No Vacancy is a contemporary art happening that celebrates artists, provokes critical discourse, and invites the public to experience Miami Beach’s famed hotels as destination art spaces / temporary galleries. Any artist working in any medium from anywhere in the world can submit credentials and be selected to create their project.

Budget:  $10,000 stipend plus opportunity to receive a $5,000 or $20,000 prize
Eligibility: Professional artists
Deadline: 02/21/2020 10:59 PM Central Time

Project Description

NO VACANCY is an open, international art competition which takes place for 10 days (May 7-17, 2020) on Miami Beach. Art is exhibited throughout a select number of hotels in Miami Beach–lobbies, restaurants, lounges, patio areas, rooms, balconies and swimming pools may serve as the canvas. Due to Miami Beach’s environmental regulations, single-use plastic, Styrofoam and other polystyrene products will not be permitted as artwork materials. Artists are required to visit http://www.mbrisingabove.com/ for more information on Miami Beach’s sustainability initiative.

A curatorial advisory committee will select a pool of artists for participating hotels to consider. Cultural Affairs staff will work with the participating hotels to match the artist and venue, as well as serve as the project manager throughout the process. The artist and hotel will work collaboratively to select an easily accessible public area located within the hotel property for exhibition of the work. The selected applicant is responsible for fully developing the project within the allocated budget of $10,000, which must be inclusive of design, engineering, fabrication, installation, and any other cost associated with the implementation of the work. Proposed artworks may be previously realized projects or a newly conceived piece, but should take into account that works that are larger in nature will present best for this purpose.

No Vacancy is committed to providing art experiences that are accessible to everyone, free and open to the public. Public voting for the $5,000 prize will take place through an online social media platform. A jury panel will award the $20,000 prize.

Why is Miami Beach discouraging the use of single-use plastic?

Miami Beach is a unique coastal community that sits between the pristine waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the ecologically diverse Biscayne Bay. As a city that is rich in natural resources, we understand the importance of keeping our streets, waterways, and ecological habitats healthy. The reduction of single-use plastic will help protect these natural elements by:

• Decreasing the demand on natural resources to produce plastic;
• Reducing the production of greenhouse gas emissions;
• Protecting wildlife from ingesting plastic debris/litter
• Reducing litter in waterways and beaches;
• Allowing the city’s storm water system to function adequately and debris free.

Timeline

• Opportunity Announced & Promoted –January 27, 2020
• Application Deadline – February 21, 2020
• Selection of Finalists/Proposals – Early March, 2020
• Design, Fabrication and Installation- March – May 2020 (Fabrication and installation schedules may vary depending on selected project and location.)
• Project Opening: May 7, 2020
• Project Closing: May 17, 2020

Selection Process

A curatorial advisory committee will be comprised of a six-member panel: The City of Miami Beach Art in Public Places Committee (2), City of Miami Beach Cultural Arts Council (2) and Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (2). The Committee will evaluate all submissions and will select a pool of artists based on the quality of previously completed projects, artistic accomplishments, and anticipated project budget. The primary evaluation criteria will be previous artistic accomplishment as demonstrated in images of completed work samples, experience, and/or initial approach to the project as demonstrated in the preliminary project statement. If appropriate, the City reserves the right to recommend an artist directly from initially submitted applications.

Selection Criteria

Artists who demonstrate innovative, contemporary and creative approaches in addressing site specific, temporary works of art are encouraged to apply. The quality of the work, strength of the concept, design capabilities and established track record of museum/gallery exhibitions and successful project implementation will be considered of highest priority. All mediums will be considered, with the exception of performance based work. The creation of a new work is not required; however, all work should be suitable for public display.

What to Submit

Submit the following items:

1. No less than ten (10) images of previously completed visual arts / structural work. Please accurately identify medium, dimensions, date, location, client/agency, size, budget, completion date, and a brief written description.
2. Project Statement detailing initial approach to project
3. Artist Statement
4. CV

How to Submit

Submissions must be received as a complete application no later than February 21, 2020. All materials will be submitted online, via Submittable. There is NO application fee to apply or to use the Submittable online application system. For general Information about how to create or use a Submittable account, visit here.

QUESTIONS? Contact Brandi Reddick, BrandiReddick@miamibeachfl.gov or (305) 673-7577