Open Call For Artists. $10K Grant For Kendrick Park BIPOC Art Project
Photo: amherstma.gov
Source: amherstma.gov
The Amherst Public Art Commission (APAC), in partnership with the Amherst Business Improvement District (Amherst BID), will be sponsoring a $10,000 grant for one public art commission as part of the “Making it Public” project.
“Making it Public” is a New England Foundation of the Arts (NEFA) initiative aimed at providing both equitable processes for supporting temporary art making in addition to strengthening artists’ capacity to expand their work in public art. APAC’s goal for the Amherst project is to creatively engage visitors to the park to recognize the cultural, social, economic, and/or environmental impact of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) who call or have called Amherst their home, their influence, and/or their importance to the story of Amherst.
APAC is asking artists to create a temporary or semi-permanent artwork that recognizes the experience and culture of the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in Amherst, for installation in Amherst’s Kendrick Park. Applications for the grant are open via the Amherst BID website or the Town of Amherst website and requires the project to have a three dimensional element, to be able to be installed on a 4 by 4 foot concrete base, weather-durable, and ADA compliant.
Artists, with priority to BIPOC artists who call or have called Amherst their home, are to apply by noon on May 14 to be considered for their art proposal. This opportunity is funded in partnership with the NEFA, the Amherst BID, and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC).
An Art Jury will consist of 2 APAC members, 1 representative from the Amherst Cultural District, 1 representative from the Amherst BID, 2 members of the public, and Town Staff, including representation from the Planning Department, Department of Public Works, Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Facilities Department, with additional representation from the Amherst Disability Access Advisory Committee (DAAC) and the Amherst Design Review Board (DRB).
The selected artist will be notified by June 20, 2023 and must have a final design prepared for August 1. The final installation is aimed to be done by November 2023 with a public unveiling and community celebration.
Any further questions about the project or application process can be directed to Gabrielle Gould, BID Director, via gabrielle@amherstdowntown.com
The Amherst BID is controlled and financed by the district’s property owners. A board of directors representing property owners, retailers, residents, businesses and town and academic institutions provide guidance to the BID team hired to manage and implement visions and plans. The BID advocates for the district and promotes Amherst Downtown as a highly desirable place to work, live, experience and explore.
Full Call for Artists and Project Details
More information can be found at their website www.amherstdowntown.com or via email info@amherstdowntown.comLearn more & apply