call to artists
PROPOSALS WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES:
AFTERNOON FAMILY FESTIVAL: Interactive afternoon performances and hands-on creative workshops for children’s participation and family entertainment.
THE GRAND PROCESSION: A lively collection of costumed musicians, artists and community members animated by banners, giant puppets, brass bands, drums, bugles, bagpipes, gongs and cymbals, face masks, flags, floats and portable sculptures that can be elevated and carried are needed for the Grand Procession. Please note that tall works (9-15 feet high) are more effective in this context. Proposals that have a musical component are encouraged. All instrumental ensembles must be costumed and provide a large volume of sound. Musicians and those carrying masks or banners should be in groups of at least 10-20. In addition, to artistic concept, each work’s durability, scale and mass effect will be the criteria for its selection. Groups are also encouraged to celebrate ethnic diversity with traditional festival costume. Additional support may be available to those who appear on the streets before and/or after the Grand Procession.
NEIGHBORHOOD COLLABORATIVE: We are looking for community based projects which involve an artist actively partnering with the public. Special attention will be given to proposals 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. First Night Austin may be able to assist in developing project partnerships. Community based projects which actively involve the public and/or partnering with an artist to create alternate models for the creation of public art are highly desirable
PERFORMANCE/INDOOR PROGRAMMING: 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. Proposals for classical music, theater, dance, mime and performance art should list the specific program or work to be performed. Presentations of 20 minutes or less, featuring different artists/companies may be assigned as collective programs.
PROGRAMS FOR OUTDOORS AND ALTERNATIVE SPACES:
RESOLUTIONS: Sculptures and installations rooted in ancient traditions 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. Proposals that involve audience participation are encouraged.
LARGE SCALE VISUAL PUBLIC ART: Installations of visual and environmental art (including light, projections and other media), that utilize the city landscape and/or serve as a connecting framework, with emphasis on temporary site specific works for City Hall Plaza, First Street Bridge, Auditorium Shores. Works which employ light are highly desirable for the creation of and illuminated sculpture park on Auditorium shores the sight of our Midnight Finale.
STOREFRONT WINDOWS: Performances and installations are needed for storefront windows that are viewed by the public from the sidewalk.
STREET SURPRISES: Activities beginning December 29th, that build excitement for the upcoming celebrations, i.e. fantastically costumed musicians, artists and street performers.
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 a REQUIRED part of the First Night Austin proposal process and must be included with all proposals in order to be considered. (If you are proposing more than one project/program complete one of these forms for each one.)
Name of Group or Artist: ___________________________________________________
Name of Neighborhood Collaborative (if relevant): ______________________________
Number of Participants: ____________________________________________________
Requested funding: _______________________________________________________
Primary Contact Person: ___________________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________________
Phone (work, home, cell)/Fax: _______________________________________________
Length of Program (if applicable): _____________________ # of repetitions: ________
NECESSARY INFORMATION FOR ALL PROPOSALS:
- Detailed, written 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, etc.
- Technical requirements: Must be as detailed as possible. Include: necessary sound equipment, i.e. microphones, monitor speakers, P.A. speakers, instrument input locations, power needs, etc. Please indicate if you can provide your own sound system. Note: lighting needs are determined by First Night Austin.
- Stage plan indicating minimum area required, location of musicians, equipment, props, actors, instruments, etc.
- Additional site needs, such as chairs, dressing rooms, 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, 1/2” VHS, audiocassettes, photos, slides, drawings and models. Audio and videotapes must be cued for play and CDs and DVDs should note which selection should be reviewed. All support materials must be labeled clearly. Please submit a self-addressed stamped envelope if you would like your proposal/support materials returned to you after notification. Proposals/support materials remaining after September 30th will be disposed of at the discretion of First Night Austin.
- Visual art proposals for outdoor or the Grand Procession art must include photographs, slides, sketches, diagrams or models for serious consideration.
- For Neighborhood Collaborative Proposals: Include a description of the project and possible organizations/community/school groups to partner with and letters of intent from those organizations where applicable. First Night Austin may be able to assist in developing project partnerships.
First Night Austin is an invitation to think, to imagine, to create, to inspire, to participate, to reach out, to experiment, to explore, to dare, to take a chance. We challenge you to challenge us! Challenge your imagination!
SPONSORSHIP RECOGNITION:
The contributions of our corporate sponsors are vital to the success of First Night Austin. First Night Austin seeks proposals for projects that reflect the names of our sponsors in ways that are creative, fun, large in scale, and respectful of their contribution to this celebration that speaks to art and community.
SELECTION PROCESS:
Panelists drawn from the different arts disciplines and First Night Austin staff will review 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 corporation working in partnership with the City of Austin. It is supported by sponsorships, foundations and corporations, sale of the First Night Austin Button, and Friends of First Night Austin 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, July 22, 2008. All proposals must be hand delivered or postmarked by 5:00 pm. on July 22nd. 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 First Night Austin 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.
