APPLY NOW!
CALL FOR ARTISTS:
DEMOCRACY
deadline: AUGUST 17, 2021, 11:59PM EDT
CALL FOR ARTISTS-IN-RESIDENCE: DEMOCRACY
Fall 2021 + Winter 2022 + Spring 2022
*DEADLINE EXTENDED: AUGUST 17, 2021, 11:59PM EDT
INTRODUCING OUR 2021-2022 CURATORIAL THEME: DEMOCRACY
As we enter a post-pandemic period of reemergence and continue to contend with ongoing social, political, and economic injustices, how can art help us move towards a more inclusive and equitable society? How can art encourage social action to develop and nurture a democracy that benefits and empowers us all?
Urbano Project is inviting applications for our Artists-in-Residence (AiR) program from artists working in a range of media whose creative practices resonate with our 2021-2022 curatorial theme, Democracy. This year, we’re exploring how we understand democracy and equality individually, collectively, as well as through a lens of intersectionality. Topics of exploration include representation, inclusion, participation, collaboration, accessibility, human rights advocacy, mutual aid, capitalism, and other social systems and civic dialogues.
Artists' practices may include (but are not limited to) community organizing, placemaking, public art, activism, social practice, institutional critique, and participatory artmaking. Projects that bring art into public spaces (in-person or digital) and provide opportunities for community participation are preferred.
Inspirational Resources:
TED Talk Playlist: Why art is important to democracy | Theaster Gates TED Talk: How to revive a neighborhood: with imagination, beauty and art | Immigrant Movement International by Tania Bruguera | Project Row Houses | 96 Acres by Maria Gaspar | Center for Urban Pedagogy
OPPORTUNITY
We’re seeking Artists-in-Residence (AiRs) for Fall 2021 (September-December), Winter 2022 (January-March), and Spring 2022 (April-June). Responsibilities of the residency include:
Lead a Youth Artist Project (YAP) or Community Art Project (CAP): a 10-week program for either Boston Public School teen artists (ages 14-19) or a specific community based in Boston. Develop a curriculum, lead virtual/in-person sessions (dependent on session type and artist’s location), and mentor participants. The project culminates in a celebratory event in a format of your choice.
Develop a solo project (new or in-progress). Present it and your practice through an engaging program of your choice: a community event, conversation, pop-up installation in public and/or virtual space, etc.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Experience as a professional, practicing artist
Demonstrated commitment to social practice, social justice, and/or community
Experience working collaboratively with youth or communities of varying backgrounds. Formal art education experience is a plus
Enthusiastic about building relationships with potential partners and participants (community organizations, youth groups, small businesses, other artists, etc.)
Strong sense of concept and artistic foundation, with a willingness to experiment and work across disciplines
Ability to commit to 4-6 hours per week; 40-60 hours over 10 weeks
YAP/CAP:
Engages participants in high-quality, challenging, and supportive arts learning experiences
Involves participants in conceptually developing and shaping the project
Helps participants develop critique and reflection skills to think deeply about the creative process
Crosses boundaries between artistic disciplines and employs diverse media tools for productive and collaborative virtual engagement
Process and place-based, with strong ambitions and feasible outcomes
Potential for long-term impact, ideally with social, racial, and/or economic justice emphasis
Guided by principles of equitable community engagement
COMPENSATION & RESOURCES
Artists-in-Residence will receive a $5,000 stipend to complete the residency’s contracted responsibilities:
$4,000 for their work on the YAP/CAP ($75/hour)
$1,000 Project Budget to be used toward their solo project
*Please note that a team of two or more artists sharing the residency will also share the stipend.
Resources:
$1,000 Project Budget (included in the $5,000 stipend) to be used toward a solo project
Art supply kits for YAP/CAP participants (please inquire in advance before assuming access to specialized equipment)
Support from Urbano staff in enrollment and curriculum development for the YAP/CAP
Support from Urbano staff with communications, marketing, outreach
Access to various classroom, event, and installation spaces in Boston’s Jamaica Plain/Roxbury areas and to artistic equipment (please inquire in advance if particular equipment is needed)
Connection to a deep-knit community of artists, organizers, and activists across Greater Boston
TIMELINE:
Open Call: June - August
Proposals Due: August 17, 2021, 11:59 PM
Finalist Interviews and notification: late August
Residency terms:
Fall AiR: late September - November 2021
Winter AiR: January - March 2022
Spring AiR: April - June 2022
APPLICATION:
Complete the PROPOSAL FORM
Proposals should reflect an authentic connection to the Democracy theme and a clear articulation of the artistic vision and aesthetic direction of the project.
Download proposal questions (Word doc) *worksheet only: please submit your answers through the Google Form
Email the following materials as attachments or links to Stella Aguirre McGregor, Founder & Artistic Director at stella@urbanoproject.org and Cc: info@urbanoproject.org
CV (1 per applying artist)
Portfolio: 10 images OR a 5 min video (max) sharing samples of your current art, media, design, or performance work. Please attach as files or share a link.
Work sample list with information on each portfolio sample