Artist Opportunities at the Firehouse Art Center

ARTIST OCCUPIED SOUTH GALLERY

The Artist Occupied program at the Firehouse Art Center is intended as a professional development opportunity for emerging and experienced visual artists, and to expose visitors to a working artist environment.

Residency begins: May 23/24, 2016
Residency ends: Aug 14, 2016
2 week exhibition of work created: Aug 3-14, 2016
Opportunity posted: Feb 5
Submission deadline: March 18 (6 weeks posted)
Artist confirmed: March 21 (9 weeks before start date)

Application Requirements:
Site specific artist proposal for work to be completed during residency
Why you are interested in the residency
8-10 Images of recent work, showing style and technical skills
Artist statement; who you are and what you do
Artist resume
3 References
Contact details

Details:
350 sq ft studio space with natural light and tall ceilings
Private bathroom
Full sink with disposal
Trash & recycling
Basement storage available
24-hour access to the building
Wi-fi access
Benefits/Community engagement:
2 week solo exhibition in the main gallery
3 permanent studio artists working upstairs
50+ artist members
Studio visits with curators, artists and business owners
Peer oriented critiques; developed with artist after acceptance
Exposure at monthly events including; Film Night/2nd Fridays/Poetry + ARTWALK
Sponsorship/Stipend potential

ELIGIBILITY:
Working professional
Priority given to those with a solid housing situation in the area/Housing is not provided

SELECTION CRITERIA:
Merit of past work
Readiness to engage with and benefit from the residency
Potential to further develop an innovative creative practice and impact the community
Primary criteria for selection are conceptual innovation and technical proficiency of artwork
Site visit required for final round of selection

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS:
Statement of intent to be developed after site visit & acceptance
Studio access for events; not required to attend
Outreach component - Public reading, workshop, performance, etc.
15 Open hours a week (Weds-Fri 12-5 pm)/attendance negotiable - Visitors are invited and welcomed into artists' studios to enjoy the art, watch artist at work, ask questions, and purchase original artwork. Allowing the public an extraordinary opportunity to share in the excitement and fascination of the creative process is an essential part of the residency.

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FRESH 2016
CALL FOR ARTISTS
The Firehouse Art Center & Arts Longmont are proud to once again partner in a joint exhibition based on local farms, fresh food, Longmont’s agricultural history and our talented local artists. Applications are being accepted for an exhibition taking place in both locations August 17-September 25, 2016. The exhibition will consist of collaborative works of art from local artists. Artists are encouraged to think big and outside of the box when developing their collaborative concept. Absolutely all forms of creation are acceptable; painting, sculpture, illustration, mixed media, photography, video, printmaking, installation, storytelling, poetry, etc.
WHO: Colorado artists interesting in participating in one of the largest collaborative projects on the Front Range. Artists will collaborate with each other, with their farm and with both arts organizations.
WHAT: Form a team of 2 or more artists to collaborate on an art project/work. Collaboration is key – we want to see artists forming groups to push their boundaries of creation, to learn from each other and to utilize their individual skills to create something large in scope and concept. Look for artists with similar aesthetics and working styles. We are happy to help form a group with you, if you need it. We have created a Facebook group of last year’s FRESH artists, Arts Longmont artist members and Firehouse artist members to jump start conversations.
WHEN/Milestones:
(12 PM) March 14: Collaborative project ideas due
March 14-21: Collaborative project ideas confirmed and partnered with a farm
March 28: Farm visits scheduled and artists get to work
May 9: Exhibitions committee meeting check-in/progress report
June 20: Exhibitions committee meeting check-in/progress report
August 1: Final exhibitions committee meeting check-in/progress report
August 13-14-15: Artwork delivered to designated exhibition space
WHERE: Artwork will be on display at the Firehouse Art Center & Arts Longmont. Additional exhibition opportunities are in the works, ideally the exhibition will travel throughout the Front Range.
HOW: Once a group is formed, you will submit a document outlining your collaborative creation.
Requirements include:
-names and contact details of all artists in your group
-work style samples from each artist
-sketch or sketches of project
-description of project and implementation plans
Projects will be discussed with the exhibitions committee to determine readiness to move forward. The exhibitions committee will give you the green light and pair you with a local farm to begin working. You may request a certain farm in your proposal.

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EXHIBITION PROPOSALS
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Rolling

Our beautiful National Historic Landmark building features two exhibitions spaces and over 1,000 square feet of space. We are looking for established and emerging artists in all mediums are welcome including film, music and installation. Multidisciplinary artists work encouraged. Group exhibitions and curatorial proposals are welcomed, as well as solo exhibition proposals. We may combine several artists into one exhibition.
Jurors will be looking for submissions that are culturally relevant with a unique perspective and the ability to provide a diverse art experience. Contemporary work is encouraged. Incomplete submissions will not be considered.

**REQUIREMENTS**
$30 Entry fee, 6 Images (300 dpi, jpeg images) Artist Bio and Statement, Proposal for Exhibition, Documentation of artwork submitted (title, dimension, media & price)
The artist agrees to the following terms and conditions for showing at The Firehouse Art Center:
1) To pay $30 entry fee
2) To ship/deliver artwork at artists expense
3) To become an Artist member for a $45 fee
4) To assume full liability for the work displayed at The Firehouse
5) To allow The Firehouse the right to photograph artwork to be used for publicity purposes.

MEMBERSHIP & SUBMISSION SPECIFICATIONS

• Submit Work Only: $30, one-time fee to submit work only, or if you’re already an Artist Member.
• Artist Submission Membership: $60, open submission fee to submit work and become an Artist Member.

Artist Submission Member benefits are as follows:

• Exclusive Artist Appreciation event & Quarterly Artist Gatherings
• Promoted and featured on our website
• Eligible for an “Artist of the Month” designation
• First in line for openings the gallery may have due to cancellations
• Local merchant discounts
• Reduced fees for art classes
• Preview exhibitions and meet the artists

Criteria for Exhibitions

The following criteria are based on broad goals relating to the Firehouse Art Center mission which includes enriching the community through quality visual art exhibits. These criteria allow the artist to determine the appropriateness of the exhibit in meeting this mission. Any exhibit that the committee develops will be done so with these criteria in mind.

• The exhibit provides a unique and diverse art experience for the community.
• The exhibit has potential to attract a regional audience that ultimately expands the Art Center's audience base and increases awareness of the Art Center.
• The exhibit meets expectations based both on artistic excellence and the material's relationship to the audience of Longmont and Boulder County.
• The exhibit positively promotes area artists both professional and emerging.
• The exhibit appropriately uses the gallery space.