Welcome Race Fans 2021 Seeks GIF Artists
Request for Qualifications (RFQ)
Project Title: Welcome Race Fans 2021
Budget (per artist): $1,500 total ($1,000 artist GIF commission plus $500 for still image)
Deadline for Submissions: February 28, 2021, 11:59 p.m. EST
Program Specifics
With the wide-ranging success of the Welcome Race Fans collaboration between the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Arts Council of Indianapolis to incorporate Indiana artists and original artwork into the past five runnings of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge celebrations, we are pleased to announce Welcome Race Fans 2021. The original concept called for the commission of 33 paintings by 33 Indiana artists to celebrate the once-in-a-lifetime event, the 100th Running of the Indy 500. The art program garnered attention from news media regionally and nationally as well as interest from other cities and racetracks around the country including the Texas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and The Grand Prix held in St. Petersburg, Florida. In the second year of Welcome Race Fans, the field of artists was narrowed to 5, but the mission of the program was the same: to highlight one of the most visible and iconic visuals associated with May in Indianapolis – the blanketing of the city with “Welcome Race Fans” signs.
NEW for 2021: In an effort to build on the success of the previous five years, we are announcing this year’s program will expand to include artists working in the digital art realm! This year, the program will consist of five artists creating a version of a “Welcome Race Fans” sign using the animated GIF format (moving graphic images). These GIFs will be featured on Indianapolis Motor Speedway social channels, web properties, and onsite digital locations during the Month of May! The Arts Council and IMS will also work with several local partners to ensure the artwork is displayed around the city at various potential locations such as Shining a Light on the Circle, IndyGo bus screens, and many more.
Artwork Considerations and Requirements
Theme
This project is meant to showcase the original styles of Indiana artists while welcoming all fans for the citywide celebration of the 105th Running of the Indianapolis 500. Selected artists will be asked to create a five second GIF of their take on “Welcome Race Fans” while also incorporating themes surrounding the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s Race for Equality and Change Initiative. Each of the commissioned GIFs will encompass the traditions surrounding IMS, woven with themes of inclusion, pushing the boundaries to embrace gender identity, sexual orientation, cultural views, equality, diversity, equity, activism, and more. The goal for the five artworks is to creatively celebrate both the history of the Racing Capital of the World and its current emphasis on increasing inclusivity and opportunity in motorsports. The final GIF artworks should address the question: How are we welcoming ALL race fans?
When you’re thinking about IMS traditions, here are some examples of past traditions as well as words to associate with developing themes:
TRADITIONS/HISTORIC THEMES
Milk bottles, Wreath, Speed, Bricks, Fuel, Borg-Warner Trophy, Fans, Champion, Military, Drivers, Engines
DEVELOPING/GROWING THEMES
Women, Diversity, Race, Global, Unity, Technology, Youth, Latinx, BIPOC, Accessibility, Sustainability
As with previous years, racing imagery need NOT be included in the final artwork. If the artist chooses to include racing imagery, it should reflect the overarching race culture that is so prevalent in Indianapolis. That same culture that celebrates motorsports in general and its significant impact on our city can be incorporated into the artwork.
Though racing imagery is not a requirement, if you choose to include it, the Arts Council and Indianapolis Motor Speedway will advise artists on how to properly use copyrighted images and other material with required permissions. All participating artists will retain ownership and copyright in their work.
In addition, Artists are expected to also supply one static image containing all GIF visual elements. These static images may be used to create reproductions of artworks for various print media including but not limited to: A limited run of takeaway commemorative posters, which will be shared with the community as visual reminders of the highly visible collaboration of art & motorsports. Artists will be given credit on any reproductions of their artwork.
To learn more about the program and see the wide range of artworks commissioned in last five years, visit www.WelcomeRaceFansIndy.org.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for this program, artists must:
Completed artwork should adhere to the following standards:
Selection Process
Once qualifications are received from interested artists, representatives from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway will assist the Arts Council Artist Services team in reviewing artists’ qualifications and making artist selections. Selected artists will be notified shortly thereafter.
Budget
The artist fee for the project is a flat $1,500 per artist. ($1,000 GIF commission plus $500 for still image containing all/most GIF elements to be printed as a commemorative poster.)
Artists are expected to cover all expenses for materials, supplies, labor, photography, and equipment needed to complete and deliver their artwork. The fee also includes compensation for licensing the Arts Council to reproduce the artwork as part of the project, including the aforementioned print media. Neither the Arts Council nor the Indianapolis Motor Speedway will profit directly from any reproductions of the artist’s work.
All original “Welcome Race Fans” artworks may be for sale. Sites like SuperRare.co and KnownOrigin.io specialize in the sale, trade, and collection of single-edition digital artworks. The Arts Council will not take a commission if the original artwork is sold. The Arts Council and Indianapolis Motor Speedway will direct potential patrons to WelcomeRaceFansIndy.org to learn more about selected artists and their work.
Project Timeline
The project will follow this timeline:
February 11, 2021 – Request for Qualifications Released
February 28, 2021, 11:59 p.m. EST – Request for Qualifications Deadline
By March 5, 2021 – Arts Council Notifies Artists of Selection
Through March 12, 2021 - Sketch Review. Artists will send in preliminary rough sketches/concepts for approval. Turning in sketches earlier during this window is encouraged, as it will allow for more time for the artist to complete the final artwork.
April 9, 2021 – Completed “Welcome Race Fans” GIFs are delivered to the Arts Council by this date
Late April – May 2021 – “Welcome Race Fans” artworks are displayed in key Indianapolis locations and beginning the last two weeks in April and May. Print media and other artwork reproduction materials will be distributed and displayed around the city.
May 30, 2021 – 105th Running of the Indianapolis 500
How to Apply
Apply online at https://indyarts.formstack.com/forms/wrf_2021. You will be able to start your application and come back to it later if needed. The form will be able to be completed using a phone.
You will need to provide:
Delivery of Submissions
The application form must be filled out and submitted by 11:59 pm (EST) on Sunday, February 28, 2021.
Questions?
Email Lindsey Lord, Director of Artist Services and Gallery 924 at llord@indyarts.org
For more information about the Arts Council of Indianapolis, please visit www.indyarts.org.
For more information about the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, please visit www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com
