The Public Art Team of the Metuchen Downtown Alliance (MDA) invites artists to propose design ideas for lantern artworks to be placed in Thomas Mundy Peterson Park on Main Street, Metuchen.
PROJECT GOALS:
In 2023 the Borough of Metuchen dedicated a new public pocket park dedicated to Thomas Mundy Peterson (first African American to vote under the US 15th Amendment in 1870) in the former Manasquan Bank drive through space.
Twelve temporary lantern artworks are being commissioned to enliven the site, provide an artistic intervention opportunity for the enjoyment of the community, and to celebrate Metuchen’s diversity and the Lunar New Year 2025.
PROJECT DETAILS:
Siting Requirements: Artists can propose to develop one lantern artwork to be placed at MDA designated areas in Peterson Park:
- Within planted beds hung from small decorative “shepherds hooks” supplied by MDA, and possibly within park entry planters
- Under open covered area (hung from ceiling, freestanding on ground, against walls)
- Nothing to be hung from trees, bushes or other planted material, or drilled into or attached to the hardscape
- All lanterns must be secured for outdoor installation
- Installation groupings to be curated by MDA Public Art Team
Material Requirements:
- Appropriate design and material for outdoor environment; must hold up to varying temperatures, sunlight and humidity conditions for approximately one month in winter
- Weight commensurate with installation/site; nothing over 5 lbs. for hooks
- Size commensurate with installation/site; nothing over 2’H for hooks
- All artworks must function as lanterns
- Illumination of lanterns by battery or solar (no electricity or fire); light color to be warm/softer yellow hue (not cool white) and match others in exhibition
BUDGET: Artists will be selected for an all-inclusive budget award of $150/each— full amount released upon MDA receipt of artist’s signed letter of agreement. Budget awards to include all project related fees, including artist and design fees, travel/meetings, materials and supplies, insurance, labor, equipment, fabrication and delivery to and from the site. Artists may choose to donate the lanterns to the MDA who can then sell them following their display in Peterson Park with proceeds going toward future MDA Public Art Team projects.
PRE-SELECTION SITE MEETING: A pre-selection site meeting will be held with members of the MDA Public Art Team on Saturday, 10/6/24 at 1 PM to view the site and provide an opportunity for questions.
SELECTION PROCESS: Artist selection will be by the MDA Public Art Team. Twelve proposals will be selected and artists notified by 11/22/24. Each artist will be required to sign an agreement to the terms of the project before work can commence. No previous public art experience required; artists of all career levels and locations are welcome to apply.
TIMELINE:
9/30/24—Post Open Call & Application
10/5/24—Pre-Selection Site Meeting at 1pm
11/8/24—Application Due with proposal design for final selection
11/22/24—Notification of Artist Selection with letter of agreement
1/18/25—Final artworks delivered to the site (or storage until site finalized) 1/18/25 – 1/19/25—MDA curated Installation of Lanterns at Site
1/25/25 (tentative date)—Public celebration of project and Lunar New Year (1/29/25) 1/20/25 – 2/22/25—Lanterns on view
TBD—Public engagement program
2/23/25—Lanterns de-installed and removed from site
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
- Name/Address/Email/Phone Number/Website
- Indicate if attending Pre-Selection Site Meeting
- Three digital images of artist’s work (each jpeg 72 dpi and 1200 pixels at its widest), including artists’ name, date, dimensions, medium & location (if appropriate)
- Brief written description of design proposal and materials and design sketch with approximate dimensions and attachment requirements (if any)
- Brief general estimated budget breakdown
- Indication of whether or not the lantern will be donated with the MDA
HOW TO APPLY: Submission may be emailed to publicart.metuchen@gmail.com
