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Call to Artists for Public Art: Twelfth Temporary Public Art Exhibition in Blue Springs, Missouri 64014
Issued by Public Art Commission, City of Blue Springs, Missouri on August 13, 2018

Application Deadline: Wednesday, September 19, 2018 by Midnight Mountain Daylight Time 

The City of Blue Springs, Missouri established the Blue Springs Public Art Commission (PAC) in 2000 in order to enhance the artistic vitality of Blue Springs and to create a culturally rich community for citizens to live, work and shop. 

This is our twelfth year of offering a temporary exhibition of art, which will be entitled “MOMENTUM”.  This “Call to Artists” is seeking Artists wishing to be considered by the Selection Panel for this exhibit.  The “Call to Artists” is open to all professional artists over the age of eighteen. Emerging and professional artists are encouraged to apply.

Four artists will be selected to provide a work of art for exterior display.  The four artworks will be placed along a major thoroughfare with sidewalk access to the sculptures. The “Momentum” exhibit will open on April 1, 2019 and be on display through March 1, 2020.  In the past, one or more artworks have been purchased from each exhibition to remain in the City as permanent art.

For this exhibit we are partnering with the Blue Springs Parks and Recreation Department whose mission involves “creating outstanding recreational, cultural and natural experiences to enrich and enhance the quality of life for our community today and for future generations.”  In addition to the 13 parks throughout the community, the Department is widely acclaimed for its 35 miles of bike/walking trails spread throughout seven parks and three roadways in Blue Springs, encouraging positive lifestyle recreation for citizens and families. We will also be sponsored by the Blue Springs Art League whose mission is "to foster greater interest in the visual arts among the residents of the community". The League supports placing art in public places in addition to holding an annual fine arts show.

Display of artworks within the heart of the community helps fulfill the purposes of these organizations and PAC. By placing four sculptures along a portion of the bike/walking trail near several major shopping areas and local businesses, citizens will be able to participate in the cultural experience that public art provides. 

Due Date for Application:  Wednesday, September 19, 2017 by Midnight Mountain Daylight Time 

Theme:  Any proposed artwork should relate to the artist’s conception of the exhibit theme of “Momentum” which consider concepts such as movement, rising higher, creating positive feelings, lofty, uplifting, meaningful, force of nature, pleasing or striking in appearance, brings about conversation.

Site:  The exhibition will be located along the southern corridor of Adams Dairy Parkway, just off Interstate 70, Exit 21, and near several shopping destinations. Four selected artworks will be placed along the walking trail on the west side of the Parkway but no artwork can extend over the street. See www.bluespringsgov.com for information about the City and its recreational and cultural opportunities.  For photos of possible art sites, go to: www.bluespringsgov.com/publicartcall 

Media:  Media can include, but are not limited to, bronze, stone, wood, metal, ceramics, mosaic or other materials suitable for exterior display.  Kinetic, solar, neon or interactive art are encouraged.  Artworks should be appropriate in size and height to site. 

Compensation:  Each Artist will receive an honorarium of $2,500 for the 11-month exhibition.  Artists may offer their work for sale but PAC reserves the right of first refusal for any artwork purchase from the exhibit. If PAC chooses to purchase an artwork for permanent exhibit, the $2,500 will be credited toward the purchase price.  PAC will encourage the offer of sale to others if it does not choose to retain the art. 

Approval and Installation:  Artists are responsible for transporting and installing the artwork for the exhibition and removing the artwork after the exhibition if not purchased. PAC will be responsible for site preparation and on-site equipment needed for installation. Artwork should be durable and require no maintenance during the 11-month exhibition period.  In western Missouri, heavy rains, high heat and humidity, high winds, and seasonal snow or freezing precipitation may occur, so consideration should be given to resistance to the effects of weather.  Attention to public safety issues and resistance to vandalism will also be important.  Approval of artwork will be contingent on satisfactorily addressing liability issues and assuring structural integrity. 

Installation and Exhibition Dates:  Installation of artwork will be between March 24 and March 29, 2019, as arranged between the Artist and PAC.  Exhibition will be from April 1, 2019 to March 1, 2020.

Promotion:  Each Artist will be interviewed and videotaped during installation for use by PAC in promotion of the “Momentum” exhibition.  Artists will receive brochures and a DVD about the artists and artworks of the display.   Artists will be invited to attend a dedication event for the exhibit during June, 2019.  Artworks will be promoted in local and regional publications and will be part of the City of Blue Springs website with photographs and a map of the location of each artwork.  

Selection Process:  An Artist Selection Panel composed of artists, art administrators and community residents will review all submissions meeting the application requirements and deadline. The four selected artists will be interviewed by phone by PAC to discuss their proposed artwork.  An illustration of the proposed piece or photograph of a pre-existing artwork must be provided for approval by PAC. Artworks that are offensive or politically motivated or those which do not meet community standards of decency will not be approved. Artworks must satisfactorily address public safety and liability issues and assure structural integrity. Resistance to vandalism will also be important. Selected artists must enter into a contractual agreement approved by City of Blue Springs. The artist may request a specific site for an artwork but the decision will require the approval of PAC.  

Application Requirements:  Interested artists should submit the following to be considered:

• Letter of interest. Please explain why you want to be considered for this exhibit. Indicate the specific artwork you wish to display or describe the sculpture you intend to create for display.  Suggest your interpretation of how your art would fit the theme of the exhibit.
• Current Resume. Include information and details about educational background, previous work, gallery showings, and past experience in public art exhibits.
• Digital Images. A minimum of four and a maximum of six jpeg images representative of your body of work are required.  Also include with images: (1) title of work (2) dimensions of the work (3) materials used (4) Sales price.   One additional video file is optional.
• CAFÉ. Any questions regarding file preparation should be directed to the homepage of CAFÉ which is https://www.callforentry.org. 

Project Timeline:

Questions: Contact CAFÉ administrator for “MOMENTUM” or email Justin Stuart at jstuart@bluespringsgov.com or phone 816-228-0137

Application Requirements

Eligibility Criteria