New Bedford (MA): 54th Regiment Mural - Artist-In-Residence Program

New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, located in historic Downtown New Bedford across 13 city blocks, is launching an annual Artist-In-Residence (AIR) initiative in partnership with the New Bedford Historical Society, UMASS Dartmouth, and ArtWorks!. The program aims to be a catalyst for the design and construction of public art installations and performances highlighting the vibrant history of the city.

In 2013, New Bedford will honor the 150th anniversary of the 54th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, one of the nation's first African-American Civil War military units. To launch the new AIR program, the partnership is seeking proposals for an outdoor mural in Downtown New Bedford to be completed in June 2013. Artists should submit exactly six successful examples of completed public art, a resume, and an artist statement. Include information explaining the images with location, date, conceptual motivation, and any other relevant data. Once qualifications are reviewed, 3-5 artists will be invited and offered a stipend to submit full project proposals for a mural design commemorating the 150th anniversary of the 54th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry.

Contracted artists will be required to create final, permanent artwork in the designated space in downtown New Bedford, provide background information about the artwork's imagery and process, and work with the AIR partners and the community to document and publicize the process. The AIR program will provide planning assistance as needed, an artist stipend, public recognition of the artist at events and in all media materials, and housing in New Bedford for the duration of the project. Entry deadline: September 15, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. MDT. Mural installation and completion: April 1-June 30, 2013. Dedication event: July 18, 2013.