Please take some time to explore smalltownbig.org to learn about past projects + the evolution of this program. All applications must include a "Talk Story" selection from section "D" of this site, to help form the foundation of your proposal. 

Currently, there are 3 open opportunities for which to apply. Details are HERE under section "D".

1. Performances & Public Art Inspired by Maui Storytellers
2. Kahului Mural
3. Lānaʻi Story Animations

See “About Public Art” at smalltownbig.org/about to learn how we define this. 

OUR PROCESS:

1. Call to artists (4-6 weeks): We work with CaFÉ when a new set of opportunities arises. Established artists share their ideas, samples and references regarding a specific project opportunity, and a community panel makes recommendations on the most promising projects.
2. Project development (2-3 weeks): Our team workshops top proposals to determine a fit as well as possible activities for broad engagement, mentors, and opportunities to connect to a sense of place. Artists are invited, contracted and connected to project collaborators.
3. Community engagement (2-12 weeks): Together, the artist, program partners and project collaborators gather community input on your project proposal in order to create a revised blueprint. This has included free artist workshops, community consultations, panel discussions, live paint days, field trips and storytelling events — but we are always open to new ideas!
4. Proverb identification: Artists work with Hale Hōʻikeʻike at the Bailey House/ Maui Historical Society to connect community input with ‘ōlelo from Mary Kawena Pūkuʻi’s ‘Ōlelo No‘eau: Hawaiian Proverbs and Political Sayings.
5. Present: The final public artwork is shared with an unveiling, performance, and/ or blessing that articulates the intention, acknowledges the many hands and many voices that contributed to the work, and offers a request + opportunity to experience the art collectively.
6. Exchange: A project web page is created with process + product images, stories, media coverage, artist statement and, (since the onset of the pandemic), a short documentary that offers varying perspectives of the artwork to help spur a dialogue.

Applications will only be received via CaFÉ and will not be accepted after the marked deadline. Applicants may apply as a single artist or multi-person collaborative group. Please carefully review the proposal requirements below before beginning the online application process, as incomplete applications will not be considered. Our team may select as many artists or artist groups as deemed fit. Multiple applications with varied project budgets may be submitted. You will be notified via the email address listed in your online application whether or not you have been selected to participate in the program. Those selected will engage in a period of project development to determine opportunities for community involvement, identify/ confirm an ʻōlelo noʻeau (Hawaiian proverb), and to clearly identify inputs, activities, outputs and outcomes. Contracts will be awarded and a collaborative process of project implementation and marketing/ community engagement will initiate. Please note:

• Artists will be required to provide all tools, equipment, technology, knowledge and labor necessary to successfully execute the proposed project. We strongly suggest including a line item in your budget for a project assistant, especially for visiting artists, which we may be able to help identify for you!
• For specific projects, such as installations, it is at the discretion of the County to confirm your location or to assign an alternative location.
• Projects are meant to develop and promote the unique history, culture and community of the place where they will be presented. For those applying from outside of Hawaiʻi, we encourage you to base your proposal off of Wailuku (Maui) as a starting point, as we have developed a vast knowledge bank of visual, audio, and written materials at smalltownbig.org.
• All projects will be professionally documented. The County shall retain ownership of the video/ photo documentation and may choose to promote or display the work publicly, at a later date.  Artists shall retain ownership of the copyright of the works.​
• All professional artists are welcome to apply, regardless of race, color, creed, gender, gender variance, sexual orientation, national origin, age, religion, marital status, political opinion or affiliation, or mental or physical disability.
• Click for frequently asked questions

EVALUATION

The selected artists will be contracted to co-develop an innovative project with our team that engages a diverse public audience. Themes must address the distinct sense of place, history and/ or culture of a Maui County neighborhood or place. County of Maui reserves the right to reject any and all applications, to waive any irregularities in the applications received and to accept the applications that are in the best interest of the County. Applications will be reviewed by an evaluation panel with selection criteria aimed at quality, style, experience in creating communal or public art, significance to place and a proven track record of successful collaboration work. All applications must be submitted by their marked deadline. Multiple applications with varied project budgets may be submitted.

Application Requirements

Applications will only be received via CaFÉ and will not be accepted after the marked deadline. Applicants may apply as a single artist or multi-person collaborative group. Please carefully review the application requirements before beginning the online application process, as incomplete applications will not be considered.

• ​Choose the Category that you are applying for
   
• Artist/s Bio (as it would appear on our website)
   
• Artist/s Résumé​ (Submit a one to two page current résumé that highlights your professional accomplishments as an artist. If applying as a team, please submit one résumé for the team, with no more than one page per team member. Please highlight experience in creating communal or public art and two references).
   
• Statement of Interest (Please submit a statement briefly outlining your interest in the SMALL TOWN * BIG ART public art project, your design approach and your experience working on projects of this kind. Please also include information on your experience working with diverse communities and stakeholders). 
   
• Project Description (You may select a proverb from ʻŌlelo Noʻeau: Hawaiian Proverbs & Poetical Sayings by Mary Kawena Pukui as a theme for your project, or, one will be selected with you during the project development stage. Please note: each project must undergo a period of collaborative project development. Please include examples or opportunities for broad community engagement that specifically pertain to your proposed project). 
   
• Project Budget (Include all costs associated with the project including, but not limited to: insurance, tools, materials, rentals, installation, any building or site modification required, travel, and any other costs). Each project’s budget request may vary, depending on the project’s specific needs. The request must be in increments of $100. Multiple project budgets may be submitted as "OPTION A" "OPTION B" etc.
   
• Work samples
   
• Notes (optional)

Eligibility Criteria

All artists welcome.