Call for Artists!
Hacia Afuera - Public Art Festival
Art for Change
El Barrio (East Harlem, NY)
Proposal Deadline: Friday, July 17, 2009

Do you have something to say about gentrification? The economic crisis? The bailout? ART FOR CHANGE is looking for public art performances, interactive exhibit and installation artists to perform in the parks and streets of East Harlem!

Proposals for artworks and projects are now being accepted for Hacia Afuera, presented by Art for Change, in El Barrio (East Harlem), New York. Art for Change (AfC) is an organization that creates innovative art and media programs that inspire people to take an active role in social justice. By merging art and community, AfC provides a space to explore social issues and celebrate the richness of cultural diversity.

About Hacia Afuera
This summer, AfC presents Hacia Afuera, a weekend-long festival celebrating food, music, performance, and public art. We are inviting artists to take part with performance, music, site-specific installations and interactive multi-media pieces. The festival will take place in Spanish Harlem's streets and public community spaces and will be held Saturday, August 22nd and Sunday, August 23. AfC's Hacia Afuera is being produced in partnership with local arts and social justice organizations. We expect the festival to attract thousands of visitors throughout the weekend of the festival. Emerging and established artists can expect to come together to create original works of art, network, connect with the public, and have their work shown at a highly visible and well-attended community event. El Barrio is a neighborhood rich in history and public art, from theater and performance-to-murals and community gardens. In recent years, gentrification has become a reality for many of its residents. Thus, Hacia Afuera is also an opportunity for residents, artists, and performers to reclaim public spaces in celebration of its history and culture.

How to submit a proposal:
Interested artists (collectives and teams are welcome) should submit proposals with works that fit into the political and social context of the neighborhood including, but not limited to, immigration, gentrification, racism, and educational justice issues. Sustainable materials, such as found objects, rescued wood, and recycled or re-used objects are encouraged whenever possible. Possible works can include, however not limited to, painting, drawing, photography, video, sculpture, performance art, interactive art, design, architecture, and site-specific installation. Please note, we have limited electrical outlets available and our budget is limited, but AfC will provide basic materials and tools for installation. Proposals must be one page in length and should include set-up detail and the ideal location where the piece will be situated. The exact demarcation of where the Festival will take place is still to be decided, but gardens, streets, sidewalks, parks, private walls are possible. Artists are also encouraged to visit El Barrio in person or online prior to submitting their proposals.

Proposal should also include:

• Artist's Full Name(s) and/or Alias
• Artist's Bio
• Statement of Intent (1-2 paragraphs)
• Dimensions of Piece
• 2-5 examples of past work (CD or DVD)**
• If performance, indicate duration and number of participants
• Time Needed for Set-up
• Time Needed for Breakdown
• Materials Needed (Please indicate which materials you are able to supply.)

* Work samples will not be returned.

Please send your completed proposal, work sample, and statement of intent:
Christina Baute
1695 Lexington Avenue, Apt. 2B
New York, NY 10029

Proposals must be postmarked by Friday, July 17, 2009 to be eligible for consideration. A $100+ honorarium will be awarded to each artist or collective if their proposal is accepted. We are looking forward to reviewing your proposals!  

For any questions, contact Elizabeth Line at info@artforchange.org or Alyssa Fridgen at alyssamf@gmail.com or 347-804-8336.

Thank you for your interest in Hacia Afuera 2009!