WHAT: STOREFRONT SPRINGFIELD: “Let Your Light Shine” (wellness focus)
DETAILS & APPLICATION: https://springfieldculture.org/storefront-springfield-let-your-light-shine/
THE OPPORTUNITY: The Springfield Business Improvement District (SBID) and Springfield Cultural Partnership Incorporated (SCP) are requesting proposals for public art in the form of high-resolution digital images to be installed in vacant storefront windows within the SBID & SCP Districts. The project is being funded through a combination of MassDevelopment’s Commonwealth Places Grant and other public and private fundraising initiative “matching funds” raised by SBID & SCP.
AWARDS: Eight (8) to twelve (12) proposals will be awarded and funded.
COMPENSATION: Each selected artist will be paid $600 for the use of their digital art for: one (1) print to be installed in one set of storefront window(s) at one location and for project promotional purposes.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
THEME: Wellness: “Let Your Light Shine”
WHO: Open to all local artists.
- Equity and access are high priorities for Storefront Springfield. Priority will be given to:
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- Springfield residents,
- Artists who represent Springfield’s population,
- LGBTQIA+ artists,
- Female artists,
- Artists with disabilities
WHAT: Storefront Springfield is a two-year art project to transform vacant storefront windows in the Springfield Central Cultural District and Springfield Business Improvement District into vibrant public spaces with creative placemaking art installations created by local artists. Storefront Springfield will include art that reflects community values, voices of diverse audiences and a positive sense of space.
Goals include implementing a partnership-focused and public-facing community-driven arts and culture projects resulting in an impactful economic development initiative focused on real estate intervention, community development, and community engagement.
- Use art to attract and connect people.
- Improve physical access by improving pedestrian and public safety.
- Spur public space and retail projects
- Encourage tourism throughout the city.
- Be a testament to the power of creativity and civic engagement in our vibrant, livable city.
- Be a catalyst and model for inclusive urban design that connects people through shared experiences of community in public art.
WHY: Empty storefront arts projects have proven to generate increased foot traffic and transformative impacts. Project partners are committed to utilizing the arts when creating and sustaining a vibrant environment that proactively welcomes artists to participate in city revitalization with community responsive artwork and leverage the power of the arts to catalyze change.
TIMELINE:
- December 2023 – Call for Art released.
- February 2024 – Submission Deadline
- February/ March 2024 – 8-12 Selections Made & Artists Notified.
- March/ April 2024 – Final Digital High-Res Art Files from Artists due to Project Partners
- April/ May 2024 – Installation Round 1
- May/ June 2024 – Installation & Artist Public Celebration
- August/September 2024 – Installation Round 2
- September 2024 – Installation & Artist Public Celebration
Project partners:
Springfield Business Improvement District https://springfielddowntown.com/
Springfield Cultural Partnership: https://springfieldculture.org/
Contact Information:
Michelle Grout, Springfield Business Improvement District, Michelle@SpringfieldDowntown.com
Karen Finn, Springfield Cultural Partnership, Karen@SpringfieldCulture.org
