Artist Opportunities
Organized below by region, opportunities include Requests for Qualifications (RFQs), grants, other calls for entry, as well as employment, fellowship, workshop, conference, and volunteer opportunities. Our best practice is to post Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) for artists/artworks, rather than Requests for Proposals (RFPs). If you would like to learn more about best practices for public art calls, please reach out to our consulting team at consulting@forecastpublicart.
Have an opportunity to share? Please contact jen@forecastpublicart.org with a clear description of the opportunity and a live link.
For a list of Emergency Relief, Grants, Funding, and other artist resources in response to the pandemic, please follow this link to our message regarding COVID-19.
We are making every effort to share up-to-date artist calls and are checking the open status of these calls, but, due to the ever-changing nature of uncertainty around COVID-19, we suggest that you confirm the status of an opportunity before applying.
Minnesota / Midwest
RFQs, COMMISSIONS, & CALLS for ART
Eden Prairie’s Art in Public Spaces program is looking for innovative artists to display existing work, create new work or propose a purposeful art happening for the Rotating Art Series. Artists retain ownership of their work unless the nature of the work prevents it or they choose to donate it to the city. While we anticipate a selection/install process to be completed this summer, the project may be delayed due to COVID-19. Artists are still encouraged to apply, as we will work with each selected artist to create a time line for install and exhibition.Physical artwork must be appropriate for Minnesota’s extreme weather if exhibited outdoors; there are a small amount of indoor locations that may be used for installations or art happenings. Stipends available ranging from $500- 1,500 per artist. Detailed info in linked PDF. Apply by July 15, 2020.
Springboard for the Arts seeks up to five artists/artist teams who live, work or have a connection to Minnesota to create permanent art for one of five commissions at Springboard’s new offices at 262 University Ave W, Saint Paul. This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) will consist of a two-part process. There is an info session on July 1, and deadline for response is July 27. Commissions include: Native Presence installation, signage, or other on the exterior main entrance/plaza – $20,000; Mural on University side of fence – $20,000; Pre-Owned Vehicle Sign repurposed as public art – total $20,000 (includes $5,000 contingency); Watershed signage (tank and rain garden), tank/drain treatment – $20,000; Roof water feature – $10,000. Due to pandemic related safety concerns we aren’t completely sure when and how the installation of these pieces will work. Our original goal was to have these pieces installed on the site by the end of summer, but we recognize that there are a lot of things we don’t know yet about recommended safety precautions, constructions schedules etc. Rather than wait until we know everything about timing, we are starting the selection process now so that we can make commitments to artists and get money to them for these projects. Apply by July 27.
The Arts@MSP Program, a partnership between the Airport Foundation MSP (Foundation) and the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) calls to artists: Requests qualifications from performing artists and arts organizations (Artists or Organizations) whose work reflects the rich diversity of the Upper Midwest to showcase their unique talent at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP). The purpose of this RFP is to retain Artists and Organizations to propose and present performing arts activities at MSP, and to work collaboratively with Arts@MSP staff to ensure the work is appropriate for the airport environment and that it achieves the goals of the Program.Airport. Deadline not specified.
The Arts@MSP Program, a partnership between the Airport Foundation MSP (Foundation) and the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) calls to artists: Request for Exhibit theme Proposals at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport – The purpose of this RFP is to retain Artists and Organizations to propose, curate, design, fabricate, and install exhibitions at MSP, and to work collaboratively with Arts@MSP staff to ensure the project is designed, fabricated, and installed properly. No Deadline specified.
The Arts@MSP Program is creating an Artist Roster of emerging, mid-career and established artists who will be prequalified for future public art opportunities at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP). This roster will be one method of selecting artists to develop temporary, permanent, free-standing or site-integrated artwork of various complexities, forms, and sizes, indoors and outdoors, at MSP Terminals 1 and 2. This call is open to professional artists residing in the United States. Regional talent is preferred. Project budgets for roster-based selections will vary, depending upon project complexity. Contract awards above $175,000 are subject to approval by the Metropolitan Airports Commission. Applications will be accepted at any time, and reviews are anticipated to be conducted quarterly in January, April, July, and October.
FELLOWSHIPS, RESIDENCIES, & SCHOLARSHIPS
Franconia Sculpture Park’s Fellowship Artist Residency Program provides the opportunity for artists and/or artist teams to create ambitious new projects, interact and collaborate with a community of makers, and impact the public. Artists at any stage in their career, working in sculpture, installation, land art, social practice and performance are welcome to apply for residencies for a minimum of three weeks and a maximum of three months between April 5 and September 15, 2020. Selected artists will each receive a private bedroom and shared workspace to create new work at Franconia, along with a $5,000 award to fund their project.
EMPLOYMENT & PAID INTERNSHIPS
Franconia Sculpture Park is looking for a dynamic individual to join our team. The Development Director is responsible for raising $750,000+ annually in partnership with the Executive Director and Board of Directors for general operations, program support, and capital expenses. The Development Director will develop, support, and execute all fundraising initiatives by building relationships with foundations, individuals, corporations, and government entities. This position will be primarily responsible for the development and execution of Franconia’s development plan, including but not limited to: grantwriting; individual solicitations; corporate sponsorships; and donor cultivation/special events. Preferred candidates have professional experience working in development at an arts nonprofit or museum. This person will work closely with the Executive Director and as part of a small team of eight staff members who together support the programs of Franconia. Open until filled.
Franconia Sculpture Park is looking for experienced and passionate teaching artists to submit course proposals as we continue to build our education program. Qualified and passionate instructors are invited to submit any number of course proposals to be reviewed on an as-needed and rolling basis.
Lake Region Arts Council’s “Arts Mentorship Program” is looking for teachers from all arts disciplines to join our team of mentors this coming summer/2020! The mentorship pays $600 and requires 15 contact hours/lessons with your student (between June 1, 2020 and September 15, 2020). How you schedule the 15 hours is up to you and your student. Visit our website, call 218-739-5780 or email LRAC4@LRACgrants.org for more information. No deadline specified.
Catalyst Arts seeks Community Producers to curate poetry readings for Our Kitchen series. (Curators identify the theme and 3 guest artists). A modest stipend is offered. Catalyst Arts is an Arts Incubator interested in the intersection of Art + Activism and Artists who define themselves as Changemakers. We place a particular emphasis on increasing the visibility of and providing a platform for artists whose voices have historically been underrepresented in the arts, including (but not limited to): artists of color, LGBTQIA+ artists, women, new and recent immigrant communities, Native and Indigenous artists, low-income artists, and artists exploring non-traditional pathways to success. We are committed to nurturing the development of new work…serving and encouraging emerging artists, career professionals and experimentation. Email interest and inquiries to info.catalystarts@gmail.com. Deadline not specified.
VOLUNTEER, INTERN, APPRENTICESHIPS, & BOARD OPENINGS
Art Shanty Projects seeks board members. If you are passionate about Art Shanty Projects and want to support art in our community, join our Board! We have a variety of roles for you to make an impact. We are seeking participants with skills and experience in a range of areas: fundraising, outreach, communications, marketing, event planning, legal, web skills, and artist backgrounds. Ours is a working board supporting an organization in a growth phase. Board members help map out how our organization is shaped. We are a passionate and collaborative group, committed to making Art Shanty Projects sustainable and to bringing equity and inclusion to our programming and organization. Previous board experience is helpful but not required. Board members dedicate an average of 10 hours per month for committee and board meetings, in addition to other planning activities. To apply for membership on the Art Shanty Projects Board of Directors, please fill out the interest form and upload a brief bio and resume, or email to: admin@artshantyprojects.org. Open until filled.
Minneapolis Art Lending Library (MALL) Seeks dedicated board members and volunteers. MALL’s mission is to provide exposure for artists, build ongoing support of the arts, and share the joy of art with all members of our community through the free lending of artwork. All residents of the Twin Cities have the rare opportunity to borrow original works of art for a three month period, free of charge.
MPR Art Hounds seeks contributors. From Minnesota Public Radio News, Art Hounds are members of the Minnesota arts community who look beyond their own work to highlight what’s exciting in local art.
The Franconia Sculpture Park Arts Administration Internship Program provides “hands-on” immersion in the daily operations of a progressive arts organization that provides residence and work space to emerging and mid-career artists in a 43-acre sculpture park. There are two different types of administrative interns. Program interns will support Franconia’s education & public programing. The Development intern will work directly with the development manager to support fundraising campaigns. Both interns work closely with Franconia’s staff so interns have a rare opportunity to be immersed in many types of projects and work experiences. Applications ongoing.
CONFERENCES, SUMMITS, WORKSHOPS & EVENTS
Check back soon.
PROGRAMS, GRANTS, & AVAILABLE FUNDING
The Creative Capital Award is valued at $100,000, including $50,000 in project funding and $50,000 in career development services. 2020 applications are closed; next year’s free application opens February 2021.
The City of St. Louis Park has funds available to pay for the graphic wrapping of city-owned utility boxes. Community and Neighborhood Organizations may apply to wrap a box. Original local artwork is encouraged. If you have a design you’d like to bring to life and need to find a community partner to support the project, contact info@slpfota.org.
Metro Regional Arts Council (MRAC) offers a variety of arts project support and learning grants, for all artistic disciplines. Varying submission dates.
Springboard for the Arts offers a Community Emergency Relief Fund, which provides up to $500 to use art to respond to community emergencies. The Emergency Relief Fund exists to meet the emergency needs of artists living in Minnesota. The Fund helps to support artists with personal emergencies and to support artists who want to respond to emergencies in their own communities. There is not an expectation of repayment, but the Fund is replenished in part by recipients paying back into the Fund so that others can benefit later. Whether they apply for funding or not, artists can also get a free hour of consulting with Amelia Brown, founder of Emergency Arts.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS, INITIATIVES, & CONTINUING EDUCATION
Forecast.ED, by Forecast Public Art, features online courses to help artists, planners, city builders, community leaders, and other creatives build skills and knowledge to incorporate public art, placemaking, and community engaged design into your work. Courses are designed to cover a diverse array of topics within the fields of public art and placemaking. Some courses offer a broad overview, and others allow you to get more specialized information about a certain topic area. Our first two courses were created in partnership with the American Planning Association (APA), for City Planners to build skills and knowledge to incorporate public art into their work and address the health of their cities. These courses offer continuing education credits through APA. Available online at your convenience.
National
RFQs, COMMISSIONS, & CALLS for ART
The City of San Diego (City) seeks applications from interested qualified artists to have their existing artworks considered for purchase by the City. The initiative, officially titled “SD Practice,” is designed to support local artists through the direct purchase of existing artworks while also diversifying the holdings of the City’s Civic Art Collection. Any living artist legally residing in San Diego County is eligible to submit application. Apply by 11:59 PM PDT, July 13, 2020.
The City of Lynn, the Downtown Lynn Cultural District (DTLCD), the Lynn Office of Community Development and the Lynn Public Arts Commission (LPAC) are looking for an artistic concept for signature artwork at Lynn’s Mt. Vernon and Exchange Street plaza. The goal of this project is to install artwork that reflects the spirit of Lynn, enlivens the gateway to the DTLCD as a destination, and increase use of the plaza as a gathering space. Artists are encouraged to envision concepts for a circular patch of land reserved for public art in the sidewalk plaza at the corner of Mt. Vernon Street and Exchange Street. Budget:$75,000. Apply by July 31, 2020.
The Celebrity Series Boston Public Performing Art Project with a budget of $130,000 has moved to a rolling deadline due to the COVID-19 crisis. If artists were not able to meet the original March 13th deadline but remain interested there is now time to submit an application. Celebrity Series of Boston’s Public Performance Projects Initiative was established in 2013 as part of the organization’s 75th anniversary celebration. From its inception, the goal of each public art project has been to broaden awareness of the organization’s activities by taking the artistic experience outside of the traditional concert venues to public spaces throughout Boston. The initiative conceives of the entire city as a canvas for participatory arts activities to promote the Celebrity Series’ mission and brand. Projects traditionally celebrate the joy of live performance and take place outside, at the end of September, are temporary and free. The public’s participation is an important component of each project. Rolling applications.
FELLOWSHIPS, RESIDENCIES, & SCHOLARSHIPS
UrbanGlass (Brooklyn, NY) offers 4 deadlines a year for general scholarship applications for our workshops. These four deadlines are at the start of each semester, when there is most funding available for financial aid and students have the best chance of admission into their preferred workshop. To apply for a scholarship, please fill out the Scholarship Application Form found on our website. APPLICATION DATES: Winter 2020 scholarship applications: December 8, 2019; Spring 2020 scholarship applications: March 2020; Summer 2020 scholarship applications: May 2020; Fall 2020 scholarship applications: August 2020. No glass experience is required to apply for a scholarship. The opportunity is open to all visual artists.
National Parks Arts Foundation offers a variety of residencies. Check regularly.
EMPLOYMENT & PAID INTERNSHIPS
Frederick Arts Council seeks new Public Arts Project Manager. The Public Arts Project Manager supports the Frederick Arts Council as the manager of the organization’s public art projects in Frederick County. The Public Arts Project Manager manages, coordinates and oversees public art projects within the FAC Public Arts Program; works with staff, artists, contractors and vendors to facilitate the construction and installation of public artwork; serves as liaison between artists, land owners, property managers, and the public for public art projects; and performs related duties as assigned. This position reports to the Executive Director of the FAC and is as a full-time position. To Apply: Send resume and cover letter explaining your interest in this position to info@frederickartscouncil.org with “Public Arts Manager” in the subject line. No deadline specified.
Meow Wolf hires for a variety of jobs, in Santa Fe, NM, and Las Vegas, NV. Meow Wolf is an arts collective and production company that creates and operates immersive, interactive multimedia experiences that transport audiences of all ages into fantastical realms of storytelling. Meow Wolf has currently paused recruitment so we can best respond to the needs of our employees during the ongoing COVID-19 concern. We look forward to receiving your application in the not too distant future. Stay well.
VOLUNTEER, INTERN, APPRENTICESHIPS, & BOARD OPENINGS
Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center (CAFAC) is looking for board members to join us in 2020. We are a non-profit arts organization with a mission to inspire hands, hearts, and minds through art forms produced by heat, spark, or flame. Our facility is unique in the Upper Midwest, supporting a wide array of fire art forms that includes blacksmithing, enameling, flameworking, jewelry-making, metal casting, neon, welding, and more. The pillars of our programming are education, artist support, and public art, which together provide a platform for social impact and community-driven resources. We’re looking for people with experience in a range of areas including fundraising, marketing & communications, finance, legal, and event planning. Previous board experience is helpful but not required. CAFAC is in its 10th year of operations and in a development phase, seeking to transform from a friends-and-family working board into a strategic and connected oversight body. We are committed to creating a diverse, sustainable, inclusive organization that supports creative endeavors for our community. Board members dedicate up to 8 hours per month for committee and board meetings, in addition to other activities. To apply, fill out our application and submit along with your resume to info@cafac.org. Open until filled.
CONFERENCES, SUMMITS, WORKSHOPS, & EVENTS
Check back soon
PROGRAMS, GRANTS, & AVAILABLE FUNDING
Radical Imagination for Racial Justice Grant – $25k and $40k. Join us in imagining a racially just Boston…. We have always lived in unprecedented times. Well before COVID-19, and especially now, artists of color know what is essential for the freedom and liberation of their communities. We want to support you, your creative practice, your artistic voice, and YOUR world-building vision in collaboration with your community. We seek to support Boston-based artists of color (of all ages 14+) who are excited to bring to life their visions of a racially just society. Apply by July 8, 2020.
Radical Imagination for Racial Justice – $1,000 Grant. Join us in imagining a racially just Boston…. We have always lived in unprecedented times. Well before COVID-19, and especially now, artists of color know what is essential for the freedom and liberation of their communities. We want to support you, your creative practice, your artistic voice, and YOUR world-building vision in collaboration with your community. We seek to support Boston-based artists of color (of all ages 14+) who are excited to bring to life their visions of a racially just society. Apply by July 8, 2020.
The Pérez Prize in Public Art & Civic Design program celebrates and highlights the work of individuals who support, develop, and manage the incorporation of art into the design of places and spaces across the United States. The program is supported by The Jorge M. Pérez Family Foundation at The Miami Foundation, which was created by Jorge M. Pérez, chairman and CEO of The Related Group, and his family. The goal of the program is to celebrate unique individuals for their locally implemented contributions that support community development through the integration of art into the built environment. On a rotating basis, the Pérez Prize in Public Art & Civic Design prize will be awarded to an artist, a public art administrator, and a representative from the civic design field. The 2020 Pérez Prize in Public Art & Civic Design will be awarded to an individual artist. The recipient will receive a $30,000 award which they can use to support a project or projects, research and development, professional development, or any other activities that will enhance their ability to continue doing creative work to transform the built environment. Apply by August 14, 11:59 PM [timezone not specified].
Gottlieb Emergency Grant Program. This emergency grant provides financial assistance to painters, printmakers, and sculptors whose needs are the result of an unforeseen incident, and who lack the resources to meet that situation. Each grant is given as one-time assistance for a specific emergency, examples of which are fire, flood, or emergency medical need. No deadline.
The Foundation for Contemporary Arts offers Emergency Grants between $200 and $2,500 for visual and performing artists. Applications reviewed monthly, so artists can quickly take advantage of momentum or solve budget errors. Rolling acceptance.
The Maryland State Arts Council Creativity Grant Program strengthens the vitality and sustainability of artists and small organizations, in order to maintain a strong arts infrastructure in the state. The Creativity Grant also provides opportunities to serve the growing needs of relevant arts projects and collaborations within Maryland communities. Deadlines for the Creativity Grant Program are rolling. Funded activities must occur within the grant period. Applications must be submitted at least 90 days before the funded activities occur. Applications will be reviewed monthly, and Creativity Grants will be awarded throughout the fiscal year until allocated funding is depleted.
The Maryland Touring Grant assists eligible nonprofit organizations by subsidizing the presentation of any performer on the Maryland Performing Artist Touring Roster. Rolling acceptance.
United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Grant. Public bodies, Non-profit organizations, and Federally Recognized Tribes may apply.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS & CONTINUING EDUCATION
Forecast.ED, by Forecast Public Art, features online courses to help artists, planners, city builders, community leaders, and other creatives build skills and knowledge to incorporate public art, placemaking, and community engaged design into your work. Courses are designed to cover a diverse array of topics within the fields of public art and placemaking. Some courses offer a broad overview, and others allow you to get more specialized information about a certain topic area. Our first two courses were created in partnership with the American Planning Association (APA), for City Planners to build skills and knowledge to incorporate public art into their work and address the health of their cities. These courses offer continuing education credits through APA. Available online at your convenience.
International
RFQs, COMMISSIONS, & CALLS for ART
Amplifier Global Open Call for Art In response to COVID-19, Amplifier is launching an emergency campaign with top art curators and public-health advisors from around the world. We are looking for two kinds of work: The first are public health and safety messages that can help flatten the curve through education. The second are symbols that help promote mental health, well-being, and social change work during these stressful times. YOUR art has power. Art can heal, art can save lives, and art can bring us together even while we are apart. It can be a compass to guide us through this storm. This is your chance to make work that will be distributed worldwide and will inspire us all to stay strong, safe, and united. In solidarity with our global community of artists, we will award $1,000 apiece to 50 artists, with 5 winning works announced each week, starting the first week of April. These artworks will be distributed widely, both online and in the physical locations where they are needed most. All art selected by our jury will also be made available as free downloads for anyone to print and share.
CODAmagazine Call for entries.
Short Édition seeks short stories and poems to delight, inspire, surprise, and, most importantly, move our readers. Starting July 1, 2019, the editorial team at Short Édition will be publishing a monthly selection of original and unpublished short fiction in both the Short Story Dispensers and on our website. Button fiction — very short fiction published at the push of a button — is found in unexpected places, whether it’s when you’re savoring the last sips at the local coffee shop, waiting in line at the DMV, or strolling through the airport. We want to insert a bit of storytelling into the mundane moments, elevating the role of story in the everyday. We pay $125 stipend for each selected short story and $75 for each poem as an advance payment on the royalties that each author will receive on a yearly basis from the Short Story Dispenser subscriptions. Each selected piece will be published as a part of a Rendez-vous collection in our Short Story Dispensers around the world and on our website, short-edition.com/en. Response rate could be anywhere from a few days up to four months, depending on the number of submissions received. Submissions accepted on a rolling basis.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS & CONTINUING EDUCATION
Forecast.ED, by Forecast Public Art, features online courses to help artists, planners, city builders, community leaders, and other creatives build skills and knowledge to incorporate public art, placemaking, and community engaged design into your work. Courses are designed to cover a diverse array of topics within the fields of public art and placemaking. Some courses offer a broad overview, and others allow you to get more specialized information about a certain topic area. Our first two courses were created in partnership with the American Planning Association (APA), for City Planners to build skills and knowledge to incorporate public art into their work and address the health of their cities. These courses offer continuing education credits through APA. Available online at your convenience.
(651) 641-1128
INFO@FORECASTPUBLICART.ORG