The Lupin Award - ACP Public Art

Thanks to support from the Lupin Foundation, Atlanta Celebrates Photography seeks fresh thinkers with exciting novel ideas for creating a temporary public art exhibition in Atlanta that will appeal to diverse audiences and uses the power of photography as a catalyst for dialogue to stimulate cultural transformation. Strength of concept as well as artistic quality is of prime importance.

The artistic team (curator + artist, artist collective, or individual artist) will determine the concept, content, and form of the exhibition and will be asked to contribute ideas for public programming to deepen the project's impact. The team will be involved on a project basis from August/September 2021 through at least October 2022, culminating in a temporary public art installation and events spanning 2-3 months during the 2022 Atlanta Celebrates Photography Festival season (September/October 2022).

Eligibility: Any individual or team (individual artist, curator with an artist, artist with other artists, or artist with a curator) may apply, provided that the person(s) or firm responsible for fabrication and/or construction have previous experience in the proposed medium(s). Entry fee is none. Projects must involve lens-based or photographic media as an integral part, including images and/or video captured by a lens, or media in which light sensitivity is a primary element, or reimagining the uses of photography and possibilities of imagery made with light or a camera. Projects relying heavily on complex or untested technologies are discouraged.

Budget: $20,000 has been allocated for all project costs, including design work, community engagement activities or workshops, construction and/or fabrication, transportation, delivery, site preparation, lighting (if applicable), insurance, consultant fees, installation and de-installation, artist's travel and lodging (if applicable), and artist's fee. If the proposed budget exceeds $20,000, the application must detail how the overage will be funded.

Applicants may propose sites or seek assistance from ACP to identify sites. Permission and access must be granted from proper authorities. Consideration should be given to security, view accessibility, and ambient light. The project is expected to begin with announcement of the winner in late September/early October 2021, with the physical exhibition complete and unveiled for ACPfest 2022 (September/October).

Submission Requirements: Contact information, a concept statement (not to exceed 400 words) including technical details, material selection, and suggested project schedule; one-page budget listing project costs and materials; current resume(s) highlighting previous experience with proposed materials and technology; and up to 6 work samples (jpegs, audio, and video files allowed).

Selection Criteria: Ability to translate artistic vision into a successful public art installation; experience in development and implementation of public art projects; concept, artistic quality, and thematic impact; must heavily feature photography; feasibility of construction and suitable materials; public safety/welfare; realistic and thorough budget; and audience experience.

Calendar: Mid-August 2021 - First round selection notification. Up to three finalists will receive $1,000 honorarium and opportunity to refine proposals. September 2021 - Winner notification. Lupin Award winner receives $1,000 honorarium upon contract signing. October 2021 - Winner visits Atlanta for announcement and community engagement. January-August 2022 - Opportunities to visit Atlanta in support of the project. September/October 2022 - Completed project unveiled as featured component of the 2022 ACP festival.

The artist retains copyright of works produced. ACP retains the right to photograph or videotape completed work for publicity, grant writing, and promotional purposes.