Saturday, June 30, 2012

CALL TO ARTISTS: Public Art Installation in Bennington

The Vermont Arts Council has announced an opportunity for artists interested in creating public art at the Courthouse and State Office Buildings in Bennington, Vermont to submit their qualifications for consideration. The invitation is open to visual artists as well as craft and design artists (or artist teams) in all media who are currently legal residents of Vermont; Bennington county artists are encouraged to apply. The selected Lead Artist will be awarded a $5,000 planning and design contract, then, $35,000 will be available for the fabrication and installation of identified aesthetic treatments. Applications are to be submitted by Thursday, July 12 2012 by way of http://vac.slideroom.com. There is no submission fee. The awardee will be selected by a committee.

The selection committee is looking for ideas that reflect one or more of the following qualities and characteristics: a spirit of community, cooperation, collaboration and service; a sense of justice and equity; a sensitivity to the environment and nature; or transformations and new beginnings. “The areas outside and nearest the main entrance are especially suitable for public art,” explained Michele Bailey, the Director of the Council’s granting program. “There is also an opportunity to relate artwork at the main entrance with artistic enhancements near the exterior rear employee entrance. Of course, treatment in other public spaces near the building would also be given consideration.”

The Vermont Art in State Buildings Act (No. 267 of 1988) was passed by the State Legislature, with strong support from Vermont artists, communities, and businesses, in recognition of and in answer to the need to encourage the work of Vermont artists to enhance and preserve our cultural environment and to provide artistic enrichment for Vermont citizens and visitors. Since 1988, more than two dozen projects in different locations around the state have contributed to artistic environments of distinction that provide enjoyment to and are a source of pride for all Vermonters.   

To learn more about the Art in State Buildings program or to ask questions about the project and the selection process visit http://www.vermontartscouncil.org/  or contact Michele Bailey at mbailey@vermontartscouncil.org