See the announcements below for information!

The XL-XS Show
Deadline: April 18. The Maryland Federation of Art invites all artists residing in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada to enter its fine art open-juried competition for artists working in extra large and extra small formats. Any two-dimensional submissions following exhibition guidelines will be considered by the juror. The selected artworks will be on exhibit at The Art Gallery, University of Maryland, College Park, by invitation to MFA.

• Only 2-D works following exhibition size requirements are eligible. Measure carefully before entry.
• Exhibition Dates: June 24- August 5, 2012
• Submission Deadline: April 18, 2012
• Juror: Barry Nemett, Chair of Painting Department, Maryland Institute College of Art

More details and the prospectus are on the MFA website.

Outdoor Temporary Public Art Project
Deadline: April 20. The Alexandria Commission for the Arts (ACA) is accepting proposals through April 20, 2012 for the temporary placement or experience of art in public spaces through a special opportunity grant. The ACA is seeking innovative, thought-provoking projects by artists that relate to a proposed space or spaces in an engaging way. All artistic disciplines will be considered including, but not limited to: visual art, storytelling, poetry, spoken word, dance, music, theatre, performance art, and new media.

The purpose of the project is to: promote the artwork of artists and increase awareness of the potential for public art within the community. In addition, the project should foster community participation in and understanding of public art projects. Creativity is encouraged, and we hope these temporary public art experiences will provide people in their communities with a moment of surprise, beauty, deep thought, or humor. We are looking for projects that will engage a broad audience.

Each project will be awarded up to $2,700 to cover all expenses including, but not limited to, artist fees. The total amount to be awarded is $8,100. The project duration can be a maximum of six months, beginning no later than June 30, 2012.

The Outdoor Temporary Public Art Project will consist of at least one project in each of the City’s three planning districts*: Old Town, Del Ray/Arlandria, and the West End. One project per planning district will be awarded. The project must occur within a planning district, or the entire City. More than one location within a planning district may be proposed. Traveling or rotating project sites will also be considered. Suggested locations include City of Alexandria Parks*. With advance permission, the projects may also occur or be sited on private but accessible locations. Please know that some public locations may also require approval. City staff will work with the selected artists or artist teams to facilitate the approval process. Based on the proposal, City permits or project modifications may be required. (* See Planning Districts & Parks Map at www.alexandriava.gov/arts)

Deadline: April 20, 2012, 5:00pm

Eligibility

• Only individual artists or artist teams are eligible
• Artists, or at least one team member, must be 18 years of age
• Artists may apply for more than one planning district grant
• Artists may submit up to three different proposals
• Artists may submit existing art for consideration
• Not eligible: current members of the Alexandria Commission for the Arts and its subcommittees, City of Alexandria Employees

Evaluation Criteria

• Artistic excellence
• Impact: the level of community participation and engagement of the project
• Experience of the artist/artist team (emerging artists are encouraged to apply as a team)
• Innovation of project
• Quality and clarity of proposal

Additional Items to Consider

• Suitability to the proposed site
• Potential interest level and/or involvement of community
• Potential interest level of the media
• Safety
• Artist or Artist Team will be responsible for any maintenance or repair during the project

Submission Requirements

• Written Description of proposed project. Please include: project concept, process, timeline, itemized budget, site specificity, installation method and anchoring procedures (if applicable), plan for community engagement, value of the project to the community, and measurements of the project’s success
• Not to exceed two pages, 12-point Arial font, 1” margins
• Resumes and Contact Information for artist or artist teams
• Work Samples and Descriptions: images, CDs, writing samples, video clips or portfolios
• Proof of Permission for project to occur on private property (if applicable)

Grant Requirements

• No ticket sales or fees may be charged
• All events and installations must be freely accessible
• Matching funds are not required
• The winning artists will permit the Alexandria Commission for the Arts to promote their projects in all media including, but not limited to, press releases, web sites, and eNews
• A final report must be submitted to the Alexandria Commission for the Arts within one month of the conclusion of the project and no later than January 31, 2013

Applicants may be invited to present their proposals to the Selection Panel (ACA’s Interdisciplinary Panel and Public Art Committee). Depending upon the number of applications, the Selection Panel may decide to invite a short list of artists to present their proposals. Grant applicants will be notified of award decision by May 1, 2012.

E-mail proposals by 5pm, April 20, 2012 to: [email protected] or deliver to
the Durant Arts Center, 1605 Cameron Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.
If you have questions, please call 703-746-5588.

Examples of Public Art Projects:
http://patch.com/A-g8b1
http://candychang.com
http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/charlie_todd_the_shared_experience_of_absurdity.html
http://www.storyportraitmedia.com/blog/?p=445
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bj5s65-tC0g&feature=youtu.be
http://matermatrixmother.wordpress.com
http://www.atlantamagazine.com/photopages/Photos.aspx?AlbumID=119174
http://www.seancapone.com
http://redballproject.com/redball-cities