Art on F1rst Rotating Storefront Exhibition

ART ON F1RST is a temporary, annual, site-specific art program in Downtown Napa's vacant storefronts along First Street between Main and School Streets. The program is funded and promoted by Napa's Tourism and Business Improvement District (T-BID) and Property-Based Improvement District (P-BID) in partnership with Arts Council Napa Valley (ACNV) and Gordon Huether Gallery. The program aims to develop a creative atmosphere in vacant storefronts, provide artists with a presence in Downtown Napa, foster experimental storefront concepts, and increase daytime and nighttime vibrancy and economic health of the area.

Artworks must be comprehensive, dimensional installations that fully transform each space. Artists must propose site-specific installations that utilize the space in unique ways, consider all surfaces and aspects of the space, and engage viewers' vantage points from outside the storefront window in innovative, unexpected, or bold ways. All designs must be approved by Arts Council Napa Valley and be appropriate for a broad public audience. Installations must include ways for nighttime viewing. There are 17 available storefronts varying in condition and size; artists should indicate preference for small, medium, or large spaces. Standard art lighting and electricity will be provided. All spaces will be lit until 2am each night. Artists are responsible for maintenance of their storefront project and should include a maintenance allocation within their budget. All proposals must be removable and temporary, leaving no permanent adverse effect to the storefront façade or interior space.

This opportunity is open to established professional artists residing in seven San Francisco Bay Area counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, Solano, and Sonoma. Entry fee is $15 for non-members; current ACNV members may apply at no additional charge. Artists will receive a $300 stipend ($200 upon installation, $100 upon de-installation). Installation occurs November 5-19, 2012, with an opening reception on December 6, 2012 at 6pm. De-installation is scheduled for October 2013. Application materials include a project narrative (2000 word max), up to 3 renderings/photos, current CV with three professional references, and an artist statement (1000 word max). Submit all materials electronically via CaFE by August 24, 2012 at 11:59 PM (PST). For questions, contact Christy Bors at (707) 257-2117 ext. 1 or [email protected].