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Overview

Cleveland Public Library presents an open call request for qualifications from artists interested in creating artworks for PRISM, an interdisciplinary initiative platforming public art as advocacy to end mass incarceration.

(Application Due - Monday, Oct. 14th)


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ABOUT THE PROJECT

PRISM: Seeing Beyond Mass Incarceration, hosted by Cleveland Public Library, will facilitate the creation of art and programming as it examines the role of the library in efforts to end mass incarceration. The project aims to further a more imaginative and expansive dialogue around the realities of mass incarceration, efforts to end this societal ill, and alternative solutions to safety. LAND studio and Shooting Without Bullets serve as consultants and co-project managers, shaping the project’s identity and processes in alignment with broader efforts encouraging the use of art for justice.

This open call will result in the selection of four (4) artists, each awarded $75,000, who will design and install artwork at four (4) library campuses throughout Cleveland. Selected artists will be required to attend a retreat to learn more about PRISM, visit potential installation sites, and engage with community members to support the conceptualization of site-specific artworks. 

Successful projects will:

  • Further PRISM's aims to shift the narrative around mass incarceration
  • Interrogate the curatorial themes of PRISM in interesting and impactful ways
  • Reflect the needs and identity of Cleveland and the neighborhood in which the library branch is located
  • Visually transform public space

Please read the PRISM Project Brief for more background and information.

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INFORMATION SESSIONS

Two virtual information sessions were offered on Thursday, September 19th, and Saturday, September 28th. These sessions were recorded, and answers to all questions are available to the public below

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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. 

CONTACT

Please direct any questions to Ahlon Gonzalez at PRISM@land-studio.org. For more information, including a project brief, curatorial themes, and FAQs, visit www.cpl.org/PRISM.

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