Call to artists for Bradenton's newest event: ArtSlam

Realize Bradenton in Partnership with the Bradenton Downtown Development Authority announces ArtSlam, a new outdoor public art event in Downtown Bradenton, FL

The event, set for Oct. 16, calls for 10 teams with "fantastic ideas." Visual, media, literary and performing artists are eligible. Teams selected will create outdoor installations downtown. Deadline is Aug. 1.

Read more about it in my article on Sunday. But here's what potential teams need to know for the call to artists:

ArtSlam will begin with an artists gathering on Friday evening, October 15, to survey the street, meet each other and enjoy a meal. Creation will begin in the morning during the popular Downtown Farmers’ Market. Artists will continue to create during the day accompanied by a street festival that will include food and music. The twelve hour art event will conclude with evening festivities and presentation of completed projects – which will, like Cinderella’s party regalia, disappear by the witching hour.

A small stage and sound system will be provided for performance-based projects. After sunset, an outdoor screen will also be available for projections and film. Most sites will be on the street. Typical spaces will be up to 22 feet long and 10 feet deep. Artists may utilize streetscape elements such as light poles, trees, storefront facades, IF discussed and cleared in advance by Realize Bradenton. Realize Bradenton will work with selected teams to provide space to meet their individual needs, where possible. Electricity and water will be available.
There is no theme for the festival. Selected teams will demonstrate exceptional collaboration and creativity within the limits of time (12 hours) and space (empty outdoor space).

Ten teams will be awarded up to a $500 stipend to defray certain project costs. Artists are responsible for supplying all materials, housing, if staying overnight, and meals.
Jury awards of $250, $150 and $75 will be awarded.

ELIGIBILITY:
There is no geographic limit on eligibility. However artists are responsible for their own travel and housing. Realize Bradenton will work with artists to assist them in finding moderately priced housing.

Artists from all art forms are eligible and must be at least 18 years old.

HOW TO APPLY:
Artists should submit an application package that includes:

1. The names and contact information, including mailing address, email, and phone of the lead artist and as many members of the team as are known.

2. Materials, preferably in digital format that demonstrates for the lead artist and as many members of the team as are known:
A) Their educational background, particularly as pertains to arts training
B) Experience that is relevant to the proposed project. This can include images of completed work, audio and/or video of past work, writing samples, related skills etc.

3. A brief (equivalent to 1 page or less) statement of concept or intent about the proposed project and the artist/team’s process. This can be in the form of words, pictures, video, or any way that the artists wish to communicate.

4. An indication of specific elements that are needed to execute your project, such as walls, screen, electrical service, special equipment, etc.

ALL MATERIALS MAY BE SAVED IN SEPARATE FILES (1, 2, 3) ON A SINGLE CD OR DVD. ALL IMAGES SHOULD BE IN PDF or JPG FORMAT. Application materials will also be accepted on paper. MAIL (DO NOT EMAIL) APPLICATION PACKAGE TO:
Bradenton Downtown Development Authority
Bradenton City Hall
Attn: Ann Wykell
101 Old Main Street
Bradenton, FL 34205

QUESTIONS:
awykell@ddabradenton.com

ArtSlam is an offering of Festival sARTée (sar-tay). The Festival sARTée expands the energy and excitement of the Ringling International Arts Festival (RIAF), in Sarasota-Manatee Counties, October 13-17, 2010. For two weeks surrounding the RIAF, Festival sARTée, being held October 8-24, showcases the region’s world-class arts and culture ranging from theatre, dance, music, visual art, live music, circus arts and more in a variety of venues throughout Sarasota and Manatee Counties.