The Gutierrez Memorial Fund is pleased to present its 2019 Legacy Grant. The project-based arts grant calls for proposals from arts organizations, individual artists, artisans and educators who are residents of Maryland and whose programs or projects serve Maryland communities. Special consideration is given to projects that build skills, engage community and transform the built environment.

For more information on eligibility and to download an application please visit https://gutierrezmemorialfund.com/grant-info/.   

The deadline for submissions is October 1, 2019.

A design competition and installation, unchARTed is sponsored by Downtown Frederick Partnership in cooperation with the Potomac Valley Architecture Foundation, AIA Potomac Valley and the Frederick Arts Council.

The Partnership is a historic preservation based, economic development nonprofit that works to enhance, promote and preserve the vitality and livability of Downtown Frederick, a national Main Street community. Downtown Frederick is a dynamic and vibrant home to more than 200 retailers/restaurants, a robust arts community and beautiful historic architecture. As a whole, Frederick County welcomes more than 1.4 million visitors each year, the majority of whom spend some time in Downtown Frederick. The downtown also is home to about 7,000 residents.

This competition will result in design installations in specific alleys that will better link the urban fabric of the downtown together. The alleys are dynamic places of movement, rather than focal points. They create the opportunity to knit together Downtown Frederick from within. As a result, this design competition is focused on the following goals: attract locals and visitors to Downtown Frederick, activate the sometimes-forgotten between spaces in Downtown Frederick and create stimulating interactive experiences that are memorable.

The Competition in Brief

Participation in the competition is free and open to everyone. All are encouraged to submit their ideas for design installations in pre-identified Downtown Frederick alleys. Entrants are asked to design a spatial installation that can be used for public events and activities. The design must be safe for general public use and be able to function unattended. The design must be able to be constructed within a seven day time frame. Entrants can pre-fabricate a portion of the installation off-site prior to the seven day time frame.

The winning entrants will build their entries using the prize money. The winning installations will be in place for one year, during which time they will serve as the site of various public events and community activities. unchARTed also will be the focus of significant publicity efforts.

The design installation proposal should activate alleyway spaces in Downtown Frederick, create interactive experiences that are memorable and create stronger connections within Downtown Frederick. Entrants need to consider their ability to construct the project. The Partnership will grant up to three awards of $10,000 each. Selection will focus on design installations that have a high level of design quality, relate to the specific site and best meet the design criteria.

Eligibility

All are invited to participate in the unchARTed design competition from anywhere in the world. Entrants can submit either individually or as a team. Teams have no maximum number of members. Entrants (either an individual or a team) may submit more than one submission. Each submission must be the original work of the entrant and must not have been previously published.

Submissions

Digital submissions only. No hard copies will be accepted. Submissions must be uploaded by Monday, November 4, 2019 (11:59 EST). Follow the online instructions for completing the registration form. Entrants will remain anonymous throughout the judging process. When uploading submission documents (such as drawings, plans, etc.) all attachments should be free of any identifying information (i.e. do not label files with your name). If an entrant plans to apply for more than one alley, a separate submission form will be required for the second and any additional alleys.

Project submissions must include:

1. Design Board: One landscape oriented 36” wide by 24” high design board in a pdf format should be uploaded. The drawings included on the board should help the Jury fully understand the overall concept as well as the specific details and impacts of the proposed design. It is suggested that the drawings include a site plan, sections and/or elevations, perspective views and vignettes for details. Keep in mind that the Jury will be reviewing the entries digitally.
2. Project Narrative: In a maximum of 500 words, you are encouraged to address how the project will be implemented.
3. Budget: Entrants will provide an order of magnitude budget illustrating the feasibility of building the proposal.

Project submissions may include (optional):

1. Additional Media: At your option, entrants can include up to three web links to other media. These web links need to maintain the anonymity of the submission.

Competition Materials: Competition Requirements / Competition Schedule / Alley Maps / Terms and Conditions

Selection

The selection process includes three steps.

Step 1: Design Jury — The Design Jury will review all entries for design quality. The Jury will select and rank the top entries.

Step 2: Local Panel — The Local Panel will review the feasibility of the top entries. Review may include an interview with the selected entrants which can be completed remotely. After completing this review, the identities of the top entrants will be revealed. Public announcements will be issued by the Partnership.

Step 3: Partnership — The Partnership will attempt to obtain and pay for all necessary approvals and permits to construct the Design Award Winners. Certain minor revisions or clarifications to the design may be necessary in order to obtain those approvals. If approval is obtained, then the Design Award Winners will have the opportunity to accept the revisions (if any) or decline to further participate in this program. If the Winner declines to participate, or if approval is not obtained or is deemed by the Partnership to be highly unlikely, then Partnership reserves the right to discontinue their efforts to obtain those approvals, and relaunch that process using the Runner Up’s design entry.

Award

Up to three alley projects will be funded for implementation. Upon obtaining required project approvals, the entrant will be awarded the initial $5,000 for project use. Upon completion of construction, the entrant will be awarded an additional $5,000. The Winning Entrants will be required to travel to Frederick, MD to construct, and 12 months later to deconstruct, their design. No additional funds (other than the prize) will be made available to compensate distant winners for their travel costs and/or accommodations.

The Partnership will promote the finalists throughout the year on the organization’s website and social media channels.

Call For Entries for the Sustainable Practice Exhibition! An exploration of sustainable resources and practice in fiber and sculpture. The MICA Fiber Department is looking for fiber and sculpture work that utilizes sustainable practices and/or resources, highlighting the artist’s role as a sustainable and ethical maker. The show will be held in tandem with a panel on Sustainable Fashion on October 4. All potential works need to be left in the Main gallery between September 25, starting at 6 pm, until September 26 at noon, to be selected by an evaluation process. Pieces not selected will have to be picked up by Friday, September 27, at 12. A reception will be held October 4, from 4:30 until 6 pm.

The Maryland State Arts Council is seeking panelists who have experience and expertise in the Performing Arts for the 2020 Independent Artist Awards.The Independent Artist Awards recognize achievement by Maryland artists making work independent of an institution or organization. The awards are accompanied by unrestricted grants that encourage artistic growth and sustained practice. The 2020 Awards will award artists working primarily in the performing arts (Artistic categories rotate on a 3-year cycle. Visual/Media awards will be awarded in 2021 and Literary Arts awards will be awarded in 2022).Serving as a panelist for the awards is a great opportunity to learn about and support Maryland’s many vibrant and active artists.What does a panelist do?Panelists play a vital role in the Maryland State Arts Council’s Independent Artists Awards. Panelists will:

• Review and score each applicant’s submission based on a rubric
• Attend one regional review meeting
• Select panelists may also attend one state award review meeting during the winter of 2020

The average commitment of hours varies based on the number of applicants per region. The majority of work happens on the panelists’ own time over the course of 2-3 months.Who can be a panelist?This year’s Independent Artist Awards will be focused on Performance. We will rely on the wide array of experts and enthusiasts in the Performing Arts from across the state of Maryland to serve as panelists. Panelists are selected with a focus on diversity of experiences and location. Regardless of your connection to the arts, we encourage you to apply. Please note: if you are chosen to serve as a panelist, you are not eligible to apply as an artist to the 2020 Independent Artist Awards.How do I apply to be a panelist?Visit our website and fill out the application by October 16, 2019.Selected panelists are appointed by the Maryland State Arts Council for a one-year term, which may be renewed. Panelists will receive a modest honorarium and travel reimbursement for serving.

ARLINGTON ARTS CENTER’S STUDIO RESIDENCY PROGRAM
TWO WEEKS LEFT TO APPLY!

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT: September 23, 2019
Notification Date: November 1, 2019
Application Fee: $35

Arlington Arts Center’s resident artist program provides subsidized studio space in a supportive environment that encourages interaction, dialogue, and exploration. The program gives artists the opportunity to develop their practice in a community with other artists and alongside AAC’s critically acclaimed exhibitions and extensive educational programs. All studios have excellent sunlight, work sinks, and high ceilings with 24-hour access, 365 days a year. Facilities include a shared lounge area, kitchen, and bathroom.

Contemporary visual artists working in all media are welcome to apply. The program is not designed for commercial artists. After an initial review by current resident artists and staff, AAC staff will conduct interviews with a final short list of candidates. Selection criteria will include artistic merit, potential for community engagement, and diversity of media and artistic representation.

The following studios will be available in late 2019 and early 2020.

Private Studio (Available December 1, 2019)
Approximately 304 square feet.
Available for two-year lease, with potential to renew up to twice upon approval (total potential term of up to six years)
Studio rent: $380.62 per month (plus $30 utilities per month).
Artists must pay security deposit of one month’s rent. No interest accrues on the deposit.

Private Studio (Available January 1, 2020)
Approximately 304 square feet.
Available for two-year lease, with potential to renew up to twice upon approval (total potential term of up to six years)
Studio rent: $380.62 per month (plus $30 utilities per month).
Artists must pay security deposit of one month’s rent. No interest accrues on the deposit.

Space in shared studio, with one other artist (Available February 1, 2020)
Approximately 300 square feet.
Available for two-year lease, with potential to renew up to twice upon approval (total potential term of up to six years)
Studio rent: $312 per month (plus $30 utilities per month).
Artists must pay security deposit of one month’s rent. No interest accrues on the deposit.

Besides a few key festival staff positions, Charm City Fringe is a volunteer run organization! If you want a chance to help out anywhere on the Fringe team, fill out the Volunteer Form to get started and join our Charm City Fringe Volunteers group. We’ll post whenever we have volunteer opportunities, or when we find cool stuff. There are lots of “fringe” benefits to joining our team including free show tickets, life-long friendships and our everlasting love.

FILL OUT THE VOLUNTEER FORM

The Maryland State Arts Council is seeking panelists to review Grants for Organizations grant applications for the 2021 Fiscal year.Serving as a panelist is a great opportunity to learn about and support Maryland’s vibrant arts organizations and programs, while also learning about MSAC’s granting processes.What does a panelist do?Panelists play a vital role in the grants process of the Maryland State Arts Council.Panelists will:

• Review written grant applications online
• Conduct on-site interviews and phone evaluations to act as a more comprehensive advocate for assigned organizations in the panel discussion process
• Submit reports about your assigned applications prior to a mandatory spring Grants Review Panel Meeting

Overall, the panelist role requires an average commitment of 40 hours over the course of four months.Who can be a panelist?We rely on the wide array of arts experts and enthusiasts from across the state of Maryland to serve as panelists. Panelists are selected with a focus on diversity of experiences and diversity of location. Regardless of your connection to the arts, we encourage you to apply!How do I apply to be a panelist?Visit our website and fill out the application by September 26, 2019.Selected panelists are appointed by the Maryland State Arts Council for a one-year term, which may be renewed. Panelists will receive a modest honorarium and travel reimbursement for serving.