Call For Artists Submissions

 

 Deadline to Apply: March 31, 2024 at 2:00 pm EST


The Garrett County Arts Council (GCAC) and Grantsville A&E District, on behalf of The National Road Milestone Public Art Project, is accepting artist proposals for the artwork design of three (3) sculpturally inspired stainless steel milestones for placement at four (4) locations adjacent to the historical National Road; one (1) milestone is reserved for the art students of Northern Middle School. Artists are applying to design (1) milestone and (3) artists will be selected in this phase of the project.

The National Road Milestone Public Art Project will greatly enhance the A&E District and the corresponding events that are scheduled within the District and Grantsville.  The project in Phase 1 will install a series of four (4) replica historical milestones throughout Grantsville.  The Public Art Project planning committee has selected stainless steel milestones for the project, so that we may commission artists to paint/decorate the milestones and thus create a historically inspired public art project for the community and visiting tourists to enjoy.

 

If commissioned for the project, installation for the milestone artwork is to be completed by June 17, 2024 to ensure installation in advance of Grantsville Days 2024

 

Artist Eligibility: 

Artists selected for this project will demonstrate proficiency with their medium and an ability to deliver on the proposed concept within the proposed timeline.

  • Locally established or emerging individual artists or artist teams from the tri-state Appalachian region.  Garrett County-based artists are strongly encouraged to submit their work for consideration. 

  • Eligible artists are not members of GCAC Board or Staff.

  • At least one (1) artist within the collective must be 18+ or minor applicants should be sponsored by their legal parent/guardian.


Project Specifications:

  • Artwork must be able to be sealed to be weather-resistant.  Durable media such as paints, collage, stencil, mosaics, printed wraps, etc. are most welcomed. 

  • Any images generated through AI are not eligible and will not be considered

  • No overt religious, political, or branded imagery. 

 

Downloadable Template:

Please use the downloadable template to show your artistic concept for the project. This template should be included in your application as part of the “Examples of Applicants Artwork” section.

Click below for a printable template:

 

Project Timeline:

The applicant should list all of the proposed project dates in chronological order.

example timeline:

4/1/24 - Pick-up Milestone

4/4/24 - Purchase paints and stencil tape for milestone

4/6/24 - Apply first base coat of enamel paint

4/8/24 - Second coat of enamel paint applied

4/10/24 - Final coat of paint

4/15/24 - Apply sealant

4/30/24 - Completed Milestone dropped off

Based upon the Call for Artists submittals and jury responses, an artist/team will be selected. The GCAC staff will then work closely with the selected artist/team to approve the final design before notice to proceed is given.

The proposed artistic concept  is to be submitted by March 31, 2024.   Upon jury selection, a tailored work agreement will be provided for review, discussion and execution. Artists will work with GCAC to coordinate inspection of the work in progress, as well as the fabrication and installation process.

This timeline should be included in the application. Please attach your timeline document as part of the files uploaded with your artist statement.

 

Budget:

The selected artist/team will receive a project commission of $1,500.00 for their milestone. The stipend is to be all inclusive of fees and costs. The selected artist is responsible for maintaining their budget, keeping to production schedule; GCAC will be responsible for all documentation of the installed work.

 

How to Apply:

 

Additional Information:

 

National Road Public Art Application Information

The Garrett County Arts Council (GCAC) manages the Grantsville Arts & Entertainment District. The Grantsville A&E District has received a Maryland State Arts Council Public Arts Across Maryland planning grant.  The purpose of this project in Phase 1 is to install 4 replica historical milestones along the National Road in the Town of Grantsville.  The call for artists is for the commission to paint/decorate the milestones and thus create a historically inspired public art project for the community and visiting tourists to enjoy.

The stainless steel replica milestones will be provided to the selected artists for the project.  

Review of Work & Selection of Artist

The Grantville Public Art Committee will juror the applications and make the final artist selections.  Work submitted for the proposal should be recent work (within two years) and representative of the artist’s body of work; if selected for the project, the artist will have an opportunity to submit newer work for consideration.

Eligibility

Artists ages 18 and older working in all media and styles are encouraged to apply.

Any images generated through AI are not eligible and will not be considered. 

No overt religious, political, or branded imagery. 

Pick-up/Delivery

Pick-up and delivery of the stainless steel milestones will be the responsibility of the commissioned artist.  The pick-up & delivery of the milestones should be coordinated with the GCAC staff.

Promotion

GCAC may distribute photographs of the commissioned artwork for this project for promotion purposes, including  press releases, and photographs may be sent to local and regional organizations for use in relevant online calendars and/or websites.