D.U.M.B.O. Art Under the Bridge Festival

Deadline: JUNE 1, 2009 (RECEIVE)

D.U.M.B.O. Art Under the Bridge Festival®
DUMBO ARTS CENTER
Brooklyn, NY
September 25, 26, 27, 2009


The ART UNDER THE BRIDGE FESTIVAL® was launched as a grassroots initiative by Dumbo artists in 1997. The success of that first event, which drew thousands of visitors and media attention to the then unknown neighborhood of Dumbo (= Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass), spawned the Dumbo Arts Center (DAC) . In addition to its year-round gallery programs, DAC has been the exclusive producer of the festival since. While the neighborhood has undergone rapid transition in the interim years, the festival has continued to capture the public imagination and attracts approx. 100,000 visitors to Dumbo each year. The historical area spans the East River waterfront between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges and is bordered to the north by the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. Circumscribed by these boundaries, it is a contained neighborhood. By virtue of its stunning vistas, the backdrop of the Manhattan skyline, monumental bridges and 19th century warehouse architecture, Dumbo is also one of the most photogenic and cinematic neighborhoods in New York City.

The festival is multi-site throughout Dumbo and presents 60+ new outdoor art projects each year as well as video_dumbo, the non-stop marathon of cutting edge video art. Hundreds of local artists open their studios as do Dumbo’s visual arts residencies. The event is about experiencing the visual arts via a neighborhood, and experiencing a neighborhood through the visual arts. It is free and accessible to all while allowing visual artists unparalleled freedom and access to spaces and environments normally off-limits.

In its role as producer, DAC provides access, assistance, insurance, marketing and PR. To date, DAC’s limited budget does not allow for artists’ stipends or production funds, but be assured, it is a goal we continue to work on relentlessly.

Here is a list of the proposal categories (surprise us with new ones if you wish). All visual arts media accepted. Remember, DAC loves risk, innovation, site-responsive/specific ideas. Go for it!

• PROJECT GLOW: Installations and sculptures in light that illuminate the waterfront, Empire Fulton Ferry State Park and Brooklyn Bridge Park.

• SITE-SPECIFIC INSTALLATION AND SCULPTURE: Site-specific sculpture, installations and environ¬mental interventions for the waterfront, bridges, streets, parks, and elsewhere. Artists are encouraged to use sound, light and encourage audience participation.

• ELEVATOR / LOBBY ART: Projects that use lobbies and elevators located in Dumbo, while engaging festival visitors in existing corporate environments. Past projects have included lights, sound, projections and soap.

• ROVING / PERFORMANCE / LIVE ART: Live art activities throughout the weekend of the festival. You may schedule specific times and locations for your performance, or act as a wandering art piece.

• INTERACTIVE ART: Projects that change the role of an audience from spectator to fellow collaborator.

• SIMULTANEOUS PROJECTIONS: Slides, film loops, video and motion graphics to simultaneously illuminate streets, buildings and windows.

• WATER ART: In, on, over, under the water, onshore and offshore, artists are urged to explore the possibilities of art on the river within Brooklyn Bridge Park, Empire Fulton Ferry State Park and elsewhere in the neighborhood.

• LEAD A GUIDED TOUR! Propose your take on the concept of a “guided tour,” to entertain, educate and engage visitors.

• VIDEO_DUMBO: This event is primarily designed to showcase new work of video artists living in the greater New York City area. All genres are eligible, however, the focus of the festival is on video art. Accepted formats: DVD and MiniDV. (visit website for forms)

• OPEN STUDIOS: Artists with studios in Dumbo may register by dropping off or mailing a $25.00 fee with registration form to the Dumbo Arts Center gallery (visit website for registration deadline)


PROPOSAL GUIDELINES
Detailed proposals are required for all categories. Proposals MUST include all of the following to be considered:

1. Brief description of the project/ statement of intent.
2. Visuals of proposed project: renderings, manipulated photographs, drawing, video
3. Technical diagram: dimensions, materials, installation requirements, and all other technical information
4. List of three possible locations in Dumbo.
5. Examples of previous work as related to proposed project.
6. CV
7. Completed application form.

Please submit TWO COPIES of each proposal.

Drop off or send proposals to:
Festival Proposal
Dumbo Arts Center
30 Washington Street,
Brooklyn, NY 11201

Project proposals that do not adhere to the guidelines or are sent after deadline will be not be considered. No exceptions.

DAC’s curatorial staff is available year-round to meet with artists interested in participating.

For more information call: 718.694.0831 or email: gallery@dumboartscenter.org

Download the application form: artist_form2009.pdf

Visit website for complete details: DAC - Art Under the Bridge Festival