News
October 20, 2020Albany Public Library & Opalka Gallery Issue Artist Call for Creative Curbsides
Albany Public Library (APL) announces a new initiative, Creative Curbsides, which will provide local artists a chance to propose site-specific public artworks at two of its most frequented branches at a time when the libraries are meeting a large demand for curbside pickups. Creative Curbsides will create bright, colorful art installations in the front-facing windows of the libraries to greet users as they adapt to using the library in a whole new way. Creative Curbsides is part of APL’s partnership with Opalka Gallery and the Art at APL program.
Art at APL is a curated fine arts exhibition program at the Pine Hills Branch showcasing the work of contemporary artists connected to the Capital Region. The program, which began in 2013, integrates professional artwork into public spaces within the library, enriches the library experience, and gives visitors something interesting and educational to look at while they browse the collections. The program is funded in part by the Friends and Foundation of Albany Public Library. As the library has adapted to pandemic protocols, so has Art at APL. Creative Curbsides will bring art to the forefront to engage library patrons, neighborhood residents, and pedestrians.
Creative Curbsides seeks proposals for original public artworks for the windows at two APL branches: Bach and Arbor Hill/West Hill. All artists are welcome to apply; BIPOC artists and artists who reside in Albany are encouraged. Artists, designers, studios, and artist teams may submit multiple concepts for this project. Two artists/artists teams will be chosen. Artists may propose to use/transform the outside or inside of the windows, but may not drill holes in any part of the exterior of the buildings. Washable paint, paper, textiles, vinyl cling, screens, sculptures hung behind windows or displayed on the window sills that divide each pane of glass, and other creative ways of interacting with the windows is encouraged. Proposals should avoid political messages and be suitable for a general, all-age public. Successful proposals will be beautiful, bright, cheery and/or hopeful. Initial applications are due at or before 11:59 pm on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in the form of a SINGLE PDF emailed to opalka@sage.edu.
An open house for interested artists is scheduled at each branch:
• Bach Branch, 455 New Scotland Ave., on Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 5:00-6:00 pm
• Arbor Hill/West Hill Branch, 148 Henry Johnson Blvd., on Thursday, Oct. 29 from 5:00-6:00 pm
Applicants are not required to attend, but strongly encouraged.
The selection committee will judge proposals on the following criteria: quality, originality, and appeal of the concept, feasibility within timeframe and budget, concept’s appropriateness for the site, and artist’s proven capacity for timely completion of the project.
The chosen artists will be notified in early November and will receive a $1,500 stipend which includes artists fee, materials, sundries, travel, and any other incidentals.
Interested artists can visit https://sites.google.com/sage.edu/creativecurbsides for the full guidelines.
Artist questions can be directed to Amy Griffin at Opalka Gallery, opalka@sage.edu.
