“My Vote Does/Does Not Count” Voting Booth Commission
Click HERE for link to application
Award: $750
ArtsWestchester plans to award up to ten commissions
ArtsWestchester invites artists and artist collectives to submit proposals to create new works of art that incorporate a voting booth (suggested models are listed below.) Commissioned works will be included in “GIVE US THE VOTE,” ArtsWestchester’s curated fall exhibition.
Artists interested in submitting a proposal are invited to attend an information session on Wednesday, June 28, at 6:30PM at ArtsWestchester (Click here for link). To RSVP, please email Lhanley@artswestchester.org.
Please read all guidelines.
GUIDELINES:
The idea that American democracy is government “by the people, for the people” is fundamental to our national identity. Yet the history of who has access to the ballot box in America is troubled. Is the ability to vote a privilege or a right? “GIVE US THE VOTE” is inspired by the one hundredth anniversary of the victory for women’s voting rights in New York State, and examines the state of voting rights in America today.
“GIVE US THE VOTE” opens with a reception on October 7, 2017, and is on view through January, 2018. Selected artwork must be completed and delivered to ArtsWestchester no later than September 18, 2017.
The exhibition is made possible thanks to the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, and to Westchester Medical Center.
The voting booth is a power symbol of American democracy in action. Artists are invited to submit proposals for works of art that incorporate a voting booth (suggested models are listed below.)
Voting Booth works can consider any of the following prompts:
- My Vote Does/Does Not Count…
- What does the right to vote mean to me?
- “In the voting booth, everyone is equal.” — Former US Senator, Barbara Boxer
- “Suffrage is the pivotal right.” – Susan B. Anthony, Suffragist.
- “Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves and the only way they can do this is by not voting.” – President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
- The Declaration of Rights and Sentiments, prepared by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and delivered at the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848.
Voting booth works may also address: contemporary barriers to the ballot (i.e., voter suppression, the Voting Rights Act, alterations to the Voting Rights Act, voter registration restrictions, limits on early voting, voter Roll Purges), voter turnout, voter demographics and/or women’s suffrage.
Artists are responsible for sourcing their own voting booth. Suggested voting booth models are listed below, though Artists may use any form of voting booth they wish. Model and style of voting booth should be noted in proposals.
A bibliography of suggested readings on the history of Voting Rights in America is provided as a downloadable PDF Voting Rights in America Bibliography
ArtsWestchester will consider work in all media including, but not limited to: painting, photography, ceramics, paper, plastics, metals, wood, lighting, and fibers. Artwork may be kinetic and/or interactive. Proposals should take into account the artwork will be viewed by and accessible to audience of all ages and backgrounds.
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 18 years old, and must live, maintain a studio or be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in New York State.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
All proposals must be submitted digitally via the link provided for each opportunity. Proposals emailed or mailed will not be considered. Artists applying to both categories must prepare and submit a separate application for each.
Complete applications must include:
- Artist bio and/or CV
- Existing work samples (up to 5)
- Project statement
- 2D rendering, with proposed dimensions
- Material list
- Description of how work is to be installed and exhibited.
Awards are considered all inclusive (artist honoraria and material expenditures.) Selected artwork must be completed and delivered to ArtsWestchester no later than September 18, 2017.
Click HERE for link to application
Dimensions: Completed voting booth works should be no larger than 80”h x 36”d x 50”w
EXHIBITION/DISPLAY: Describe how works will be displayed during the exhibition (hanging work, on a pedestal, etc.) and whether or not the work will require access to an outlet. Interactive pieces should describe how the public is intended to engage with the work, and what staff resources may be needed to facilitate.
Recommended Voting Booths:
Full catalog:
https://www.printelect.com/wp-content/themes/print-elect/library/docs/printelect-catalog-2015.pdf
Recommended models:
https://www.printelect.com/shop/index.php/voters-choice-classic-voting-booth-1908-01
https://www.printelect.com/shop/index.php/used-ces-privacy-voting-booth
https://www.printelect.com/shop/index.php/poll-star-voting-booth
https://www.printelect.com/shop/index.php/smartpoll-handicapped-voting-booth
https://www.printelect.com/shop/index.php/voter-s-choice-cardboard-voting-booth
https://www.printelect.com/shop/index.php/used-election-products/used-voting-booths
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: July 17, 2017, 11:59EST
Artists will be notified of their proposal status no later than August 4, 2017.
Selection Process:
Proposals will be reviewed by the a selection committee that includes the exhibition curator and the Arts Committee of ArtsWestchester’s board.
Proposals will be evaluated based on artistic merit and their connection to the exhibition’s theme.
ARTWORK TRANSPORTATION:
Delivery and shipping of work to ArtsWestchester is at the artist’s expense. Return delivery and shipping will be at ArtsWestchester’s expense.
QUESTIONS:
Contact Logan Hanley, Gallery Manager: LHanley@ArtsWestchester.org, or 914-428-4220 ext 331.
Give us the Vote Call FAQ
