Artscape Call for Melville Inspired Art: Deadline Extended to 11/10/11

RECEIPT DEADLINE EXTENDED: NOVEMBER 10, 2011

The City of Pittsfield and the Artscape Public Art Committee invite artists to send in proposals for the annual yearlong Artscape public art exhibition in Pittsfield, the largest city in culturally-rich Berkshire County, Massachusetts. The 2012 exhibit will be held in conjunction with CALL ME MELVILLE, a citywide celebration of the author Herman Melville and his masterpiece MOBY DICK, which was written in Pittsfield, through contemporary art. Please forward to other artists who may be interested in submitting work. 

For performing arts and other exhibition opportunities on this theme, please contact Megan Whilden, Director of Cultural Development for the City of Pittsfield at mwhilden@pittsfieldch.com (November deadline applies only to Artscape public art submissions.)

ABOUT ARTSCAPE AND THE CITY OF PITTSFIELD

The mission of the City of Pittsfield’s Artscape program is to enhance the downtown’s character and attract visitors by installing and promoting works of art in various outdoor locations accessible to the public throughout the downtown area.

The city of Pittsfield, Massachusetts is located in the heart of culturally rich Berkshire County, in western Massachusetts. A city of 45,000, Pittsfield is home to the Berkshire Museum, Hancock Shaker Village, Barrington Stage Company, the Colonial Theatre, South Mountain Concerts, the Berkshire Music School, the Berkshire Athenaeum, the Storefront Artist Project, and a variety of other cultural attractions. In addition, the city features a winter ski resort, a state forest, two lakes, the Housatonic River, and a National Audubon Society sanctuary within its city borders.

PROPOSAL PROCEDURE

Artists proposing a work for public display are encouraged to visit the City of Pittsfield before submitting their proposal. Applicants must take into account that the site is an urban outdoor environment. Please be aware that sculptures and installations must meet safety requirements and be able to withstand the effects of weather and public use. Insurance coverage for the artwork (protection against damage, theft or vandalism) is not provided. Liability insurance is provided by the City of Pittsfield. The exhibition of the work will be between May 2012 and May 2013. Installations will be March – April 2012.

2012 Theme:

    In 2012 Artscape is partnering with the City of Pittsfield on a summer-long celebration of Herman Melville and his great American novel, Moby Dick, which was written in Pittsfield. This year we are specifically looking for work and installations that are thematically related to Moby Dick and other nautical themes, and/or Herman Melville and his other works. Out-of-the-box, diverse works are encouraged, whether serious or creatively interpreted, abstract or objective.

Selection Process:

Proposals are juried by an advisory committee composed of prominent curators, artists, arts administrators and Artscape member representatives.

Honorarium:

Recipients are granted financial support in the amount of $500. Some technical assistance, approved by the Artscape committee on a project-by-project basis, is provided to install work. Placement of all work is determined by the committee. Requests for site-specific locations must be submitted with the original proposal.

Eligibility:

This program is open to all artists, nationally and internationally. Artscape can not provide any housing or transportation. Artists living outside the local region have to make their own living and travel arrangements.

 2012 ARTSCAPE PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS

PROPOSAL CHECKLIST:

• Current Resume
• References
• CD With Images
• CD Script
• Color Laser Copies, Photographs Or Digital Prints
• Proposal for work – please include a drawing or rendering for proposed new work. Also include weight of piece, materials, and if applicable, specify needs in order for the piece to be displayed (example: electricity)
• Price list if work is available for sale
• Self Addressed, Stamped Envelope (For Return Of Materials)
• Self Addressed Stamped Postcard (Optional) (notify you of receipt of proposal)
• Current Resume: This should include information about education; exhibition history; awards, grants/residencies; and details of any published writings or reviews about your work.
• References: Please provide the names, addresses and telephone numbers of two people who are familiar with your work.
• Ten Images on CD: Images should be of recent work, particularly if they relate to your proposal. DO NOT SEND MORE THAN TEN IMAGES. ONLY THE FIRST TEN WILL BE REVIEWED.
• CD Script: Please send a list (printed hard copy) that corresponds to the submitted images. For each image, include the title, date, materials and dimensions and, if necessary, a brief description of the work.
• (optional) 1- 5 Color Laser Copies, Photographs Or Digital Prints

These should be of images selected from the submitted images (do not send images of works that are not included on the script). Be sure to label each one with your name and a number that corresponds to the script.

PROPOSAL:

A brief description of the work that you would like to exhibit. This can be a written description and/or a drawing, plan or rendering.

Price List: If work is available for purchase please list the price. Sales are made with 30% of sale price going back to Artscape and 70 % to the artist.

Self Addressed, Stamped Envelope: large enough to enclose all submitted materials and should have enough postage to cover return mailing.

Self Addressed Stamped Postcard (optional)
For notification that your proposal package was received, please enclose a self addressed, stamped postcard.

Please DO NOT send:

• materials larger than 8-1/2 x 11 inches
• original artwork
• large format transparencies
• video tapes

Self Addressed, Stamped Envelope: large enough to enclose all submitted materials and should have enough postage to cover return mailing. Self Addressed Stamped Postcard (optional) – For notification that your proposal package was received, please enclose a self addressed, stamped postcard.

Completed proposals must be received in the office of Community Development at the address below by 4:00 pm on November 10, 2011.

Be sure to put your name, address and telephone number on all materials.
Please do not send your proposal by registered mail or return receipt.

Send your proposal by regular mail, Federal Express or UPS to:
Artscape: 2012 Public Art Proposal
c/o Rebecca Tefft
Department of Community Development
City Hall
70 Allen St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Telephone: 413-499-9368

Hand Delivered:
To deliver your proposal by hand, please deliver to the Department of Community Development, Room 205, Pittsfield City Hall, 70 Allen St., Pittsfield, Massachusetts. City Hall hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4pm. p.m.
Monday through Friday