Platforms 2016: in-depth on the artist call (now closed)

Goals

• Contribute to a stimulating public realm with imagery relevant to Vancouver and the local area
• Provide opportunities in public space for artists who work in video and 2-D images
• Commission high-calibre artworks in the context of international art practices

Eligibility

The call for Platforms 2016 was open to artists living and working in the Pacific Northwest, including British Columbia and Washington.

We warmly welcome submissions from Aboriginal artists and artists of diverse communities and backgrounds.

Artists are defined as individuals who have completed basic training in visual arts and have an art practice recognized by peers in their field. Experience with public art is not required.

Selection criteria

Submissions were reviewed by a panel of artists, educators, and curators. Selections were based on:

• Relevance of proposed work to Vancouver and coastal life
• High quality, innovation, and creativity of the proposed idea and past work
• Clarity of vision and purpose in relation to work in public space
• Capacity to meet the technical needs, produce high-quality imagery consistent with the opportunity, and meet established deadlines including:
  • November to December 2015: works start to be produced for presentation 
  • June 2016: all concepts not yet installed must be ready for approval
• Suitability for viewing by a broad range of persons sharing the public realm

Up to 15 artists were shortlisted and asked to develop a full concept plan for approval before completing the work.

Short-listed artists were paid an honorarium of $1,500 CAD to develop a detailed plan or storyboard for review and final selection. The honorarium forms part of the commission fee of $5,000 CDN when a work proceeds. A schedule of deadlines for specific works was developed.

Budget

Commissions for new work were $5,000 CAD, and included all expenses for:

• Creation, editing, and design of the artwork
• Delivery of high-quality digital files according to specifications for the platform

The City is responsible for production and installation of the artwork. US artists are subject to withholding tax.

Key dates