2017 StreetSpark Call to Artists

STREETSPARK is a public art program in partnership with the City of Hamilton

A CALL TO ARTISTS

Submission Deadline: 12:00 AM Midnight on Friday, February 12, 2017

Program Description

Formed through a partnership between the Fitton Center for Creative Arts and the City of Hamilton, StreetSpark is a new program founded to further the arts identity in the City of Hamilton, Ohio through exciting public art projects. This program creates arts engagement by producing high-quality art, building opportunities for local artists and enhancing the visual appeal of the city. We hope to further the artistic diversity of Hamilton, showcasing a range of styles and perspectives. Through the goal of fueling Hamilton with art, StreetSpark will bring visible murals and artwork into our community. Through this program we will energize our streetscape, create awareness of the arts, and spark new development throughout Hamilton.

Eligibility

• All visual artists/painters are welcome to submit designs using this application process. Artists may choose to submit a design, apply to be a mural painter, or both. If a design is accepted, the artist must then apply separately to be a mural painter.
• While we strongly encourage local artists to submit designs or apply to be a mural painter, artists may be from any geographic location. Any related travel and/or lodging expenses must be covered by the artist.
• Lead Artist: If a mural design is accepted, that designer may choose to apply to be the Lead Artist when the mural is created. They must have experience creating murals and significant leadership abilities. This individual will be the team leader and must also work with the StreetSpark Program Manager in ordering materials and overseeing the project.
• Supporting Artist: These artists will assist in painting the mural under the direction of the Lead Artist and StreetSpark Program Manager.

Timeline

DATE	ACTIVITY
February 3, 2017	Design Application Deadline; 12:00 AM Midnight
March-April 2017	Design Selections Made / Artists Notified
June-July 2017	Murals Created
August 2017	Mural Dedication Events

Design Selection Process

• Designs will be chosen by a committee of arts professionals (visual artists, designers, art administrators, art educators, etc.) who live within a 35 mile radius of Hamilton. The selection process will be blind, meaning committee members will not see any names or identifying information about the artist; they will only view the submitted images and written narratives. 

 

Submission Requirements

• There are three different mural sites for which artists may submit designs.
• Representational, stylized and abstract designs will be all be considered.
• Subject matter is open but it is suggested that artists consider the physical appearance of the building and surrounding area in their designs.  Artists are encouraged to visit/research the mural site to aid in design development.
• We have provided some historic/factual information for the buildings (see building info section).  Artists may consider this information as a part of their designs, but it is not required.  The design could be inspired by the former or current business housed in the building, but should also be able to stand alone as a relevant and interesting artwork.
• Each artist may submit up to three different designs in total. Only one design per artist has the potential to be chosen.
• Designs may be completed in any media as long as it is representative of the final product.
• Accepted artists will be required to enter into a contractual agreement with StreetSpark/Fitton Center as a designer and/or artist.
• All work must be the artist's original design and not taken directly from copyrighted materials.  Artists may take inspiration from imagery that is copyrighted as a part of their designs, but it must be significantly altered and the source must be clearly sited in the description.

 

Mural Team Selection

• Once a design is chosen, the artist/designer may choose to apply as Lead Artist on the mural project.  The Lead Artist will be chosen based on his/her mural painting experience and leadership skills, as determined by the StreetSpark Project Manager.  If an artist's design is chosen, it does not guarantee that they will also be a project artist.
• There are also opportunities to be a Supporting Artist (painter) on the project.  Artists interested in joining the mural team may apply to be painters in a separate form here by March 31, 2017: PAINTER APPLICATION LINK
• Artist teams for each mural will be hired by the Program Manager after designs are selected. 
• Artists who will paint murals must be 18 years of age or older.
• All artists who will paint murals must agree to a background check.

 

Mural Supplies

• All supplies, materials and equipment will be ordered and purchased by the StreetSpark Program.  The Lead Artist will assist in this process.

 

Payments

• If an artist’s design is selected, he/she will receive a stipend as indicated for each mural site (see building sections for amounts).  Stipends are set based on size/complexity of each mural wall.
• Each Lead Artist/Supporting Artist working on the mural painting teams will receive payment.  Amounts are determined based on the size/scope of the mural and will be agreed upon with the StreetSpark Program Manager.

 

Past Projects

• Past StreetSpark projects can be viewed at www.fittoncenter.org/streetspark.

Location: 15 South B Street

Measurements:  14' H x 43' W (~600 square feet)

Building Information: 

• Built in 1954, this  location currently houses Clark's Sporting Goods store and was an expansion to the original location.  Clark's has been in business since 1913.
• This building is visible from the intersection of Main and B Streets, a highly-trafficked location.
• Main Street has been an important business district since Historic Rossville was founded in 1804. Main Street is undergoing a renaissance and is quickly becoming a hot spot for shopping and living.
• Only the front portion of this building will be painted, as indicated in the image below.
• The bottom edge of the building is angled, so the left side is taller than the right side (see image).

Please consider the following in your design: 

• This mural will need to be completed in 11-12 days (7 hour work days). 
• There will be three artists hired to complete this mural.

Design Stipend: $500

 

Location: 212 Main Street

Measurements:  35' H x 36' W (~1200 square feet) - see image below for more detailed measurements

Building Information: 

• The main building was built around 1850 and the mural wall was added later in the 1970's.
• The building formerly held the West Side Motor Company and then Marshall Electric Company, which sold many types of lighting and electric supplies.
• The building currently houses two furniture-making/renovation businesses, First Ward Wood Company and Unsung Salvage Design Company. 
• This mural will face Main Street, a highly trafficked road.
• Main Street has been an important business district since Historic Rossville was founded in 1804.  Main Street is undergoing a renaissance and is quickly becoming a hot spot for shopping and living.
• This building has three small windows (see image).  It is important to integrate them thoughtfully into the proposed design.
• A small sign will be installed in the lower left corner (see image). 

Please consider the following in your design: 

• This mural will need to be completed in 18-19 days (7 hour work days). 
• There will be four artists hired to complete this mural.

Design Stipend: $500

Location:  Corner of Market and 2nd Street (McDulin Parking Garage)

Measurements:  105' 6" W x 36' H (~ 3750 square feet)

Building Information: 

• The darker bands protrude slightly from the lighter bands and may cast a small shadow in those areas.
• There is an exposed door on one of the panels.  It will either need to be painted over or incorporated creatively into the design.  
• The entire area can be painted or selected areas could be left unpainted concrete.
• This wall faces a highly trafficked section of High Street, in the heart of downtown Hamilton.
• The area in front of this wall is currently being developed as a park and will include seating/picnic areas, trees and several hardscape games such as ping pong, cornhole, chess, etc. (see image) 
• The mural site is located near the Butler County Courthouse, the downtown YMCA, Artspace Hamilton Lofts (a live/work space for artists) and many retail stores.

Please consider the following in your design:

• This mural will need to be completed in 35 days (7 hour work days).
• There will be 6 artists hired to complete this mural.

This form will not be viewed nor used during the mural design selection process.  This form will only be viewed and used by the StreetSpark Program Manager for processing/contact purposes. 

Please fill out completely.

By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the StreetSpark program guidelines.  The information and images that I have submitted belong to me and I agree to have a background check completed.

Please only submit your resume as a PDF or a Word document.

Please upload at least three images of your previous artwork. Please include examples of murals if applicable. 

Images should be in JPEG format and no larger than 1MB.

Image titles should read "PW_1.jpg," "PW_2.jpg," etc. 

Each artist may choose to upload up to three unique designs.  Three designs could be submitted for one site OR one design for each site, or just one total submission, etc. 

Images should be in JPEG format and no larger than 1MB.  Your designs must be scaled to fit the proportions of the building to which it applies.

Image titles should clearly state which site each design is for (MuralSite1_Design1.jpg, Mural Site2_Design1.jpeg, etc.)

As artists ourselves, we value your time and appreciate your submission to the StreetSpark program! 

The deadline to submit designs is 12:00 AM Midnight on Friday, February 3.

Winning designers will be notified in March/April of 2017.

 

Please be sure to press "SUBMIT" below to enter your designs.

 

If you have any questions, please contact:

Jennifer Acus-Smith

StreetSpark Program Manager

streetsparkart@gmail.com

513-502-0678