Small Scale Artwork Commission Program - Sobering Center and Detoxification Service Center

Alameda County artists are invited to submit qualifications for the Small Scale Artwork Commission Program. This program will commission artists to produce a new series of artwork in the studio. At the end of the 6-month contract period, the artist's output will be acquired by the County and will become part of the Alameda County Art Collection: Artwork Created by Alameda County Artists. Artists who make two-dimensional, low-relief or wall sculptural artwork are invited to apply. The artwork will be installed at the Sobering Center and at the Residential Social Model Detoxification Service Center in San Leandro, CA. Artists at all levels of professional development are encouraged to apply.

This commission opportunity is open to practicing, professional visual artists who live, are permanently employed, or rent/own an artist's studio in Alameda County, CA. Proof of residence, permanent employment, or business ownership within County borders is required. Artists must minimally live, own a business or be employed on a continuous basis within the County of Alameda for the duration of the entire project. Artists who received commissions to create artwork for the Juvenile Justice Center or Highland Hospital, artists under contract for the Castro Valley Library Public Art Program, and artists who have received contracts of $30,000 or more from the Alameda County Arts Commission are not eligible. Alameda County employees are not eligible to apply.

The total budget for the program is $34,000. Approximately 4-6 artists will be commissioned to each create a series of artworks (approximately 3-5) with a total value/contract amount of $5,000-$7,000. Commissioned artwork may range in size from 11" x 11" to no more than 50" x 50" and may be no more than 3" in depth. Artwork weight may not exceed 25 lbs. Commissioned artists should note that users of the facility are adults who need to experience works of art that have positive themes and contribute to a safe and supportive environment. The artwork selected should have broad appeal for long-term use in a variety of situations, as it may be shown in other County buildings after the initial display period.

Applications must be submitted online through CaFÉ. There is no application fee. Artists must provide an artist statement (5,000 character maximum), current résumé, ten (10) images of past work, and a list of artwork submitted including title, dimensions, materials, year of completion, and retail value. Semi-finalists will be paid an honorarium of $100 to attend a project information meeting and to create a conceptual proposal. All artists who apply will receive electronic notification of the selection results.