Material Trait by Nicky Howard-Rogers

Chestnut Hill Square in Chestnut Hill MA is home to Wegman’s, Soul Cycle, Sweet Green, Anthropologie, Equinox and many other high-end retailers. Developed and managed by New England Development, this outdoor mall has also become a home for public art projects, one of which can be seen above. 

The New Art Center, on behalf of Chestnut Hill Square, seeks an artist or artist team to develop and install a site- specific work of temporary public art to enhance the visitor experience. To be installed in August 2023 and on view through December 2023, the project should be designed to be maintained and to withstand the elements. 

$8,000 for an artist/artist team, inclusive of all project development, material, supplies, building, installation and maintenance. 

Eligibility 

The competition is open to established professional artists living in the Northeast who are able to deliver, install and maintain the project for the full installation duration. Only professional artists with reviewable portfolios are eligible. The artist selection panel will consider artistic diversity as one factor in the selection process.

How to Apply

Artists interested in this project must prepare and submit the following via Cognito:

  • Proposed artwork concept, including conceptual design drawings, sketches and/or maquettes, sufficient to communicate the artist concept. 
  • Description of the specifications for the artwork related to materials, size, weight, installation requirements and maintenance guidelines.
  • Project budget, including materials and artist’s fee 
  • Letter of interest no more than one page in length, which explains your interest in the competition and previous experience with site-specific public art. 
  • Artist’s Statement, no more than 200 words in length, describing your work.
  • Curator’s resume (if part of a team)
  • Names/contact info for three professional references.

Work samples

  • A minimum of eight digital images of related work completed preferably within the last 3 years.
  • Artists applying as a team should submit work samples of each individual artist’s work.
  • Optional: Each artist may include up to three selections of support materials such as reviews, news articles, web links and other related information.

Proposal Timeline

  • Call Opens, Monday, April 3 via Cognito
  • Call Closes, Monday, May 8 at 11:59 PM
  • Selected Artist/artist team will be notified by Monday, August 2
  • Project will be completed, installed and on view by August 14 and will remain on view through December 2023 unless earlier removal is requested.

Criteria for Selection:

  • An initial proposal that reflects Project Intent as described in this document.
  • A body of work reflecting artistic excellence.
  • Experience working in public settings and public processes.
  • Experience fabricating and installing permanent artwork suitable for the outdoor  environment.
  • References provided as part of this application which will be contacted prior to final selection.

Questions about the Public Art Call?

Generously sponsored by The Village Bank, The Newton Cultural Council, and The Massachusetts Cultural Council

Newton Cultural Council

Deadline

  • 11:59 PM, Sunday, May 8, 2023

Eligibility

  • The competition is open to established professional artists living in the Northeast who are able to deliver, install and maintain the project for the full installation duration. Only professional artists with reviewable portfolios are eligible. The artist selection panel will consider artistic diversity as one factor in the selection process.

Requirements

  • A body of work reflecting artistic excellence
  • An initial proposal that reflects project intent, description of the specifications, project budget, letter of interest, artist’s statement, and a minimum of eight digital images of related work completed preferably within the last 3 years.
    • Smallest side of photos should be at least 600px.
    • Photos should be clear, well lit, not blurry, and no glares from lighting.
    • 2D works – Photo should be cropped to artwork’s edges so only artwork is visible.
    • 3D works – Artwork should be photographed against a clean, white or black background so only artwork is visible.
  • Three professional references