Deadline for submissions: June 15

We are the River is a new citywide art exhibition that will take place September 6th through October 25, 2013 at several locations in downtown South Bend, Indiana. Artpost Gallery is seeking proposals for temporary site-specific installations created for five public, outdoor locations on the east and west banks of the river in downtown South Bend.

Download PDF of Call for Proposals

 

The Theme

We are the River will use art exhibits, performances and children’s activities to acknowledge the significant role the river has played in providing work, sustenance, recreation and beauty to our community. Located on the southernmost bend of the Saint Joseph River, South Bend developed an industrial-based economy that depended on the river for transportation and energy production. The waterway was also used as a repository for pollution — from residential, industrial and agricultural sources. By 1930, a State Board of Health study concluded that the river was dangerous to public health and to fish life.

In today’s post-industrial, service-based economy, both the city and the river have changed. Through the efforts of concerned citizens, non-profit advocates and government initiatives, this tributary has begun to make a comeback. The city now relies on the Saint Joseph River for a recreational resource used for fishing, boating, and white-water rafting. Maintaining a healthy river ecosystem is critical to South Bend’s survival.

We are encouraging submissions of projects that:

• address themes of ecology, environmentalism, or the natural world in an urban space
• examine the river’s role as a critical component to South Bend’s development
• respond in creative ways to the idea of reclaiming and transforming – by using salvaged materials, for instance, or incorporating everyday objects into a work
• honor the river as a spiritual source

In addition, if your proposal has a performance aspect, there will be two opportunities to interact with an audience – during the opening night on September 6^th, and on First Friday October 4th.

Guidelines and requirements

The Call for Proposals is open to artists who live near the Saint Joseph River watershed, specifically Northern Indiana and Southwestern Michigan. Your proposal can be an installation, mural, interactive environment, mobile application, or any temporary project suitable for outdoors. We’re looking for a creative uses of materials, works that encourage reflection, playful and inventive projects that engage the public, which meet the following requirements:

1. Your project addresses the exhibition theme, We Are The River, in creative, beautiful, and inspiring ways.

2. Your project is feasible, safe, and suitable for outdoor display over a 2 month-period.

You must provide a plan to install/construct your project during the week of August 26-September 1, 2013 (see the “Schedule” below for more details). Artpost is not able to provide staff support for your installation, and cannot provide liability insurance. Your project must be safe and be able to survive rain, sun, wind, and curious crowds.

3. Your project avoids damaging the site.

Your project will be displayed in one of four parks along the river, which are managed by the South Bend Parks Department. Your proposal cannot interfere with walkways in these parks, and cannot damage city or private property located in the parks.  You also must avoid damaging or in any way breaking a concrete surface.

4. You project should consider the river’s ecosystem and the surrounding environment.

The materials used for your project cannot be harmful to the river’s health. We encourage you to use found or waste materials if possible, and consider how you will dispose of or redistribute these materials after you disassemble your project.

Artists Stipends and Publicity

Each accepted artist will receive a $250 stipend towards materials and installation/de-installation.

Artpost will develop a panel of local citizens to select the projects for the exhibition, and in some cases may work with participants to refine their proposals.

Artpost will promote the event to local and regional press contacts through radio and print ads, postcards, posters, and through our website and e-newsletter.

Submittal

Participants should e-mail a single PDF no more than 7 pages long to info@artpostblog.com with the following:

1. no more than 250 words clearly describing the proposal, including your plan for installation,
2. no more than 5 images of the proposed work or previous work,
3. a clean-up plan for disassembly of your project and removal of all materials from the site.

Upon acceptance, we’ll provide a project agreement that defines our respective roles.

E-mail questions to info@artpostblog.com

Schedule

March 15: Call for proposals released

June 15: entry deadline

June 30: Notify artists of acceptance; ongoing work with participants will take place between June 30 and the date their project opens

August 26-September 1: Installation of site-specific works

September 6: Opening night; reception at Artpost Gallery

October 4: October First Friday events

October 25: Last day of exhibition

October 26-27: All projects de-installed

Project sites

• Seitz Park
  http://sbpark.org/parks/seitz-park/
  Address
  118 N St Joseph Street
  South Bend, IN 46601
  Get Directions

• Howard Park
  http://sbpark.org/parks/howard-park/
  Address
  219 S. St. Louis Blvd.
  South Bend, IN 46617
  Get Directions
• Howard Park Pedestrian Bridge
• Pier Park
  http://sbpark.org/parks/pier-park/
  Address
  E Colfax Avenue
  South Bend, IN 46601
  Get Directions
• Plaza Park
  http://sbpark.org/parks/plaza-park/
  Address
  2800 Blk. Riverside Drive
  South Bend, IN 46616
  Get Directions
  

About Artpost

Artpost is a gallery and performance space located in South Bend, IN, that features regional contemporary and folk art. In the three years since its launch, Artpost has exhibited upcoming and established regional contemporary artists, curated group shows that have gained critical attention, and hosted poetry/performance events that aim to be inclusive to all in the Michiana community.

Artpost is also looking for artists who have a body of work on the theme of rivers, for an indoor exhibit at Artpost Gallery — View info and how to apply.

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