Northern California Public Art Academy

This six-session training guides professional artists through the public art process, from inspiration to selection to fabrication. The training is intended for artists interested in entering the field with little or no public art experience. Upon completion, participants will have developed tools for gaining and successfully fulfilling public art commissions.

Eligibility: Artists, public art administrators and arts commissioners living or working in the counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz. Preference will be given to artists. The training consists of six Saturday morning classroom sessions (10am–12pm, except the first session which runs 10am–1pm) and three optional afternoon guided bus tours held in different cities throughout the Bay Area. Sessions are led by leading Bay Area public artists, architects and public art administrators. Topics include: Making the Transition from Studio Artist to Public Artist (September 12, San Jose); Applying for a Public Art Project (October 3, Santa Cruz); Concept Development (October 24, Oakland); Schematic Design (November 14, Oakland); Design Development/Construction Documents (December 5, San Jose); and Signing your Life Away: Contracts & Other Legalities (January 9, 2010, San Francisco).

Requirements: If selected, artists must commit to attending the entire six-session training. Participation is limited to 50 registered participants. Cost is $150 per student. Selection is juried, with enrollment preference given to professional artists. Applications must include a one-page letter of intent describing your philosophy and approach to artmaking, your interest in public art, and how this training will further your career goals; a current resume (two-page maximum); and ten portfolio images with an accompanying image list including title, date, media, dimensions and location details if site-specific. Application deadline: August 3, 2009 at 11:59 p.m. MDT. For more information, contact Crystal Birns at [email protected].