Artship Olympia

Artship Olympia is a call for artists to create site-specific installations on the battleship Olympia, the oldest floating steel warship in the world, moored at the Spruce Street Harbor Boat Basin in Philadelphia. The exhibition runs June 25 – September 25, 2016. Fifteen artists will install artworks in designated locations on the ship's interior and exterior decks. Philadelphia Sculptors, in collaboration with the Independence Seaport Museum, will use contemporary art to activate this historic vessel and create new perspectives on the ship and its history.

All artists and artist teams working in media that include 3-D elements are eligible to apply. Work must be original and site-specific proposals are required. Artists with background in site-specific installations are especially encouraged to apply. Submissions should respond to themes such as the Olympia's naval history, living and working conditions on board ship, naval and maritime culture, personal stories of crews, or the theme of "man and the sea." All installations must be reversible and cannot permanently alter the ship—nothing may be screwed, drilled, nailed, glued, welded, painted, or attached in any way that affects the ship's existing physical qualities. Artists should be aware there is no temperature or humidity control, occasional leaks occur, and installations may need to be temporarily moved if circumstances require it.

Entry fee is $30.00. Submission deadline is January 5, 2016. Work sample requirements: 2-6 images, 0-2 audio files, 0-2 video files (2-6 total samples). In addition to installations, educational experiences including artist lectures, classes, workshops, and demonstrations will be provided throughout the summer. Ancillary events include artist-conducted tours, maritime concerts, dramatic performances, and public receptions. Artists within driving distance are encouraged to visit the Olympia prior to submitting proposals; admission will be waived for applicants. Contact Leslie Kaufman at [email protected] for group tour arrangements or more information.