Call for Artists - Outdoor Art Exhibit at Memorial University Botanical Garden

Memorial University Botanical Garden invites proposals from artists interested in contributing to an outdoor art exhibit, which will be open to the public from July-September, 2024. Titled Windows on the Garden, this exhibit will celebrate Newfoundland & Labrador’s Year of the Arts. Up to fifteen repurposed wooden frames and/or windows will be provided as canvases. Completed art pieces will be on display throughout our cultivated and naturalized areas during the exhibit period.

About the Exhibit

2024 has been named as the Year of the Arts in our province, and we plan to celebrate with a variety of visual art and performance activations throughout the season. This outdoor art exhibit, Windows on the Garden, will be the cornerstone of our offerings.

Collaborating with Habitat for Humanity, the Garden will supply up to fifteen wooden frames and/or framed windows through a public call for artists, responding to our theme, “Envisioning Nature.” Each selected artist will be supplied with a frame/window and an honorarium based on CARFAC-RAAV rates, to create their vision, looking into the magical world of plants and nature. The artworks will be installed in the display gardens and along the walking trails through our boreal forest. Artists will be able to select their top three location choices in responding to the call for submissions. A label celebrating the work of art, including the artist’s name and statement will accompany each window.

Artists are asked to consider weather implications in their design as their work will need to endure a Newfoundland summer season. Media used will need to withstand normal weather conditions for July to September or be treated with protection from the elements.  A sealant may be used.

Theme:

Our reclaimed windows and frames offer a portal for viewing, a way of seeing into the wonders of our province’s rich natural world. You will use your art to share your experience of nature and the flora of our province. Expressing your vision and interpretation will encourage viewers to envision and experience nature in a novel way.

Art pieces may be impressionistic, realistic, abstract, etc. Textile, mixed media, paint – all are welcome. This is your story and vision of the world of plants and the artistic inspiration found in nature.

Locations:

Up to 15 windows/frames will be placed at various places throughout our cultivated gardens, on the shores of Oxen Pond, and along our boreal forest trails. These locations are to be determined. Do you have a favourite spot at the Botanical Garden you’d like to place your art? Let us know in your submission.

Who is Eligible?

The call for proposals is open to all artists, amateur and professional. Submissions from teams of artists are also welcome. One submission per individual or team may be entered.

We strive to make our space accessible, and this includes the submission process. We encourage anyone to enter our open call. Should you require any additional information or accommodations to facilitate your submission email us at garden@mun.ca or call us at 709-864-8590, no later than April 27.

Each selected artist or team will be paid an artist fee of $500, based on CARFAC-RAAV, Category II Organization Group Exhibit for 3 months or less, as well as $50 for supplies.

Selection Criteria:

Up to fifteen submissions will be selected by a jury on the basis of:

• The creative response to the 2024 theme;
• The originality, coherence, and clarity of the concept and creative approach;
• Connection of the art to the flora of Newfoundland and Labrador.
• Concept will be durable in an outdoor setting for 3 months.

Logistics:

Frames/windows will be delivered to and picked up from the selected artists in the metro region by Botanical Garden staff. Arrangements for artists outside the metro St. John’s area will be made separately. The artist may choose to offer their work for sale. Post-exhibition, unsold works will be returned to the artist. Note, if you have your own frame or window you would like to repurpose, we will add an additional $25 to the supplies amount. 

 

How to Apply:

Submission deadline is April 29, 2024.

Submission must include:

1. Name of applicant/team and contact information
2. Short bio (150 words or less)
3. 2-5 images in .jpg format presenting a visual representation of intent: can be of actual creation, a sketch, or drawing.
4. Short statement of intent, connecting your proposed project to the theme of the exhibit.
5. Location preference for your creation (cultivated garden, pondside, or forest walking trail), if applicable

Submissions will be accepted via email at garden@mun.ca.

Important Dates:

Call for Artists issued: March 26, 2024
Submission Deadline: April 29, 2024
Successful Applicants Notified: May 8, 2024
Installation: July 3 – July 5, 2024
Exhibit Opening: July 6, 2024
Exhibit Close: September 30, 2024