Call to Artists 2009, 2010 COMING SOON!

PROPOSALS WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES:

Large Scale Visual Public Art: Temporary, site specific Installations of visual or environmental art that utilize the city landscape. Works which employ light are highly desirable. Sculpture, projection and large scale visual art are examples.

THE GRAND PROCESSION: A walking parade of musicians, artists and community members animated by banners, puppets, musical instruments, masks, flags, floats and portable sculptures are needed for the Grand Procession. We are looking for tall works (up to 15 feet high), large costumed groups with 10 to 200 participants and proposals that have a musical component. Artistic concept, durability, scale and mass effect will be the criteria for selection. Groups which celebrate ethnic diversity with traditional festival costume, specific community groups or non- profit organizations are encouraged to apply.

NEIGHBORHOOD COLLABORATIVE: Community based projects which involve an artist actively partnering with the public fall into this area. Special attention will be given to neighborhood groups, community organizations and/or schools that have developed a piece or performance to be showcased as part of First Night Austin.  Emphasis will be given to proposals intended for the Grand Procession and Resolution Projects.  Projects which actively involve an artist utilizing the public or a specific community to create visual art, installations or performances are highly desirable.

PERFORMANCE:Short repeated performances, of no more than 30 minutes are desired for both afternoon and evening. New and innovative works that are not technically complex are encouraged. Examples of Performance works are musical acts, theater, dance, mime and performance art.

RESOLUTIONS: Interactive sculptures and installations that mark the passage of time- inspire a sense of renewal, incorporate and/or respond to the public’s hopes, wishes and resolutions for the New Year.

WORKSHOPS: Hands on events and activities, fun for the whole family. Examples; screen printing, drumming workshops, juggling classes, etc.

STREET SURPRISES: fantastically costumed musicians, artists and street performers that occur in un-programmed and unexpected locales and conditions.

GUIDELINES FOR PROPOSALS:
(For online proposals please create proposal text in a word processing program such as Microsoft Word or Text Edit, then cut and paste into the designated text area of your online application.)

The following form is REQUIRED and must be included with all proposals. (If you are proposing more than one project/program complete one of these forms for each one.)

Name of Group or Artist: _____________________________________________________
Project title: ________________________________________________________________
Team members and contact info:_______________________________________________
Number of Participants: ______________________________________________________
Requested funding: _________________________________________________________
Primary Contact Person: ___________________- *responsible for disseminating all information to team members and can communicate on behalf of the group
Email address:_______________________website references:______________________
Address: __________________________________________________________________
Phone (work, home, cell)/Fax: _________________________________________________
Length of Program (if applicable): _____________________ # of repetitions: ____________

NECESSARY INFORMATION FOR ALL PROPOSALS:

• Description: Detailed, typed description of the program/project, one page maximum.
• Itemized budget based on requested funding. Budget should include, where applicable: artist fees, equipment rental, materials, labor, technical crew, workshop costs, transportation, necessary sound equipment, i.e. microphones, monitor speakers, P.A. speakers, video projectors, chairs, etc. – Everything necessary for you to complete the project. Projects/Installations in the past have ranged from $1 to $17,500.
• Technical requirements:Audio inputs, Video inputs, electrical needs. At First Night Austin’s discretion we may additionally provide lighting, A/V support, staging, etc.
• Timeline for completion: Projected start and end dates with key benchmark dates. If applicable, please include a list of other possible engagements that could potentially interfere with your proposal. This information is for logistical planning as well as Public Relations and Marketing and will not affect your selection.
• Stage planindicating minimum area required, location of musicians, equipment, props, actors, instruments, etc.
• Pianos: There are limited acoustic pianos in First Night Austin venues.  Please include whether or not keyboards can be provided.
• Please include a list of other possible engagements on 12/31 and/or whether you or other artists affiliated with your proposal are applying to First Night Austin as a part of another proposal. This information is for logistical planning and will not affect your selection.
• Support materials: : First Night Austin accepts CDs, DVDs, photos, drawings and models. CDs and DVDs should note which selection should be reviewed. All support materials must be labeled clearly. Submission materials will not be returned. Images should be in .jpg format and video should be in .wmv or quicktime format. Visual art proposals for outdoor or the Grand Procession art must include photographs, sketches, diagrams or models for serious consideration.

First Night Austin is an invitation to think, to imagine, to create, to inspire, to participate, to reach out, to experiment, to explore, to take a chance. We challenge you to challenge us!

SELECTION PROCESS:
A diverse panel of creative professionals will review and select proposals.  Selection criteria will be based on artistic merit, feasibility, and the availability of funds. First Night Austin awards artists whose proposals are accepted commissions and/or artist/performance fees.

FIRST NIGHT AUSTIN is an independent, Texas nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation working in partnership with the City of Austin. It is supported by sponsorships, foundations and corporations as well as grants from Austin Community Groups and Alliances.

PLEASE SUBMIT PROPOSALS TO:

ONLINE
aipp.slideroom.com (accepted formats for visual media: jpg, png, gif, flv, wmv, mov)

MAILING OR DROP-OFF:
Art in Public Places, EGRSO
City Hall,
301 W. Second Street, Suite 2030
Austin, TX 78701
HOURS:                                                            
Monday - Friday                                                
9:00 am - 5:00 pm

OVERNIGHT/EXPRESS MAIL:
Art in Public Places
Economic Growth & Redevelopment Services
205 E. Fifth Street
Austin, TX 78702

PROPOSAL DEADLINE: Friday, May 15, 2009. All proposals must be hand delivered or postmarked by 5:00 pm. on May 15th. Faxed or incomplete proposals will not be accepted.

NOTIFICATION DATE: TBA

QUESTIONS?If you would like to discuss your proposal prior to submitting it, please call our First Night Austin Coordinator, Beatrice Thomas at (512) 974-9316. If you are hearing impaired, please contact Texas Relay at 711 and request that they call First Night Austin at (512) 974-9316.