FAQS
What is the Emerging Artist Open Call, anyway?
The Emerging Artist Open Call invites artists working in all mediums to submit proposals for a new public art commission, to be presented in New York City in 2021. The call is designed for early career artists as a platform for experimentation and career advancement.
Can I still apply?
No, unfortunately the application window is now closed. Applications were accepted from January 21st, 2020 to March 23rd, 2020.
Who was eligible to apply?
We welcomed proposals from emerging artists, regardless of age, at a critical career juncture in which the opportunity to experiment and receive resources from a major arts organization would be impactful. Proposals could be submitted by single artists or artist collectives that meet the below criteria:
– Artists must have experience conceiving and executing works or projects, but have not yet received substantial support from a major arts institution.
– Artists must be over 21, and based in the New York City area.
– Artists cannot be currently enrolled in a degree program.
We encouraged anyone who considers themselves an emerging artist to apply.
What do you mean by NYC-based artist?
The Emerging Artist Open Call was restricted to artists living in the New York Metropolitan area who could commit to being physically present in New York City throughout the project production period. In the future, our intention is to expand the regional scope of the initiative.
How is the artist selected?
All complete proposals received by March 23, 2020 at 11:59pm EST will be reviewed internally by Creative Time. In May, shortlisted artists will be notified and invited to submit a more detailed proposal that includes site parameters, a production timeline, a budget, and sketches or renderings. Shortlisted artists will receive templates and general guidance for these items. Creative Time will review these proposals in collaboration with a jury composed of curators, artists, and community members.
When will the selected artist be announced?
The selected artist will be announced in Winter 2020.
When will the selected project open to the public?
The selected project will be presented in New York City in 2021 and will be free and open to the public. The precise opening date will depend on the scale and nature of the exhibition.
Where will the selected project take place?
The selected project will be presented in New York City, at a site to be determined by the selected artist in collaboration with Creative Time. Please note that artists do not need to specify a site for their proposed project in their initial proposal. Shortlisted artists will be asked to share a more detailed proposal that includes site parameters.
Is there an artist fee granted for the selected proposal?
Yes, the selected artists will receive a fee based on the scale of their project.
What is the budget?
Artists should propose a project that can be realized for $50,000 or less. Note that only artists who advance to the semi-finalist round will be asked to submit a budget. In addition to the production funds, the selected artist will receive an artist fee based on the scope of the proposal.
The selected artist will be supported by Creative Time’s team in every aspect, including curatorial support, project management, production and fabrication, marketing, audience building and engagement, and mentorship.
How does this fit within Creative Time’s mission?
As New York City’s vanguard public art organization, Creative Time has historically worked with artists to produce projects which engender dialogue, encourage debate, and take on the most pressing issues of our time. Often some of the most exciting, impactful, and ambitious ideas come from artists who have not yet been afforded the opportunity to work in public space. The open call format is designed to more broadly hear from artists at a pivotal point in their career, and those ready to develop an idea into a site specific public exhibition.
