"Yarn Bomb" Call for Proposals
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: MAY 29, 2018
The City of Takoma Park is seeking proposals for two “Yarn Bomb” temporary fiber-based art installations as part of the City’s efforts to promote public art. Individual artists or groups may submit proposals for both sites or just the first site (downtown clock tower) or second site (metal fence on New Hampshire Avenue).
Theme
Proposals must be unique and original. Selection of a theme and subject matter for the project is left to the discretion of each artist or group but should be creative, whimsical, and eye-catching.
Eligibility
This call is open to all artists who are at least 18 years old. Individual artists or groups of artists who apply do not need to be Takoma Park residents.
Budget
The “all inclusive” budget for this project is up to $2,500 for artist(s) who are selected to complete installations at both sites. Artist(s) also may complete an installation for just one site with an “all-inclusive” budget up to $1,000 for the first site (clock tower) or up to $1,500 for the second site (metal fence).
All expenses for materials, labor, transportation, site preparation, installation, as well as any other associated expenses are the sole responsibility of the artist(s). Artists should include their budget quote for one or both sites in the application.
Locations
Both sites are located on City-owned property. The first site is the Takoma Park clock tower located on the Laurel Avenue median at the intersection of Carroll and Laurel Avenue (See Google map). The four columns, which are approximately 8 feet tall, may be partially or completely covered with yarn or other materials. The installation should not trail away from the clock tower where it could become a safety hazard for pedestrians or impede the weekly farmers’ market. The clock tower structure above the columns also may be covered with material as long as the clock faces and Takoma Park signs at the top of the clock tower are still visible.
The second site is a metal fence that runs along a sidewalk outside an office building at 7676 New Hampshire Avenue (See Google map with fence to left along sidewalk). The fence is 46 inches tall and 195 feet long. Part or all of the fence may be covered with material. The installation does not have to cover the entire fence and can include gaps between elements of the installation. The proposal should explain the estimated length of the proposed installation. The installation cannot cover any part of the bus stop, any street signs, or any trees or landscaping. The installation cannot trail away from the fence where it may become a safety hazard for pedestrians.
Materials
Environmentally friendly or recycled materials are preferred for the installations. Yarn, cloth, rope, and other fiber-based materials may be used in the installations.commissions will be contracted through the City of Takoma Park.
Contracts
All commissions will be contracted through the City of Takoma Park.
Insurance
No liability, workers’ compensation, or other insurance coverage is provided by the City to or for any of the artists, their employees, volunteers or agents. All parties agree to participate in the project at their own risk.
Facilitation
The City will coordinate each installation and promote the project through various media outlets. To maintain an air of surprise and spontaneity, there will be no signage at either site identifying the artist or the City of Takoma Park as the sponsor.
Removal of Installation
This project is a temporary public art installation. The City shall, at its sole discretion, determine when to remove the installation for any reason, including deterioration caused by the elements, vandalism, etc. Before the installation is removed, the artist(s) will be contacted in case they wish to remove the installation(s). Artist(s) must remove the entire installation(s) within one week of being contacted or the City will remove the installation(s) and discard the materials.
Open Competition Selection Process
Artist(s) should complete the online application form at https://takomapark.seamlessdocs.com/f/TKPKYarnBomb2018/. Incomplete applications will not be considered. The final deadline for all applications is May 29, 2018.
The anticipated completion date for the installations is no later than Sept. 1, 2018. All artist(s) will be contacted about the status of their proposals by June 15, 2018.
The selection of any proposal is wholly within the discretion of the City. The City reserves the right to accept or reject any or all of the proposals for any reason.
