2010 “Rethink Our Public Space” Public Art Competition
Event Background
To provoke event attendees to rethink the public space surrounding them, Williamsburg Walks is issuing an RFP in order to select artists to participate in a public art competition. It is a great opportunity to put your talent on display for the two days of the event, engage with local residents, New Yorkers, and tourists, get exposure in the media and be part of a unique event. Selected proposals will be invited to be created and displayed during event. The “Best in Show” will be determined by a public voting process and the 2010 Weekend Walks Public Art Installation Competition Committee consisting of local artists, designers, and planners. This piece will be awarded a $1,000 prize.
Theme
We are looking for public art that supports the theme of “Rethink Your Public Space.” For many of us, the streets are literally our front yards. But all too often our streets fail to offer a pleasant space, a place to socialize and bond with our community, to recreate, and to feel safe when walking or riding a bike. In response to these conditions, we are seeking work that engages the issues of how public space can encourage substantive community engagement in fun and creative ways, how art can play a role in activating public space, and how the dominance of certain modes of transportation over others on streets can be reduced. So help us Rethink Our Public Space!
Specifications for the installation
The public art installation:
• Can take on many different forms: furniture, sculpture, performance, forums, and beyond. For performance or forum based installations, the artist will need to be present on both days
• Should be designed to interact with the physical environment in support of the theme “Rethink Your Public Space.”
• Should be created with the public space needs of Bedford Avenue, and/or the surrounding Williamsburg neighborhood, in mind.
Physical guidelines: (does not apply to performance)
• be free standing. It will be placed directly on the street (not on grass) so cannot be bolted or anchored to the floor, instead you are encouraged to use weights (max 30 lb each) if needed.
• be perfectly steady. If you build a tall structure either use weight or make sure the base is broad enough so the installation cannot be pushed or accidentally tipped
• be perfectly safe under any weather condition (wind, rain) and resist to light rain
Selection of proposals and exhibit process
• Selection Criteria will be based on the following: relation to the theme of rethinking the public space of Bedford and the surrounding Williamsburg area, aesthetics, scale, and safety.
• The 2010 Williamsburg Walks Public Art Installation Competition Committee will review submitted proposals and invite selected artists to participate by June 2nd. The selected pieced will be competitioned during Williamsburg Walks on June 26th and 27th where a voting process will determine the $1,000 Best in Show Prize.
• Upon selection, the public art installation must be completed and delivered by June 22nd. It is the responsibility of the artist to deliver the installation to the competition organizer (located in Williamsburg).
To Apply:
Please send a short proposal summary to Annie de Mayo, the exhibit coordinator, at public.art.williamsburgwalks@gmail.com by Friday, May 28th at midnight. You can expect to get a final answer from us by Wednesday, June 2nd. It is not necessary to answer the questions in a Q&A format, however please ensure that all issues listed are addressed:
1. Concept: What will the artwork look like? How do you want the piece to interact with the viewer? What are the main concepts behind it?
2. Execution: Explain your proposed schedule, process, medium and method by which you will involve events attendees.
3. Fabrication & Installation: Describe the anticipated fabrication and installation needs for the temporary art. Be sure to include information that will help facilitate the artistic integrity of your work: A. How much space will the art need? B. Describe how you envision the installation: what sort of surrounding will you need? C. Describe special equipment or other needs. D. What are public safety requirements?
4. Drawings, sketches
5. Brief artist statement or resume
6. Your contact information (including email address and cell phone)
Questions, comments:
Please contact Annie de Mayo by email at public.art.williamsburgwalks@gmail.com or by phone at 770-330-6211
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