Shock Art 2015

Deadline for submission: May 12, 2015; 4:00 pm

The Art in Public Places Commission is pleased to release the 2015 Shock Art call to artists! Shock Art is a community public art project to enhance the switchgear boxes throughout the City of Longmont.

Scope of Project:

In 2011, Longmont’s Art in Public Places initiated Shock Art, a community public art project in which five designs were selected by community members to be transformed onto switchgear boxes throughout the community. Every year since this time, AIPP has commissioned five artists to paint the switchgear boxes.

Project Description:

The Art in Public Places Commission has identified five more switchgear boxes to paint in 2015. Each of the five boxes will be painted by a different artist or team of artists.

Eligibility:

While we encourage all local artists to apply for this project, artists from anywhere in Colorado are welcome, as long as they are able to attend a 3-4 hour orientation (date in July TBD) as well as complete the project within the timeframe of the contract.  No additional funds are available for travel or for accommodations.

Specifics:

No spray-painting will be allowed during any portion of the project. These boxes host live electrical wires and any spray paint could pose a danger. The boxes are 67"W x 61"D x 44" (tall). Each has several stickers that must remain visible for safety purposes, as these are active “live” boxes. If artists paint over the numbers, replacement stickers will be placed over the artwork to remain visible at all times. No additional elements may be adhered to the switchgear boxes.

2015 switchgear box locations:

• Pike Road near Corporate Center Circle (S)
• 17th Ave at Harvard (S)
• 9th Ave. at Deerwood (S)
• Cheyenne at Sandpoint Drive (S)
• Clover Basin at Airport (S)

Art in Public Places requires that the artist(s) paint all five sides of the switchgear box, including the entire “top.”  Please note that while the tops of the boxes will be painted, they are the least visible to passersby (and most visible to the viewers/voters while on display). Please take this into consideration when designing your box.  We encourage artists to simply paint the top a solid color with minimal design elements. Designs should be “busy” as a deterrent for others to paint over the original artwork. No words may be used in the artwork.   

There is no theme for 2015. 

All designs must be appropriate, timeless, unique, and of original design, and must not have any political or religious connotations or symbolisms.

Artists are asked to use high-quality acrylic paints. No additional adhesives are permissible (e.g., no tape, stickers, or other adhesives or embellishments can be adhered to the boxes).

All winners will be required to attend an orientation session prior to commencing work on switchgear boxes. AIPP will assign each artist to a specific switch gear box.

Submission Requirements:

Artists must submit a three-dimensional (3-D) 11” x 10” x 7.25” box as their proposal. Please submit your design on a material that will hold up to three weeks being on display and moved at least twice during that time (we request that no one touch the boxes, but can not control it if they do). All five sides of the box must be painted/colored as it will be selected and replicated on the actual switchgear box. Art in Public Places will determine the specific switchgear box for each winning artist.

All submission boxes must have artist’s name, email, and phone numberclearly written on the bottom or on the inside. In addition, please submit the following, either by email or hard copy/CD:

1. Name of artist(s)
2. Contact info, including address, email, and phone number
3. Five images of past artwork or related projects

Timeline:

March 2015 – Call to artists.
May 12, 2015 – All submissions due the Longmont Museum & Cultural Center (400 Quail Road) by 4:00 pm.
May 16, 2015 – May 24 – All submissions on display at the Firehouse Arts Center, 667 4^th Avenue for public viewing and voting; 
May 26 – June 8 – All submission on display at the Longmont Museum & Cultural Center for public viewing and voting. 
June 18, 2015 – Five winners will be notified
July 2015 – contract negotiations with artists; Artists’ orientation(s).
August 1– October 1 – Artists paint

Budget:

Five artists/teams of artists will be awarded a contract of $1,500 for each box. This amount will include all supplies and materials (except primer and sealer) and any travel expenses incurred as well as a stipend for the artist(s). AIPP will provide the primed and prepped switchgear boxes, and all publicity/marketing materials and sealant once artwork is completed. Artists will receive a portion of the $1,500 up front to cover materials, and another portion upon completion of the work.

Selection Process:

With the great response that we have seen from the Longmont Community, we will once again put it out to vote.  Community members may visit the exhibit of Shock Art submissions at Firehouse Arts center from May 16 (4:00 pm) until Friday, May 22. All submissions will then be on display at the Longmont Museum & Cultural Center from May 22 until June 8 for viewing and voting. Artists, please let your friends, family, and neighbors know that you have submitted a box design and encourage them to see all of the submitted artwork and to cast their vote!

Final selection and location assignments will be approved by the Art in Public Places Commission.

Eligibility:

• Any practicing visual artist residing in the state of COLORADO may apply. Artist must be willing to travel to and from your selected site each day. 
• Each artist may only submit one (1) box design
• All five sides of the submitted artwork must be colored/painted to be considered.
• Artists will have up to two months to complete the work.
• All submission materials must be received by May 12 at 4:00 PM.
• All Artists will be notified of five winners by July 1. Submissions that are not selected will be held for pick up until August 1. After August 1, all remaining submissions become the property of Art in Public Places and may be destroyed.
• Any/all questions can be sent to AIPP Administrator or call 303.651.8924.

All submission must be received at the Longmont Museum & Cultural Center, 400 Quail Road, Longmont, Colorado 80501 before 4:00 pm on May 12, 2015. Please check the Museum’s website or call to confirm open hours. 303-651-8374.