Calls for Entries

CALL FOR ENTRIES:

Brooklyn Utopias: IN TRANSITion

Artists consider the future of urban transportation

Katherine Gressel, curator
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: MONDAY, JULY 1, 2013
EXHIBITION DATES: SEPTEMBER 17, 2013-JANUARY 12, 2014

LOCATIONS:

1. OLD STONE HOUSE GALLERY, 3rd STREET BETWEEN 4th & 5th AVENUES, PARK SLOPE AND
SURROUNDING WASHINGTON PARK/J.J. BYRNE PLAYGROUND

2. 4th AVENUE TRAFFIC MEDIANS (FOR PUBLIC ART INSTALLATIONS)

TO APPLY:  DOWNLOAD THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS PACKET
FOR DETAILED TIMELINE, SITE IMAGES,  AND SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS!

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

Utopia: An ideal place or state.
Imagine a “Brooklyn Utopia.”

Brooklyn Utopias is an ongoing exhibit and event series, founded in 2009, in which artists, youth, activists, architects, designers and urban theorists consider differing visions of an ideal city through the “concrete” example of Brooklyn.

Brooklyn Utopias: In TRANSITion is an exhibition and events series, planned for Fall 2013, inviting artists to respond to different visions of ideal urban transportation systems, or envision their own.

Brooklyn and NYC pioneered, and were largely shaped by, mass transit, from early ferries and trolleys to modern subways and highways. Today, the growing need for reliable, affordable, and sustainable transportation has led to such local innovations as the New York Waterway Ferry, Bike Share and Brooklyn Greenway, and the grassroots work of groups like Transportation Alternatives. However, some Brooklyn neighborhoods disproportionately face transit service cuts and unsafe streets, as the entire city navigates fare hikes and battles over efficiency vs sustainability. Most recently, Hurricane Sandy has exposed the vulnerability of New York City’s existing system and raised additional questions about its future—while Grand Central Terminal celebrated its 100th anniversary with an outpouring of art exhibitions and events.

How successful are our existing transportation systems and what additional innovations are possible? How can the city’s history of transportation inform its future?

BU: In TRANSITion, planned for Brooklyn’s Old Stone House & Washington Park (OSH) and satellite public art sites (in partnership with the NYC Department of Transportation), will invite artists to either critically respond to historic and contemporary ideals about urban transportation, or propose their own. Artwork can address conditions in Brooklyn, and/or other boroughs and cities. BU: In TRANSITion will also explore artists’ direct role in shaping the future of transit design by inviting transportation organizations that partner with artists to showcase their work.

Artists and organizations are encouraged to submit proposals for new projects, or existing work that relates the theme. Projects in all media are welcome (though see “exhibition sites” sections in the PDF file for specific requirements). In addition to work for the exhibit, Artists and organizations may propose temporary outdoor projects or public performances, events, and talks to be held throughout the duration of the show’s run.

Partners/Supporters

Brooklyn Utopias: In TRANSITion is sponsored, in part, by the Greater New York Arts Development Fund of the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, administered by Brooklyn Arts Council(BAC).

Programming and promotional support provided by The New York City Department of  Transportation, Old Stone House & Washington Park, and Transportation Alternatives.

 

See below for downloadable images of the different exhibition sites. Please see photos and full descriptions in the REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS.

Old Stone House East View

Old Stone House South east view, with public art installation in Washington Park by Leon Reid IV

West view of Old Stone House, with public art installation by Tamara Gayer

Old Stone House: north garden view

Floor plan: Old Stone 2nd floor gallery/stairwell

Garden plan: Old Stone House (possible sites for public art outdoors)

Site plans for 4th avenue traffic medians

Site plans for 4th avenue traffic medians

Site plans for 4th avenue traffic medians

4th Avenue & Union St traffic median

4th Avenue & Union St traffic median