Ideas Sought for Public Art Project

The Frederick Arts Council (FAC) is seeking proposals from artists, arts organizations, or other collaborating nonprofit and government entities for a potential permanent public art project. This project is contingent on the FAC being approved for and receiving state funding. Therefore, the FAC will review all proposals received and select one that will be submitted to the Maryland State Arts Council for consideration. Once approved, the project must be permanently installed in a public place and accessible.

Public art projects can be interior or exterior works. Interior works must be in public buildings and located in a space open to the public. Examples of public facilities include schools, community centers, parks, and government buildings. As a county-wide nonprofit organization, the arts council is interested in sites throughout Frederick County. The artwork can include, but is not limited to murals, sculpture, and functional art such as benches or bike racks. A wide variety of mediums will be considered, including mixed media. The public art project must begin by June 2010.

The proposed project will be reviewed based on a set of criteria, including the artistic merit of the proposed artwork, artist qualifications, accessibility, community involvement and support of the project, and others. The total funds available will not exceed $10,000 for the project. If approved for the state grant, 50 percent of the cost of the proposed public art project could be covered. The FAC will work with the artist and/or collaborating partners to identify the other 50% funding. The funds may be allowed to pay artists and technicians to coordinate and install the work of art as well as equipment and supplies to fabricate the work.

“In FY08, we were successful with our proposal to the state which resulted in the bronze calf by Frederick artist Adam Lubkin,” said Frederick Arts Council Executive Director Shuan Butcher. “That piece of public art was a great addition and we hope to continue adding to the public art landscape,” he said. Frederick County was one of five counties that received funding that year through Maryland’s new Public Art Project grant program.

Individuals and organizations interested in submitting a formal proposal must do so to the Frederick Arts Council office by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 15th. An official application form is required and can also be obtained at the FAC office.

The Frederick Arts Council fosters the growth of the arts, artists and arts organizations through grant and scholarship programs, workshops and arts education forums, and advocacy. The organization is supported by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council, an agency funded by the State of Maryland and the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information, visit the Council’s website at www.frederickartscouncil.org or contact Frederick Arts Council Executive Director Shuan Butcher at 301-662-4190.