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Wearable Art Set Design: Request for Proposals

January 30, 2024

WEARABLE ART SET DESIGN: REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Wearable Art Extravaganza 2024
Theme: Neon Apocalypse
Event Dates: September 21-22, 2024
Presented by the Juneau Arts & Humanities Council

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Juneau Arts & Humanities Council (JAHC) seeks an artist or artist(s) to design the set for the Wearable Art Extravaganza in September 2024. This project may also include the installation of the set, depending on the artist’s interest and qualifications. Wearable Art is one of the largest productions sponsored by the JAHC, and is a major fundraiser for operating expenses, youth fine art scholarships, and individual artist grants.

GOALS AND VISION

The purpose of the design is to uplift the art on the runway and provide an immersive experience for audience members based around the theme for the show. The design needs to take into account the runway layout, screen placement, and sightlines of the audience. Runway pieces may incorporate neon colors, lighting effects, may ask for black lights, may be tall or wide, etc. Successful proposals will take these factors into account when conceiving set designs that will uplift the art on the runway.

Any openings, arches or portals in the design must be at least 7 feet above the runway.

The selected artist(s) will work closely with the production team beginning in March. The production team meets monthly through to August, then every two weeks, and every week in September leading up to the event.

The artist(s) will be responsible for designing the set for this major production, arranging for ordering of materials and supplies, and building out each element of the overall set.

LOCATION AND SITE SPECS

Wearable Art takes place in the Centennial Hall Ballrooms, located at 101 Egan Street in Juneau, AK.

A zig-zag runway is installed for the show, with several tables and rows of chairs, as well as two bars. Artists enter from the left of the runway and exit to the right. The layout from prior years is pictured below:

Past set designs have included things like entrance portals, decor around the screens, MC platform backdrop, chandelier type elements, runway decor elements, but there are no specific requirements in terms of design elements. Please bear in mind that all scenic elements need to be safely constructed and supported.

LIVE VIDEO:
In addition, a videographer is typically hired for the show to put live images of the artists on the runway up on screens throughout the room. Screen placement will be discussed with the planning team, but typically there are no less than four screens hung for good vantage by all sections of the audience. This gives audience members a closer look at the pieces when they are on the other side of the runway from their seat.

FOR POSSIBLE HANGING ELEMENTS:
Anything that will be required to be hung from the ceiling will need to be built according to specific rigging requirements, and all hardware for that rigging will need to be accounted for in the supplies budget. This can be a discussion after the design is accepted, but the artist(s) should be prepared to have those conversations with the planning team if the design includes hanging elements. Please also note that other elements in the ceiling of Centennial Hall such as ventilation, house lighting and sound system may play a part in determining where hanging elements may be placed. Final placement for hanging elements will also go through a discussion with the planning team around lighting and screen placement to make sure that these elements don’t get in each other’s way.

LIGHTED ELEMENTS:
Any design proposal that intends to use special lighting must account for this cost within the supplies budget. This event has a separate budget for general event lighting that is not available to the set design. The lighting designer may also need to have control of any lighted element that is prominent to be able to control the overall level of lighting in the space during the event, especially if artists require dim lighting to showcase lighted elements that are part of their runway piece. Conversations with the lighting designer would need to be a part of the process before finalizing the construction process to make sure that everything can work together with the systems for lighting control that we have available in the space.

PROJECT BUDGET

The total budget for this project is $8,000. This includes an artist stipend of $2,000, supplies budget of $4-5,000, and installation budget of $1-2,000. Depending on the needs for the design, there is some flexibility in the amounts bookmarked for supplies and installation. Artists should prepare a budget and outline estimated materials, supplies, and any additional costs associated with your proposal within the project budget parameters.

ELIGIBILITY & REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLYING

Artists currently living and working in Alaska are eligible to apply. Travel to and from Juneau, as well as lodging costs will be the responsibility of the artist.

Interested parties should prepare the following materials:

  • Current contact information for the artist or team applying
  • Written proposal narrative
  • Drawings or renderings that detail the proposed design and how it works in the space
  • A project timeline that outlines the proposed set design from start to completion
  • A project budget that outlines estimated costs as they relate to the proposed set design
  • Resume showing prior similar experience
  • Portfolio of prior work (2-5 sample images)

HOW TO APPLY

Interested parties are invited to submit proposals and all supporting materials online through this form: https://airtable.com/appcYVPzYNLqo6YvW/shrWacRF2xckiNXRq.

The proposal narrative, project timeline, project budget, and resume should be submitted as a DOC or PDF document. Each file can be uploaded in the online application form. Drawings or renderings of the proposed design as well as portfolio samples can be submitted as PDF, JPEG, or PNG files in the online application.

Proposals, artist contact information, and supporting materials may also be compiled into a PDF and emailed to: rachelle@jahc.org and kathleen@jahc.org.

DEADLINE TO APPLY

Proposals and all supporting materials must be received by the end of the day on Thursday, February 29.

SELECTION PROCESS

The JAHC Wearable Art Planning Committee will review all proposals for appropriateness of design, attention to budget, and timelines for installation. If needed, the committee may contact artists for a follow up interview after the initial review. The final selection will be made by the Committee and announced on Monday, March 11.

The JAHC Wearable Art Planning Committee consists of staff, board, and members of the design team.

PROJECT TIMELINE

On-site visits: to schedule a visit prior to February 29, please contact Rachelle and Kathleen (contact info listed below)
Deadline to submit proposals: February 29
Proposals review and selection: March 1-7
Follow-up interviews (if needed): March 8
Finalist selected: March 11
Onboarding and initial meeting with Wearable Art team: March 15
Production meetings: monthly (TBD) beginning in March
Construction period: May 15 – September 15
Installation of set: September 15-19
Saturday Show: September 21
Sunday Show: September 22
Strike and de-installation of set: September 22-23

POINT OF CONTACT

Rachelle Bonnett, JAHC Programs Manager: rachelle@jahc.org, 907-586-2787
Kathleen Harper, Facilities Director: kathleen@jahc.org, 907-586-5283

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Visit jahc.org/wearable-art for more information regarding Wearable Art 2024.