PRISM FAQs
Note: FAQs are updated on a rolling basis. Please check this site regularly to aid in completion of your application.
Do you provide accommodations for applicants with disabilities?
Yes, please email Prism@land-studio.org to request accommodations. From there, our team will connect with CPL’s Disability Resource Group to identify the appropriate supports. Examples of accommodation solutions include translation services, support from CPL’s Library for the Blind and Print Disabled, etc.
Do I need to be a visual artist to apply?
No, however a visual artwork capable of presentation in public space does need to be produced for this project.
Can I submit renderings or concepts for PRISM as part of my application materials?
No, submissions of renderings or concepts for PRISM are not required at this stage and will not be reviewed. Selected artists will have the opportunity to engage in conceptual development later in the process.
Can I submit composite images, for example, one jpeg that shows a detail shot, process imagery, and the final work? A good amount of my projects have community engagement as part of the process and I would like to be able to show that per piece to help illustrate how the final artwork is created.
Yes, we would consider composite images like those described above to be representative of 1 artwork/work sample.
Can I add narrative descriptions to my work samples?
Yes, the application contains an optional field allowing for a short description to be added to your media uploads, in addition to required fields requesting the work’s title, dimensions, materials, and year created.
Who will select the final artists?
A multidisciplinary committee will convene to determine selection of shortlisted artists. This committee will include representatives from CPL, SWOB, & LAND studio, as well as additional community members with experience and expertise in art & justice.
When will the artist retreat occur?
TBD. The retreat will occur in Winter/Spring 2025. We will choose dates according to the availability of selected artists to ensure that all can attend.
If my disability makes me unable to participate in the artist retreat in person, but would not impact my ability to complete project deliverables if select, am I still eligible to apply?
If you are selected for PRISM, the project team would work with you to ensure that you are able to participate in the artist retreat in a way that meets your needs and abilities. If we need to modify our program in order to accommodate individuals with varying abilities, we will work with the selected artist(s) and our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion team to ensure we are creating an experience that works for all commissioned artists.
What does the $75,000 budget include?
The $75,000 project budget is all-inclusive and should consider artists’ fees, material, fabrication, & installation costs, etc.
How are artists’ fees determined?
Artists will submit their proposed budgets during the concept development phase of their projects. As a general rule, artists’ fees are approximately 20% of the total public art budget.
What supports will the hosting institution and project team provide?
To the best of our ability, the project team will support artists with budget development, community connections, identifying contractors to support fabrication and installation, and general problem-solving. Our role and goal is to ensure smooth and successful project implementations and experiences for the artists.
Can I edit my application once I’ve submitted it?
Yes, edits can be made after submission but before the October 14th application closing date. If you need to edit your submission, email Prism@CPL.org for further assistance.
Do I have to attend one of the information sessions?
No, information sessions are optional.
Will information sessions be recorded?
Yes, you can access an information session recording on this page. All questions from session participants are also reflected on this list of FAQs.
Can you apply as a collective or artist team?
Yes, but you will still only be allotted 75K. This will need to be split amongst your team members and include the cost of production.
Is direct experience with mass incarceration a requirement for applicants?
No, experience with mass incarceration is encouraged but not required. We do strongly encourage that artists who have not had experience with carceral systems to engage impacted communities or individuals in the development of their work.
Do the projects need to be installations?
No, we are open to a variety of different artist mediums.
Is previous experience in public art necessary to be considered for this opportunity?
No, this opportunity is open to both artists experienced in public art and those who are interested in translating their existing practices into public art.
If artwork would need to be made onsite, is that allowable?
Arrangements for onsite fabrication would need to be handled on a case by case basis. The works will be sited at neighborhood library branches, so logistics for installation and/or onsite fabrication would need to be coordinated with the library branch in ways that cause the least disruption to library operations.
Does the $75,000 fee cover housing?
The fee is all-inclusive for everything related to the project.
Is this a residency?
No, this project is not an artist residency. We are requesting that all selected artists participate in an artist retreat in Cleveland, which we're aiming to host in mid-January (tentative).
If housing is needed, will CPL help an artist secure it?
We are not anticipating artists to move here for the duration of this project, but if they choose to do so, we can recommend some area hotels to consider.
I'm concerned that my passion, interest, knowledge, or experience around this project and its goals are not clear in my portfolio/existing work samples.
We encourage all passionate and capable artists to apply! Please use the artist statement/letter of interest to express your interest.
How many artists will be chosen as finalists?
Four (4) artists will be selected to develop final artworks. We expect to narrow down the overall pool of applicants to 6-10 semifinalists in order to determine those 4 final artists.
Is the budget for the entire 4 pieces or is it 75k each project?
A $75,000 budget will be available for each of the 4 public artworks. Each artist will determine and manage their own budget.
How many work samples can we upload or include in a portfolio?
You may include up to 10 artworks in your application.
Is a specific proposal for the project required?
No, this is a Request for Qualifications, meaning we are looking to select a qualified, capable artist to later develop a specific proposal for the space, issue, and theme(s), so a specific proposal will not be required or accepted at this time.
Where do we post or send our questions?
Please email any questions to prism@land-studio.org.
