Calling All Artists! Submit Your ‘Naturally Dayton’ Installation

INTRODUCTION

Before Activated Spaces

Generation Dayton and updayton, in partnership with the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan, seek local artists to develop displays for vacant downtown storefronts. We are looking for local artists interested in improving their community—and getting some recognition for their work.

As part of the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan, the Activated Spaces team has been charged with making downtown more vibrant and inviting. What better way to do so than filling currently vacant storefront windows with local artwork? Displays are themed and refreshed approximately every six months, allowing new artists to display their talent, and/or to offer a chance for established artists to show off their dynamic range. The initial installation (“Celebrating Dayton”) was a great success.Artists and groups showcased Dayton’s cultural diversity through depictions of various festivals. Next, local artists put their favorite downtown neighborhoods in the limelight when the “Spotlight Dayton” theme came on display in the fall.

After Activated Spaces

The spring 2012 installation theme, “Naturally Dayton,” challenges artists to focus on our beautiful outdoor assets.  Whether your favorite spot is along the rivers, in a park, or a lush rooftop garden, we’re looking for your perception of Dayton’s natural appeal.  We’re looking for artists who can showcase downtown Dayton and the neighboring historic districts.  We welcome artists’ interpretation of the theme however loose or literal it may be; if the artwork is not an exact demonstration of the theme, the artist statement should be able to tie the work to the theme.

Entries will be judged by a panel of local artists and/or community representatives. Artists selected by our panel of judges will be featured in the downtown storefronts and on the ActivatedSpaces.org website. The top 10 entries will be awarded a $100 stipend for materials. These artists also will be eligible for the People’s Choice Award, which will be determined via public ballot available online. A grand prize (TBA) will be awarded to the People’s Choice winner. Visit the website to learn more.

Check out participating storefronts and last year’s installations at Activated Spaces.

SCOPE OF WORK

• Displays will vary in size – the available storefronts are as eclectic as the city itself, so your concept will need to have some flexibility.
• A $100 material stipend per selected artist will be provided.
• Artists are free to choose medium of artwork (painting, photography, 3-dimensional, etc).
• Artists will have two weeks (April 30 – May 11) to install the display.
• Installation should be capable or remaining displayed for approximately six months and must be able to withstand sunlight. (Previous installations demonstrate that framed or mounted displays work well for photographs, paintings and other similarly dimensional installations. Scotch tape and spray glue haven’t been reliable.)
• Artists will be paired with participating downtown buildings based on size requirements (if any).
• Artist’s name/contact information will be highlighted in respective storefront.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

It is recommended that you apply electronically by sending your materials to Sherri Wierzba at Wierzba@downtowndayton.org.

If you are interested in this art-as-activism project, please send:

•   Up to 8 images of proposed installation(s), and up to 5 images of other recent works
•   All emailed images must be jpeg format (CDs accepted by mail)
•   Bio, statement and resume of each participating artist
•   One page, written description of the proposed project

Please do not send mock-ups or actual artworks as part of the application. If you can not apply electronically, you may mail materials to the address below. Materials will only be returned if SASE is provided.

Downtown Dayton Partnership
Attention: Activated Spaces Project
10 W. Second Street, Suite 611
Dayton, OH 45402

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Deadline is April 2, 2012, at 5 p.m. Winners will be announced by April 20.

WE’RE HERE TO HELP

If you have any questions about this project, please contact Sherri Wierzba at the Downtown Dayton Partnership by phone: 937.224.1518 or by email: wierzba@downtowndayton.org.