Public Works: Call for Submissions

Deadline: December 31st, 2024 at 11:59pm EST

Factory Media Centre (FMC) is seeking proposals of experimental new media works for a large-scale outdoor projection public art exhibition, taking place in the core of downtown Hamilton, Ontario. Four artists will be selected to create site-responsive projected public artworks, to be on-view in late February 2025. 

We encourage submitting artists to consider the following:

  • The local history, people, and future of Hamilton’s downtown core
  • How can video / new media artwork activate community spaces in unexpected, playful, joyful, or fun ways? 
  • How are city and community spaces assigned value and given meaning?
  • In what ways can public new media art engage with and honour the community it exists in? 

Eligibility

  • Primary residence is within Canada.
  • We are accepting submissions from artists in all levels of their careers. We accept submissions from individual artists and artist teams. 
  • Previous experience and/or knowledge of experimental video, projection mapping, digital new media work, and/or projection work is not required, but is considered an asset. 

Details 

  • Final works will be exhibited in an outdoor large-scale projection on the side of the building at 14 James Street North and King William Street, Hamilton ON from February 13th – 16th, 2025. 
  • Each artist’s work will be exhibited for one evening for 4 hours. Short works can be looped
  • Selected artists will receive an artist fee of $2600  
  • Successful applicants will be given in-kind access to FMC’s equipment library and studios for the duration of the project
  • Examples of works include but not limited to: short experimental video, site-responsive projection mapping, looping animation, digital renders, etc
  • Please keep in mind that final works will be experienced in a public space during the winter. Due to this, proposed works should avoid a narrative long-form focus
  • There will be no audio component to this installation. Please be aware that all final works will be silent.
  • Projected works do not have to fill the entire wall space. View further images of the projection site wall and setup location here.
  • The projector will be setup inside of the Lister Block building at 8 James St N., across the street from the projection site wall, projecting through a window.
  • Proposals can be for the creation and development of new works, or building from already existing works
  • Proposals of discriminatory artworks that are harmful to and/or target specific marginalized groups are not permitted. Factory Media Centre operates within an anti-oppression framework and proposals of this nature will not be accepted or tolerated. Proposed artwork must not contain content or images that can be considered obscene, sexually explicit, depict nudity, are profane, depict graphic violence, incite violence, or depict or incite illegal actions. 
  • Proposed artwork must not incorporate imagery resembling traffic signals or signage and/or any content that may pose a distraction to drivers.

Artist Expectations 

  • Deliver an experimental video / animation / digital new media artwork to be projected outdoors in Hamilton’s downtown core. 
  • Consistently communicate with FMC staff during development of the work regarding progress, questions, or concerns. 
  • Final work to be completed and delivered February 1st, 2025. 
  • Commit to participation in ancillary programming for the project (i.e. artist talks, Q&A’s, etc.), to occur either online or in-person.

Adjudication

  • Selection criteria is based on project feasibility, originality, and responsiveness to project themes. 
  • Submissions will be juried by FMC’s Programming Committee along with two guest adjudicators from the Hamilton arts community. 

Submission Requirements

  1. Artist Information: Name, Email, Phone number, Pronouns, Website & Social Media (if applicable), and Location
  2. Artist Bio (150 words max)
  3. Artwork Description: Describe the artwork you wish to create or include in the project (600 words max) Please consider the following:
    • What will it look like?
    • Are there any themes or ideas that will help us understand your proposed artwork?
    • How does the proposed work speak specifically to Hamilton’s downtown? 
  4. Technical Requirements (100 words max per question): 
    • What equipment, if any, will you need from FMC for production of the work? (View our equipment and presentation gear holdings here )
    • Do you have any previous experience with large-scale projection work, projection mapping, or other similar experience? (ex. cinema screenings, outdoor projection, projection mapping (using specific software or DIY methods etc.)
    • How best can FMC staff support the development of this project? Do you anticipate requiring specific support in the development of your work? 
  5. Visual Support Material:
    • Provide 5-10 images, and/or links to video files in one PDF file with image and link information such as: Title, Year, Medium, Duration/Size, and if applicable: a short 1-2 sentence description of how this is relevant to your proposal. 
    • Video support material links can exceed 5 minutes in length, but please note that our jury cannot commit to viewing submitted material in full. Please ensure links are able to be accessed by the public. If there is a password to view the link, include the password in your support material PDF. 
  6. CV (3 pages max)
Click here to complete the online submission form

Please contact Eli at programming@factorymediacentre.ca with any questions or concerns.

Please apply through the online submission form only. Hard copy and email submissions will not be considered, unless special accommodations are requested. Notification can be expected in early January 2025.

Factory Media Centre is committed to equity in all aspects of its operations. We accept submissions from artists, collectives, filmmakers, community members, and curators at all stages of career levels which display local and regional experimental media artwork. We strongly encourage applications from Black and Indigenous artists, persons with disabilities, ethnic or racial minorities, immigrants and refugees, Francophones, LGBTQI+ persons, women, and persons of all socio-economic walks of life.

This project is produced by Factory Media Centre and presented by the City of Hamilton.