LandSignals

LandSignals is a public art opportunity in Jackson, Wyoming, inviting Indigenous artists to create site-specific ecological artworks that address how the land signals environmental change in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The project asks: What are the signals the land is sending us about the changing environment and how can artists make these signals louder and more evident for humans to see, hear, and feel so that we can change our behavior?

Artwork will be displayed at the Center for the Arts campus, a 78,000-square-foot facility that hosts over 100,000 visitors annually, and at locations stewarded by the Jackson Hole Land Trust. The artwork must be fabricated using durable materials designed to withstand outdoor conditions for 6 months to one year with minimal maintenance, including long winters, cold temperatures, strong winds, and wildlife. As part of the project, selected artists will incorporate augmented reality (AR) features using the Hoverlay platform to invite deeper viewer engagement, and will develop a community engagement activity for local and regional youth groups.

Project goals include raising awareness about preserving natural resources, highlighting features of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, narrating how humans can change behavior for positive impact, ensuring accessibility for all ages and abilities, and promoting understanding of conservation issues. Two artists will be selected and awarded $10,000 each to create site-specific works. The commission fee is inclusive of all materials and fabrication, paid in three installments: $1,000 for final design, $4,500 upon approval, and $4,500 upon installation. Additionally, 1-4 finalists will receive a $500 stipend to develop site-specific concepts. Eligible applicants must be Indigenous artists living in the United States; preference will be given to artists with knowledge of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and experience with projects of similar scale and budget. Application materials include a one-page letter of interest (500 words maximum), resume, up to 3 references, and up to 6 images of previously created work. Installation is scheduled for May 15, 2024, with a grand opening during the Annual Old West Days Celebration Memorial Day weekend.