The Art in Public Places Commission is thrilled to announce the call to Artists for Shock Art 2016!

Deadline for submission: 4:00 pm - May 15, 2016

Shock Art is a community public art project that enhances 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 creative designs were selected by community members to be transformed onto switchgear boxes throughout the City. Every year since this time, AIPP has commissioned five artists to paint the switchgear boxes. Additionally, several schools participated in the painting of the boxes, bring the total of Shock Art boxes to 29. Can you find them all?

Project Description:

The Art in Public Places Commission will select five switchgear boxes to paint in 2016. Each of the five boxes will be painted by a different artist or team of artists.

Eligibility:

We encourage local artists to apply for this project, though artists from anywhere eligible to submit a design and to win. Winning artists must be 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 is 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.

The 2016 switchgear box locations will be announced at the time design selections are made.

Art in Public Places requires that the artist(s) covers all five sides of the switchgear box, including the entire “top,” though the emphasis should be on the four sides, as the top is often not seen. Solid tops are encouraged and voters will be reminded of this when they view the submissions and vote. Please take this into consideration when designing your box. 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 2016.

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 number clearly 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 2016 – Call to artists.

May 15, 2016 – All submissions due at the Longmont Museum & Cultural Center (400 Quail Road) by 4:00 pm.

May 18, 2016 – May 22 – All submissions on display at the Firehouse Arts Center, 667 4th Avenue for public viewing and voting;

May 24 – June 8 – All submissions on display at the Longmont Museum & Cultural Center for public viewing and voting.

June 13, 2016 – Five winners will be notified

July 2016 – 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 $1,550 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 $1,550 up front to cover materials, and another portion upon completion of the work.This year, the artists will be required to seal their own box, in coordination with the AIPP Administrator, and sealant will be supplied.

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 and the Longmont Museum. Details on the dates and times of voting and locations will be posted in May. Artists may encourage their friends, family and neighbors to vote through social media and various voting opportunities. Final selection and location assignments will be approved by the Art in Public Places Commission.

Eligibility:

• Any practicing visual artist may apply. Artist must be willing to travel to and from selected site to complete the work
• 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 at the Longmont Museum by May 15 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 submissions must be received at the Longmont Museum & Cultural Center, 400 Quail Road, Longmont, Colorado 80501 before 4:00 pm on May 15, 2016. Please check the Museum’s website or call to confirm open hours (303) 651-8374.

FAQs:

Can my box size deviate from the specified size? As long as each side is within 2 ”of specified dimensions.

Can I submit two designs? No

Can I use words? Yes. But nothing religious, political or “inappropriate.” Email me if you have specific questions.

Will I receive credit? Yes – We will affix labels once all are completed.

When can I start? IF you are selected as a winner, and if you want to be paid for it, your contract will provide all of the details.

What should I make the model out of? Whatever you want. It will be touched and transported, though. Plan accordingly.

Can I have an extension? Really? Do you need to ask already?