esp guidelines for art proposals, 2012 cycle

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Nicholas Kripal: Contemplation/ Cultivation. 2000 2002.

Eastern State Penitentiary Historic SiteArtists' Proposal Guidelines, 2012 Season

Proposal Deadline:

Thursday, June 16, 2011, 4:00 pmAt Eastern State Penitentiary


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Guidelines for 2012 Artist Applications

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Proposal Deadline (for all funding and approvals):

Thursday, June 16, 2011, 4:00 pm

At Eastern State Penitentiary:

Attn: Sean KelleyEastern State Penitentiary Historic Site2027 Fairmount AvenuePhiladelphia, PA 19130

Note: This is not a deadline for a postmark, but for delivery at the historic site.There is a 24-hour grace period for all applications. Applications received after 4pm on Friday, June 17, 2011will not be reviewed.

Contact:

Sean Kelley, Program Director, [email protected] , (215) 236-5111 x13

Important Dates & Times:

Orientation: We strongly recommend that artists begin the proposal process byattending an artist orientation. These informal tours/conversations give theartists a chance to experience the space, discuss what makes a successfulproposal, ask questions, and observe visitors interacting with the current artist

installations.

Orientations are recommended, but not required. We understand that travelexpenses will make it impossible for some artists to attend an orientation.

Please let us know if you plan to attend an artist orientation by sending an emailat least 48 hours in advance to Sean Kelley at [email protected]. There is nocharge to attend an orientation.

2011 Orientation Dates and Times (for 2012 Season)

Friday, January 28 at 11 amSaturday, February 12 at 11 amSunday, March 13 at 11 amSaturday, April 2 at 2 pmThursday, April 21 at 3:30 pmSunday, May 15 at 11 amFriday, May 20 at 11 amWednesday, June 1at 6 pmSaturday, June 11 at 11 am


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All ProposalsDue: Thursday, June 16, 2011, 4:00 p.m.See details above.

Artists Notified Via EmailBy: Friday, September 30, 2011

Initial Payment (75% of Approved Budget):On or before Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Installation Completed By: Monday, March 12, 2012

Removal of Work/ Final Payment:To be completed by Friday, December 28, 2012(unless the installation is extended by approval)

Choosing a Location in the Penitentiary Complex:Artists may apply for any public area in the penitentiary complex for the 2012 season,except Cellblock 2 and the audio tour route (indicated on our site map/ brochure with ared line). Some installations, such as Linda Brenners Ghost Cats have been sitedthroughout the penitentiary complex.

Our staff is available to consult on proposed locations.

Funding and Approval:Funding: The historic site will fund a maximum $7,500.00 per project. Thisfunding indicates approval to exhibit. All projects that are approved will beinstalled for one full tour season (March 15 through November 30, 2012), unlessthe proposal states otherwise. Artists may apply for future installation cycles,and should assume that the same guidelines, deadlines, and funding levels willapply.

Proposal Development: The historic site does not accept proposals for projectdevelopment. The review committee may offer, at its discretion, developmentfunds to applicants whose proposals look promising, but whose ideas require

additional resources to get a better idea of the final direction the work will take.

Extending an Installation: Artists whose work is currently installed may requestthat the Review Committee extend their installation by one tour season. Theyare merely required to submit this request in writing by the same deadline thatapplies to new applications. Many artists have kept work on view for multipletour seasons through this process.


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Notes on Funding:

Artists wishing to receive an artist fee should include their compensation inthe budget.

Selection and funding are contingent upon a signed Letter of Agreementbetween the artist and the historic site.

Twenty-five percent (25%) of the total budget will be withheld until theexhibit has been removed and the space returned to its condition prior to theinstallation.

Many artists are able to secure additional funding for their installation atEastern State. The historic site can sometimes act as the fiscal agent for anartist who has received additional funding from an outside foundation.

Most funding for art programming is provided by Eastern StatePenitentiarys Halloween fundraiser, Terror Behind the Walls. Additionalfunding is provided indirectly by foundations and other fundingorganizations. We may ask artists to recognize these funders in any printedmaterials or wall texts associated with their exhibition.

The historic site produces an audio tour stop, up to two exhibit signs for eachproject, and press releases about the installations. It also hosts an openingreception, and produces an invitation to this reception. It is not necessary toinclude these expenses in the exhibition budget.

Eligibility:

Collaborative proposals are permitted; individuals may submit only oneproposal per year (whether alone or as part of a collaboration).

Artists who have previously exhibited at the site must wait five years beforesubmitting a proposal for a new installation.

Currently enrolled undergraduate students are ineligible to apply. All proposals must be for a site-specific installation. These guidelines are for artists who wish to install visual, video or other

installation work to remain on view during public hours at the historic site. Thesite does occasionally host live or performing arts. Please contact our SeanKelley at [email protected] for proposals in the performing arts.


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Exhibition Conditions:

Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site is a National Historic Landmark, the highestdesignation for an historic property under Federal law. It is also a ruin, abandoned in1971, and stands today as an architectural shell. The building has virtually no runningwater, little climate control, and limited electrical service. These conditions can bedestructive to many types of materials. Most artists working at Eastern State build theirwork for the space and incorporate the inevitable deterioration into the piece.

Because of the building's condition, neither Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, Inc.(the organization that administers the historic site) nor the City of Philadelphia (theowner of the site) can be responsible for damage to work on site. The historic site carriesinsurance for the safety of the public while on the property, and of the artists during theinstallation process, but not for the value of the art installations on display.

Electricity is available in several locations throughout the site. Most locations do nothave electric service and artists may wish to include electrical installation in these areasas part of their proposal and budget. Please contact our staff about soliciting cost

estimates for this work. Electrical installation must meet strict guidelines and becompleted by the historic sites electrical contractor. Extension cords are limited to a 9-foot cord from the outlet to the unit requiring power.

Because of Eastern State's historic designation, art installations may not permanentlydamage or alter the building or artifacts in any way without prior written approval.This approval process includes what might seem to be relatively minor damage, such asnailing into plaster, taping onto or painting surfaces, brushing paint from the walls, orremoving debris. Failure to account for this restriction eliminates many proposalsduring the selection process. Many artists have found creative ways to install work thatcreates an illusion of permanence, but is reversible. We are happy to share examples ofprevious solutions to these challenges.

Installation/Maintenance:

Artists are responsible for the installation and removal of their work. Artists will haveaccess to the building for planning and installation once their proposal has beenaccepted and they have signed a Letter of Agreement.

Our tour staff can perform limited maintenance (turning on and off power, sweeping,monitoring the condition of the work, etc.). Artists should assume, however, that thestaff at the historic site will not be able to monitor the spaces during all public hours,and any substantial maintenance should be accounted for by the artist or contractors

hired by the artist.


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What to Send:

Part 1: The Written Proposal

Written Proposal Guidelines:

Proposals will not be reviewed if they are submitted after the deadline, areincomplete or do not follow the guidelines listed here.

Provide twelve (12) copies of the written proposal. All pages, includingillustrations, must be printed on plain letter-sized paper (8.5" x 11"). No paperheavier than 30 lb. No glossy paper, cardstock, or vellum please.

All pages must be typed in 10 point font or larger, 1.5 line spaced and have atleast one-inch margins.

Each proposal should be held with a paper clip only. Please do not staple, punchholes in, or place the written proposals in binders, folders etc., as this willprohibit them from being bound for the committee.

Pages must be numbered. The artists full name must appear on every page. Nothing will be returned to the artist. All proposals, compact discs, illustrationsetc. will be either kept by the historic site or destroyed at the end of the review

process. All proposals become the property of Eastern State Penitentiary HistoricSite, Inc. and may be published even if the proposal is not accepted.

Please do not submit any additional materials. They will not be forwarded to thecommittee. Proposals should not include artist statements or letters of support.Cover letters will not be forwarded to the committee.

Written Proposal Components:

Part A: Contact Information:Include full name, address, telephone number and email address. (Artistscommunications take place via email).

Part B: Installation Title and Location: Title of the proposed installation. Location of Proposed Work (if flexible, write Any Location.).

Artists applying for a specific area should identify this area by its


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historical name (i.e. Cellblock 7) and not by a map symbol (i.e.A2) as these may change from year to year.

Part C: Illustration(s) of Proposed Work:Proposals must contain between 1 and 5 sketches or computer

illustrations of the proposed installation. These illustrations should besubmitted here, in the written proposal, not uploaded to the website.

Part D: A Physical Project Description (50 words maximum):A description of the proposed work in the most literal sense, namingmaterials and placement, in as clear and direct language as possible. Seethe "Helpful Hints" section for an example.

Part E: Narrative (1 - 3 pages total):

1. Detailed Project Description, including a broader explanation of theproposed work.

2. "Why Eastern State Penitentiary?"3. List of the types of maintenance the piece will require.4. Will the work create sound? If so, how much?5. Did you attend an artist orientation? If so, what date?

Part F: Requested Funding/BudgetDetail how the funds will be spent. $7,500.00 maximum.

Part G: Previous Work: Titles and Descriptions of Electronic Files:

Proposals may be accompanied by a maximum of 12 electronic filesillustrating the artists previous work (see below). Section G of thewritten proposal should include the title of each electronic file uploaded,with a maximum of 20 words of explanation per file.

Part H: Resume/ Curriculum Vita/ Previous Exhibition List:Maximum 3 pages per artist.

Part 2: Previous Work / Electronic Support Materials

Examples of previous work can only be submitted electronically. Compact discs,, DVDs,hardcopy photographs, or any non-digital examples of previous work will not beforwarded to the committee.

Artists may upload up to 12 electronic files to Eastern State Penitentiarys website.These files may be photographs, audio files (2 minutes maximum length, per file) or


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video (2 minutes maximum length, per file). Collaborative teams must still limitthemselves to 12 electronic files, total, regardless of format or content.

Electronic file names should include the artists last name and the sequence number (i.e.Cardiff_1.jpg, Cardiff_2.jpg). These electronic files should be listed and described inSection G of the written proposal (above).

A website will be available to upload electronic files beginning May 15, 2011. A link tothe website will be posted here:

http://easternstate.org/artistmaterials

While there is no fee to apply to Eastern States artist program, the website that allowsapplicants to electronically upload digital images charges $10.00 for the service.


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Michael Grothusen: midway of another day. 2001 - 2008

Helpful Hints:

Follow the guidelines in this application. While we consider ourselves flexible inmany ways, the Review Committee views the inability to follow these guidelinesas a bad indicator of an artists commitment and attention to detail.

Attend an orientation if at all possible. Most artists report that the orientationhad a strong impact on the evolution of their proposal, and no proposal has yetbeen selected from an artist who did not attend an orientation.

The Physical Project Summary (Section D) of the narrative should be as literal aspossible. Avoid interpretation of your work, and simply tell the ReviewCommittee what you plan to install. Example: My project consists of thirty-nine white plaster castings of cats posed in various natural positions. Castingswill be dispersed throughout the prison (primarily outdoors) located in areasthey can be seen by the public on self guided tours.

Avoid proposing materials that will not hold up in Eastern States environment.Work on paper or canvas, for example, generally cannot survive the harshenvironment of Eastern State.

Be careful not to romanticize the prisons history, make unsupportedassumptions about the lives of inmates or guards, or suggest sweepinggeneralizations. The prisons history is complicated, and broad, simplestatements often reduce much of its meaning.

Do not suggest Eastern State solely as an architectural backdrop. Artistinstallations must deepen the experience of visitors who are touring this NationalHistoric Landmark, addressing some aspect of the buildings significance.


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Although your proposal must address some aspect of Eastern Statessignificance, feel free to think about this significance broadly. It is not necessaryto incorporate Eastern States history, for instance. Many successful proposals,including Nick Cassways Portraits of Inmates in the Death Row PopulationSentenced as Juveniles and Ilan Sandlers Arrest, did not focus on Eastern Stateshistory at all. They did, however, address subjects central to the topic we hope

our visitors will be contemplating during their visit.

Some of our best installations did address Eastern States history, includingLinda Brenners Ghost Cats and Nick Kripals Contemplation/Cultivation. If you aregoing to include historical information about Eastern States history, please makesure you are accurate. Artists should be sensitive to the history of the space andonly include historical information in the proposal if it is relevant to the work.Our staff is available to consult on historical accuracy. An extensive history ofEastern State Penitentiary, including detailed narratives and information onspecific inmates, can be downloaded and searched electronically from ourwebsite:

http://easternstate.org/learn/research-library/history/571-page-history

Overt political content can be good. When possible, the committee likes to see multiple viewpoints expressed among

the artists who exhibit their work at Eastern State. Every year the committeereviews dozens of proposals for work that will express empathy for the men andwomen who served time at Eastern State. The committee has accepted many ofthese proposals, generally resulting in successful installations. These includeMichael Grothusen's midway of another day, Dayton Castleman's The End of theTunnel, and Judith Taylor'sMy Glass House. The committee rarely sees proposals,however, that explore the impact of violence on families and society in general,or the perspective of victims of crime. Exceptions are Ilan Sandler's Arrest (2000

to 2003) and Sharyn OMaras Victim Impact Statement (2010). We welcome moresuch proposals.

Samples of previous successful proposals are also posted on our web site:http://easternstate.org/visit/site-rentals-special-arrangements/past-installations. Although some guidelines have changed since these proposalswere written, the tone and directness of the proposals (and their underlyingvision of a successful work) remain exemplary.

Be realistic. How much will you be able to accomplish with available fundingand installation time?

Propose building it right. Budget for professionals if you need help with anaspect of the project. The committee is not looking for bargains, but for greatprojects designed well and built to last.


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Susan Hagen, Recollection Tableaux: The Prison Band. 2008 Present

Frequently Asked Questions: Can I visit the prison on another day (not an orientation)? Can I photograph/

film?Yes. If you give us at least one weeks notice, and tell us the specific day you willattend, we will make arrangements for you to visit the site on your own. Therewill be no charge for your visit. In general, our staff will not be available to meetat that timethats what the orientations are forbut feel free to ask. Yourewelcome to photograph or film during your visit, without a tripod, as long asyou are not disruptive and show common-sense courtesy to other visitors.

What access do I have to the archives during the application process?We ask that artists withhold their requests to visit our archives until after theirproposals have been approved. Our small staff cannot accommodate the volumeof requests we once received. We are happy, however, to discuss the types ofresources available to artists whose proposals have been approved. Substantialelectronic resources are also available to the general public (see helpful hints).


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I dont live in Pennsylvania/ I dont live in the United States. Can I still apply?Yes.

What are cell sizes? How long is a cellblock?Cell sizes vary throughout the prison. For the purposes of this application,please assume that they measure 8 by 16 feet, with a 12-foot ceiling. Cellblocklengths also vary dramatically. Please assume that cellblocks are 250 feet long forthe proposal process. It is critical that artists whose proposals have beenaccepted take careful measurements of the exact spaces in which their work willbe exhibited before building their work.

Can I apply for a later exhibit cycle?Yes, but do so carefully. Artists sometimes find more time helpful if they plan to

raise additional funds. The review committee is slightly more conservative,however, when accepting proposals beyond the current cycle under review, sowe recommend that artists not apply for future cycles unless they are confidentthat extra time will benefit their work.

How many proposals do you receive? How many artists are selected eachyear?

Every year is different, but in most years about 80 artists propose work and threeare selected.

I have pre-existing work. Can I propose to show it at Eastern State?No. We do not knowingly accept proposals to exhibit existing work at EasternState. Many artists work within a set method, of course, and new work withintheir set body of work may be appropriate.

I see you rarely exhibit paintings and photographs. Why?We love seeing painters and photographers at the site, but work on paper orcanvas generally cannot survive the harsh environment of Eastern State. PainterMary DeWitt and photographer Judith Taylor both found solutions to create

work that would survive in this building, so it can be done-

Can I incorporate sound into my piece by using the audio equipment carriedby visitors at the site?

Yes! Feel free to propose audio content for your work on the historic sites audiotour players (mp3 players). Every visitor to Eastern State carries an audio tourplayer. You are also welcome to incorporate sound using other technology.


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What happens to the work at the end of the exhibit? Can I keep it?You can remove and keep anything you brought onto the site as part of yourinstallation.

Can I make planned changes to the piece after its installed?Yes. Many artists have created work designed to change and evolve over time,and sometimes plan periodic changes to the work as part of their proposal.

What do you think of my idea? Would you look at my proposal before Iapply?

Our staff is available to discuss the logistics of the proposal process and thehistory/ significance of Eastern State Penitentiary. Dont hesitate to ask. We will

generally defer, however, to the review committee on questions of the artisticmerit of an idea. Thats the role of the committee, after all.

esp guidelines for art proposals, 2012 cycle

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