Call for Artists
What is a CSA?
Over the last 20 years, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has become a popular way for consumers to buy seasonal food directly from local farms. With the same buy-local spirit in mind, Community Supported Art is a similar endeavor to support local art, artists and collectors. It’s been replicated in dozens of cities in North America over the past ten years, but never in Grand Rapids — until now. We are seeking artists, of all disciplines, to launch our inaugural Community Supported ART (CSA) program.
Our local CSA program is modeled on the Community Supported Art project created by Springboard for the Arts and mnartists.org in Minnesota.
Artists will be selected from a jury of local art professionals to receive a stipend of $1,000, connections to local collectors, and promotional support.
Here are the basics of how the CSA works:
Selected artists will create 50 “shares” for the program. A typical share will consist of a work of art/object of artistic production — multiples are encouraged, however creative ideas that translate your practice into this format are encouraged. For example a limited edition of vinyl 7", a run of screen-prints, series of small ceramics, run of photographs, tickets to an exclusive upcoming performance or event, letterpress editions of a poem or short story, or even 50 small original paintings. Collaborations between artists or work by collectives are also welcome. The key is to create new work that is exclusive to this CSA and not available elsewhere.
Interested collectors will purchase a share via www.avenueforthearts.co and in return receive farm boxes of locally produced artwork at 3 pick-up events this summer. Pick-ups will be at local art sites and will be events in themselves with opportunities for artists and collectors to meet, mingle, and enjoy food and music.
Benefits of the CSA program include:
For Artists:
• Support for the creation of new work
• Establish relationships with local collectors and patrons
• Participate in the launch of an exciting new model of art support and distribution!
For CSA Members:
• Receive multiple works from local artists at a fantastic value
• Develop relationships with the local artists and art community
• Support local artist’s careers and a vibrant community
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To Apply
To apply for consideration in the CSA program please submit the following materials via email with the subject line CSArt Submission to Zachary Trebellas, Avenue Director at avenueforthearts@gmail.com by February 26th.
• Resume/CV
• Samples of your current work:
- VISUAL ARTISTS: 8 jpeg images at at least 200 dpi, 1000 pixels that are similar to the work you plan to create.
- MUSICIANS: 3 MP3 audio files (images must also be included to illustrate format and packaging)
- PERFORMING ARTS – VIDEO: Please provide links to 3–5 video examples of your work hosted at an outside site. For example: YouTube, Vimeo, your website, etc.
- WRITERS: Please provide 3–5 writing samples in either PDF or Word doc format.
Artist’s statement:
A brief artist’s statement and proposal for the work you would create for the project. Why is this work a good fit for the Community Supported Art program? (One page maximum)
Selected artists will be notified by March 8th.
Guidelines:
Proposed work must be completed by July 5th.
Please contact us if your work sample documentation does not fit the suggested formats. Full stipend and delivery arrangements will be available upon acceptance of contract. The stipend award is intended to assist with the production costs of the pieces.
Work should be easily transportable and fit into a 18" x 12" x 12" box.
For questions regarding the program or application process contact Zachary Trebellas at avenueforthearts@gmail.com