Published on February 27, 2024
The City of McCall invites artists to participate in the first phase of the Local Art for Lightboxes project. Through this project, vinyl wraps featuring selected artworks by regional artists will transform utilitarian streetlight control boxes in downtown McCall into public art.
Submitted artwork should:
• Contribute to downtown McCall as an inviting place to visit and gather
• Explore the themes relating to “community” or “community-building” (see “Artist Prompt” below for details)
• Be able to be formatted to fit the dimensions of the streetlight control boxes on all four vertical sides and top (see attached design template)
Artist Prompt
Across Idaho, growth and change are spurring conversations on a range of important issues, including community, engagement and belonging. Here in McCall, how can we use public art to encourage constructive discussions about these timely topics? By focusing on the themes of “community” and “community-building,” this project challenges artists to reflect on one or more of the following in their artwork:
• What does “community” mean to you?
• How is community created or nurtured?
• What defines McCall’s community?
• What kind of community should McCall aspire to be?
Eligibility
This public art opportunity is open to artists aged 17 and over and living within Idaho’s West Central Mountain region, which covers Valley County and northern Adams County, and includes the communities of McCall, Donnelly, Cascade, Yellowpine and New Meadows. Submissions may consist of either new artwork created specifically for this project or existing, unpublished artwork that satisfies the project requirements.
How to Apply
Interested artists should submit the following by April 11, 2024, 5:00 p.m.
1. Letter of interest (one page maximum) that outlines the motivation for participating in this project and relevant experience and explains how the submitted artwork responds to the artist prompt.
2. Resume summarizing qualifications and/or past experience (one page maximum; must include applicant’s contact information). Artist teams should submit one resume for each member.
3. At least two references per artist with knowledge of the artist’s work and working methods, and the references’ contact information; or for aspiring artists, two professional or academic references who can speak about your character and work ethic, and their contact information.
4. Image or visual concept: Applicants must either submit an image of an existing original artwork, or a visual concept (such as a sketch) of their proposed artwork, in PDF or JPEG format (300 dpi). Examples of existing artworks include illustration, painting, digital images, photography, or photographs of an original artwork. Please be sure to include the title, media, and date completed in addition to the image.
Visual concepts are uncompensated, so please provide just enough detail to effectively illustrate your idea.
5. Previous work examples: Provide up to three example images of past and/or current works in progress. Examples should not include artwork submitted for consideration for this project. Include the title, media and date completed for each example. Images should be in JPEG format, 300 dpi.
Email completed application materials to: djames@mccall.id.us with “Local Art for Lightboxes” in the subject line. Attachments must not exceed a total size of 7MB. Alternatively, applicants may use a file share program and email a document link by the deadline.
Seminar/Q&A on Proposal Development
For anyone who is new to creating proposals for public art projects or has questions about the process, a free seminar and Q&A session will be held on March 27, 2024, 12:00–1:00 pm. RSVP at: djames@mccall.id.us
Anticipated Timeline
April 11, 2024 Applications due (see above)
April 29, 2024 Selection committee recommends finalist artists
May 9, 2024 McCall City Council approves artist selections
Summer/Fall, 2024 Installation of vinyl wraps
Questions?
Please contact: Delta James, Economic Development Planner, City of McCall, Idaho
Tel: 208-634-3504; email: djames@mccall.id.us
