We Are Overflowing 2020

ArtFest Fort Myers invites artists to apply for We Are Overflowing 2020, a national juried exhibition of sculpture crafted from repurposed, discarded, and cast-off materials. The exhibition seeks to commission high-impact sculpture that conveys the message of "as a country we are overflowing with trash and recyclables" and encourages viewers to reconsider what they dispose of. This call is open to all residents of the United States over the age of 18, regardless of race, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, or other characteristics. Artists working in any media are eligible to apply.

Selected artists will receive a $5,000 stipend to create outdoor sculpture appropriate for impact, with suggested dimensions of approximately 6 to 8 feet in height and 6 feet footprint, though other dimensions are welcome. All visible materials must be repurposed, recycled, reclaimed, or reused; structural elements may be new but recycled materials are preferred. Sculpture will debut at ArtFest Fort Myers on January 31, February 1-3, 2020, and will be displayed post-festival in Fort Myers area Linear Park and potentially other locations in Lee County. Artists must be present in Fort Myers January 31 for the opening reception. Installation can begin January 28, 2020 and must be completed by January 30, 2020.

Proposals must include artist's professional qualifications, illustration of concept, narrative description (500 words maximum), description of structural integrity, photographs of prior installations (up to 10 total), and references. Submit 5-10 images and up to 5 videos through CaFÉ (CallForEntry.org). Jury will evaluate how well the proposal relates to the theme, how fully the artist's concept is presented, innovation and originality, and professional qualifications. Jury results will be emailed by July 5, 2019. Upon installation, the artist relinquishes all ownership rights of the artwork. Selected artists must provide a Certificate of Insurance naming ArtFest Fort Myers, Inc., the City of Fort Myers, and other sponsors as additional insured.