2013 ASC Community Supported Art Program - Charlotte, NC

The Arts & Science Council of Charlotte-Mecklenburg is seeking artists of all disciplines to participate in the inaugural Community Supported Art (CSA) program. The CSA program is a new model of art support and distribution that supports artists in the creation and promotion of new work while establishing relationships with local collectors and patrons.

Nine selected regional artists will each receive a commission of $1,750 to create 50 works of art for the program. Work from the nine selected artists will be sold in the form of 50 "shares" to art collectors and patrons. Each share will consist of one piece from each of the nine artists and will be delivered in three monthly "farm boxes" in the Fall of 2013. Farm boxes will be distributed at three unique, exclusive events that will provide opportunities for artists and patrons to connect.

The program is open to individual artists in all disciplines working primarily in the Charlotte Region including Cabarrus, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Rutherford, Union, or York (SC) counties. Artist collectives are eligible provided that each of the 50 works is a collaborative effort of all artists involved. The 50 pieces may be unique items, a series of prints or editions, media of an original performance or work, hand-made items from an established or emerging product line, or any other artistically produced work. Given the nature of distribution, pieces should adhere to maximum dimensions of 12" x 12" x 12". Artists must be able to deliver or arrange delivery of artwork to the Arts & Science Council offices in downtown Charlotte.

Submissions must include an artist statement, work samples (up to six images for visual artists; a single audio or video file with a maximum of six minutes for musicians, performers, and media artists), and a CSA artwork proposal (maximum 2 pages) detailing the work to be included in the program. The proposal should include a description of the work, reference to submitted work samples, and a description of proposed packaging. All works must be individually wrapped and packaged by the artist for delivery. Artists and works will be selected in early June by a review panel made up of ASC staff and prominent Charlotte artists and local food enthusiasts. Selected artists will be notified by June 10, 2013.