Office of Public Art Seeks Artist Proposals in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

The Pittsburgh-based arts organization will select three artists for new initiative, Artists Bridging Social Distance in the Public Realm.

The Office of Public Art (OPA) is seeking proposals from visual and performing artists for projects that aim to bridge the social distance created by efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. Proposed projects should promote social connection while also following guidelines for public health and safety from state and local government and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In the face of social distancing practices that prevent gatherings in the public realm, OPA seeks artists to propose projects that will bridge social distance, increase a sense of community well being, and provide avenues for intellectual and emotional engagement. Social distancing practices have had a marked impact on daily routines, cultural practices, and ways of life, and are causing widespread isolation within our communities.

“This call for artists is a direct response to questions that have come up within our own team about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our relationship to public space and to each other. As an organization that is deeply committed to the social and cultural importance of public places in shaping our personal and civic lives, it is frankly unnerving as we begin to grasp the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic will have on our lives both now and in the future,” said Sallyann Kluz, Director of the Office of Public Art. “However, we believe deeply in the ability of artists’ creative practices to catalyze new approaches to the challenges that face us. Through this opportunity, we hope to spur new thinking about how our communities can stay connected even while remaining physically distant”.

Projects in all media and disciplines will be considered but must be widely shareable, whether through digital and virtual platforms or other means. Three proposals will be selected; each selected artist will receive an artist fee of $1,500 to implement their project.

How to Apply

The deadline for artist submissions is Monday, April 20, 2020 at 11:59 PM. Artists will be selected in late April 2020 and projects are anticipated to be launched in late May 2020. See the full call for artists.

A virtual information session will be held on Monday, April 13, 2020 from 4:00pm – 5:00pm using Zoom.

Contact

Ashley Anderson
412-391-2060 x 238
aanderson@pittsburghartscouncil.org