Fort Worth Public Art Seeks Artists for Gateway Improvement Projects
October 3,2022
Reposted from Near Southside.
The underpasses at Rosedale & I-35W and South Main & I-30 are overdue for improvements. The process to transform these underpasses into attractive and inviting gateways has already begun.
What are the project's goals?
Improved lighting day and night!
Inviting and safe pathways for pedestrians and cyclists!
Engaging public art!
Near Southside, Inc. leads this effort in close collaboration with Fort Worth Public Art, also working with the City of Fort Worth, Downtown Fort Worth, Inc., TxDOT, and community leaders from Historic Southside and South Main Village. At previously held public meetings, the project design team of urban planners, artists, and engineers led important and engaging discussions about these community-based projects. Now, the next phase of the project begins to find the two local artists who will help move the project forward through a Public Art Mentorship.
An important goal of the Fort Worth Public Art program is to engage more local artists in creating public art in our communities. As such, FWPA is launching a pilot mentorship program through the Near Southside Gateways project.
Fort Worth Public Art is currently seeking two (2) local artists with ties to the Near Southside and/or the Historic Southside for an opportunity to be mentored by the award-winning public artists commissioned for these projects, Bill Fitzgibbons and RE:site during the Final Design Phase for these projects.
Mentorship Goals and Opportunities
To assist local artists to emerge in the field of public art and gain the technical and administrative expertise needed to qualify for future art opportunities.
Eligibility
To be eligible, applicants must apply as individual artists and:
• Be 18+ years of age by November 6, 2022
• Have ties to Fort Worth’s Historic Southside or Near Southside communities
• Have a commitment to artistic practice and aspire to create public art
Mentorship Description and Commitment
• Selected applicants will receive an honorarium of $1,000
• Work closely with an award-winning public artist to learn vital aspects of a public art project such as: community-based art practices and engagement; conducting research regarding site context, materials, and design issues, designing within design constraints; and other duties that relate to the design, fabrication, and installation of artwork
• Be dedicated to participating in project-related meetings
• Anticipate a minimum of six months of project participation with irregular contact
Timeline
• Application Information Meeting via Zoom: Monday, October 10, 2022, 6:30 pm
• Deadline for Mentorship Application Submissions: Sunday, November 6, 2022, 11:59 pm
• Mentors Interview Mentorship Finalists: Early December 2022
• Mentorship Begins: January 2023
Applicants, please email to receive the Information Meeting link:
Michelle Cortez Gonzales
Public Art Project Manager
Mgonzales@artsfortworth.org