Asheville Visiting Artist Program

The City of Asheville through the Public Art and Cultural Commission (PACC) is seeking proposals from professional artists of national or international standing for its inaugural Visiting Artist Program (VAP). For 2018, the program focuses on the history, contribution, and experience of the African American community of Asheville. The program aims to enhance underserved communities, address needs in the City's public art collection, and enable collaborative, mentoring relations between a nationally and internationally recognized artist (or artist team) and a selected group of local artists. Artists may work in any artistic medium—temporary or permanent, product- or process-oriented, functional or aesthetic—that provides opportunities for collaboration and professional development for local artists and utilizes the City's public space to promote dialogue regarding the African American community in Asheville.

Eligibility is open nationwide to established, professional artists whose body of work demonstrates collaborative potential and ability to engage underserved communities. The selection process will identify three finalists who will be asked to submit full proposals. Finalists are required to conduct a community visit prior to proposal development and participate in public feedback sessions. Each finalist will receive $1,000 for preliminary proposals and participation in public meetings. The selected artist or team will receive a project budget of $50,000 on a turnkey basis, covering all costs including proposals, materials, fabrication, installation, artist commission, and travel.

Submission materials must include: up to five digital images or videos of artwork, a current résumé (one per team member if submitting as a team), a one-page letter of interest outlining approach to public art and community engagement, an annotated image list, and at least three professional references. All application materials must be submitted electronically. The call opened March 2, 2018 and closes May 4, 2018 at 11:59 p.m. MDT. Contact: Stephanie Monson Dahl, Strategic Development Director, [email protected] or (828) 232-4502.