Call for Artists

Project Overview

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

This open call will result in the selection of four (4) artists 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.

About PRISM

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. Please read the
PRISM project brief for more background and information.

Intentions + Metrics for Success

This Request for Qualifications seeks to identify 4 artists capable of executing successful public art
projects for PRISM. Successful projects will:

• Further the 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/or the neighborhood in which the library branch is located
• Visually transform public space

Open Call Request For Qualifications

Eligibility

This call is open to all qualified artists or teams of artists, working across all mediums, aged 18 and older living in the United States.

Artist Profile

Artists who identify with one or more of the following statements are strongly encouraged to apply:

• You or someone close to you has been directly impacted by the experience of incarceration
• You believe in the need for and possibilities of ending mass incarceration in ways that redefine systems of shared safety
• Your artistic practice interrogates notions of justice, safety, and/or the creation of new/alternative ways of being.
• Community engagement is (or will be) a core value in your artistic practice. Care and consideration for the communities that are most impacted by mass incarceration or that will most interact with your artwork is vital to your practice. These communities may include, but are not limited to: currently and formerly incarcerated individuals; Cleveland residents; youth; Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities; people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ and immigrant communities.
• Connection to Cleveland, the Midwest, or the Rust Belt regions of the US (note that this is an encouragement but not a requirement, applications from artists residing through out the U.S. will be considered for selection)

Deliverables

Conceptual development and fabrication of a site-specific artwork remarking on mass incarceration through the exploration of PRISM’s curatorial themes. Thoughtful engagement with impacted communities should be a key project component, but methods and timing for doing so are at the artist’s discretion. The final deliverable should be a public artwork to be installed by early Fall 2025 at a neighborhood branch of CPL. Artists will be required to attend an artists’ retreat in Cleveland to support refinement of concepts and resonance with community.

Budget

Selected artists will have a $75,000 budget to deliver their project by the Fall 2025 deadline. This budget is inclusive of all expenses related to project implementation, including but not limited to design, artists’ fees, fabrication, materials, installation, insurance, engineering, travel, shipping, etc.

Timeline

1. Fall 2024: Request for Qualifications is Open
2. Winter/Spring 2025: Concept Development;Artists’ Retreat in Cleveland
3. Fall 2025: Installation & Opening’

Submission Guidelines

1. Access the application:

• Go to www.landstudio.slideroom.com and click on Apply Now.
• If you do not have a SlideRoom account, click on Sign Up to create a new account. Provide a valid email address and create a password. Verify your email to activate your account.
• If you already have a SlideRoom account, click on Log In and enter your credentials.
• After signing into your SlideRoom account, click on Begin Application to proceed.

2. Include the following in your submission of qualifications:

1. PRISM Artist Application Form: Complete the PRISM artist application form, which includes a questionnaire covering eligibility and background information.
2. Artist Statement: A written artist statement introducing yourself, describing your practice, and indicating your connection to the issue of mass incarceration. If applicable, please also share how you resonate with any of the encouragements above. Artists are welcome, but not required, to share any motivations or initial ideas around the development of an artwork. Please keep the artist statement between 1 – 2 pages.
3. Precedent Artwork: Link to online portfolio or website, and/or attachment of up to 10 images (or videos) of past works.

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Information Sessions

Two virtual information sessions will be offered on Thursday, September 19th, and Saturday, September 28th. These sessions will be recorded, and answers to all questions will be made available to the public. Interested artists are strongly encouraged to a session.

Please choose one session:

• Info Session 1
  (Thursday, September 19th)
  Sign Up Link (https://cpl.libcal.com/event/13098950)
• Info Session 2
  (Saturday, September 28th)
  Sign Up Link (https://cpl.libcal.com/event/13099112)

Questions about the RFQ

For more information, including a project brief, curatorial themes, and FAQs, visit www.cpl.org/Prism. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Download a PDF version of the Request for Quote (RFQ)

Selection Process

Artist Selection Criteria

Justice Ethos + Life Experience	Art Experience + Aesthetic
Connection to the issue of mass incarceration	Demonstrated alignment between concept and output
Social/justice-related practice and/or community engagement experience	Ability to conceptualize and effectively communicate innovative ideas that resonate with diverse audiences
Alignment with and commitment to project values including justice, equity, and care	Experience developing public artworks or desire to translate existing practice into public art
Availability for participation in cohort retreat and community engagement	Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in managing project timelines and deliverables
	Aesthetic quality of artwork samples (i.e. cohesiveness of outputs, evolution of artistic practice, uniqueness of visual language, etc.)

Selection Process + Timeline

Submitted applications will be reviewed by a committee of partners and experts, who will generate a shortlist of qualified artists to move forward in the process. Shortlisted artists will be contacted to schedule a follow-up virtual conversation with selection committee members. The selection committee will then make recommendations for the final selection of qualified artists, who will be notified upon approval by CPL’s Board of Trustees.

1. Sept 3 – RFQ Opens
2. Sept 19 – Info Session 1 (Virtual)
3. Sept 28 – Info Session 2 (Virtual)
4. Oct 14 – RFQ Closes
5. Nov 4-8 – Interview Notifications (6-10 artists)
6. Nov 11-18 – Artist Interviews
7. Nov 18-22 – Selection Notifications (4 artists)