elevation of everyday life to the position formerly occupied by monumental art allows us to reflect on the diversity, vulnerability and particularity of the individual in contemporary society. It’s about people coming together to do something extraordinary and unpredictable. It could be tragic but it could also be funny,” explained Gorman.

Exhibitionists and members of pressure groups are expected to apply but the artist is keen for ordinary people to take part.

“It is important we don't see this in terms of simply making a spectacle in the manner of a populist version of David Blaine.

“Turn that around and think of it from the point of view of the subject. What do you learn about the world from looking at it from this |elevated and central position? What do you think about your life in this hour? That's what I'm interested in,” he added.

Gormley, whose Angel of the North sculpture near Gateshead in England is seen by more than 33 million motorists every year, won the opportunity to showcase ‘The One and Other’ last year, along with artist Yinka Shonibare's Nelson's Ship in a Bottle.

They beat four other contenders to the honour, and will take turns to replace Thomas Schutte's Model for a Hotel 2007 which occupied the plinth for more than 18 months.

Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, said: “It's going to be a brilliant case of people coming to art and art coming to the people as the people become the art. A very public demonstration of democracy in action.”

Ekow Eshun, chair of the Fourth Plinth Comissioning Group, said: “One and Other is an outstanding idea — a bold, arresting work that reflects on the multifaceted nature of modern Britain.

‘One and Other' will begin on July 6. For more information, visit www.oneandother.co.uk.