CALL FOR ART PROPOSALS: VISUALIZING THE BASICS 5


The United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County, in partnership with Carlisle Arts Learning Center (CALC), invites artists working in all mediums to apply for this public art opportunity. Applicants must reside in Cumberland County, PA, or one of the surrounding counties: Dauphin, York, Adams, Franklin, and Perry. A stipend of $750 will be offered to each of 5 artists for the creation of these commissioned artworks – half presented upon acceptance and half upon completion. 


Artists will be selected to create original artwork that interprets one of “The Basics 5” principles of early childhood development. To learn more about the five Basics principles, visit this link. The United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County and its early childhood initiative, Success By 6, has recently launched its newest initiative, Children Thrive with The Basics 5! 


Science shows that 80% of brain growth happens by the age of three and 90% by age five. Beginning from birth, young brains develop like little muscles. They get bigger and strong the more parents and families interact with their child. The Basics are for everyone: parents, grandparents, family and friends who care for our youngest children. The Basics principles are simple, everyday activities parents and other adult caregivers can use to make a powerful difference in their child’s early learning. This initiative seeks to reach families with children, birth to age five, to share how critical the first five years are to their child’s healthy growth and development. It is the goal of United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County and Success By 6 to make these works of art available for public viewing, so that members of our community can actively participate in the meaningful and positive development of children and their families. 

DETAILS: The finished commission will be an original work of art (created upon acceptance of the artist’s proposal), made in any 2-dimensional media with up to 5” inches of depth. These works will be photographed at CALC and printed for temporary installation on public-facing windows in Carlisle, PA (on adhesive vinyl or similar material depending on site). Additionally, the original works will be part of an exhibition at CALC in April and May 2024. Selected artists will also receive a PDF document that contains research material related to the subject matter. Submissions will be juried anonymously, and artists will retain ownership of their artwork and its reproduction following the conclusion of the project and accompanying exhibitions. An information session will be held on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 from 1-2pm online, please register for that session here. 

Anticipated project timeline:

  • Nov 8, 2023: Submissions due

  • Early December: Notifications of acceptance sent (along with project details)

  • Mid-December: Preliminary concept conversations with artists

  • Feb 6-9, 2024: Check-in with five selected artists on progress

  • March 5-8, 2024: Second round of check-ins with artists

  • March 22-30, 2024: Deliver original works to CALC (gallery-ready)*

  • April 15-19, 2024: Installation of printed reproductions in Carlisle, along with gallery exhibition of originals at CALC

  • April 19th, 2024: Opening of gallery exhibit and public window displays (gallery show will run through May 25, pickup the following week May 28-June 1, windows will be on display through the summer season)

 

Submissions must include, in this order (contained in a single PDF, sent to jurysession@carlislearts.org with the subject line “Basics 5 Submission”)

 

  • Artist CV (artist name listed in submission once at beginning of document)

  • Artist Bio (up to 500 words)

  • 6 examples of recent work (completed within the last 3 years), with descriptions for each image (size, context, concept). Each of the 6 examples must be from separate works, or one of your 6 submissions may be a detail.

  • Ranking of The Basic 5 principles according to personal interest (first, second, third, fourth, fifth). Carlisle Arts Learning Center wishes to prioritize the interests of each artist but cannot guarantee your first choice.

  • 1 preliminary sketch of your proposed approach to visualizing one of the Basic 5 principles

  • Proposal for your approach to the subject matter (500-1000 words). Think of this as an artist statement that describes your interest in this project. Consider: What is your preferred media? What is the overall tone you would ideally evoke with your contribution? If you are comfortable doing so, can you describe a personal relationship to the material? Are there any projects you’ve done or experiences you’ve had in the past that relate to this subject matter?

 

*Gallery-ready at CALC means:

  • Artist name/title/price on back of the piece before delivery

  • 2-D Works must be framed appropriately and wired for hanging (no keyhole or sawtooth hangers) 

  • 3-D works must be stable to sit on the floor, a table or pedestal and have soft protection on the bottom

  • All works must fit through standard doors