Spark Placemaking Call for Artists
Posted: Jul 12, 2018
SPARK PLACEMAKING 2018 call for artists
Call Summary
Spark Placemaking, the public programming wing of Big Car Collaborative, is seeking artists to
create, facilitate, and engage in arts-based activities and performances during the summer, fall,
and winter months at Indianapolis City Market, Garfield Park, and Lockerbie Marketplace.
They are seeking artists for paid, short-term activities/projects/performances that are
non-commercial/non-sales in nature. This means that they are free for the audience/public.
Project Description
The Spark team collaborates with communities who invite Spark in to work with them to test and
implement approaches for people-focused public places and streets. Led by artists, planners,
and active citizens, we work to foster connectivity, community, culture, and creativity through
engagement-based arts activities. This year, Spark continues its efforts to make Indianapolis
public places a more active and inclusive — with a focus on locations listed above.
Activity Goals & Criteria
A successful arts-based activity/performance — which can be one-time or a series — does not
need to include all of these goals, but should include some.
Connect people of all backgrounds and involve them in art and creativity
Add aspects of art and culture to existing events
Involving learning, and story/knowledge sharing and gathering
Be family friendly/all ages but not watered down or for kids only
Establish deeper social connections with and between the wide variety of citizens who
utilize these public spaces
Strengthen relationships/develop programming with immigrants and refugees,
underserved low-income residents, and the homeless population
Build and foster relationships with Downtown neighbors in the area
Be inexpensive to produce (there is a modest budget for time and supplies and
welcome no-cost, partnership ideas as well)
Location
These artist-led activities are focused, but not limited to, Indianapolis City Market (222 E Market
St), Garfield Park (2432 Conservatory Dr), and/or Lockerbie Marketplace (333 N Alabama St).
Artist Eligibility
Artists can be from all genre including performance, craft, etc.
Indianapolis-based artists are preferred, but it is not required.
Open to professional artists and students.
Open to artist teams, bands, solo performers, and solo artists.
Artists who have experience interacting with community are encouraged to apply.
Open to all art mediums and practices.
18 years or older, or with permission of a parent or guardian.
Compensation
A modest budget is available based on proposed ideas and performances. They also cover
materials/supplies and offer staff assistance/support.
Proposal Requirements
Please submit (1) a statement of interest, (2) resume or short biography, (3) any audio or visual
representations of your art practice, (4) a description of your proposed project/activity, and (5) a
simple project budget to Elizabeth Nash at elizabeth@bigcar.org.
Proposals will be considered on a rolling basis (July through November of 2018). Spark staff will
work with you to identify a specific time and space for your project, if accepted. Expect to
receive a reply from Spark staff within five days. Communication will be via email.
Thank you!
