QUESTIONS ABOUT THE GROUP & SOLO EXHIBITIONS


Q: How are Solo Exhibition artists chosen? Is it too late to try for this?
The solo artists are hand selected by our curator, Michael Duncan. The process in which Michael Duncan is selecting artists is based on his previous experience with Texas-based artists and his correspondents at various Texas art institutions. The artists selected for these exhibits will most likely be awarded to mid-career Texas artists and the selection is purely up to our curator's discretion. Those that apply for the group exhibition component are not excluded from the running, however there is no submission process for the solo exhibits.

Q: I noticed that the two Group Exhibition locations are the Mexican American Cultural Center and Women and their Work. Are works chosen for these galleries based on their customary foci? I am neither female nor latino. Do I have a chance?
The group exhibition is juried by Michael Duncan and will be curated for the physical space, not their respective missions to support Latino or female artists. The call is open to all Texas-based artists and the selection of artists will be based on the curators individual concept for the group exhibition as a whole.



QUESTIONS ABOUT TEMPORARY OUTDOOR PROJECTS


Q: Who owns my piece when the exhibition closes?

A: The artist retains ownership of the work after the Biennial concludes. It will need to be removed from City property, and the site will need to be restored to its original condition.

Q: How is money dispersed?
A: The money will be dispersed in payments over the year starting upon selection confirmation until the final installation process in March 2009.

Q: If my piece is selected when will it be installed?
A: All works will be installed in March 2009, and have a grand opening coinciding with the opening activities of the rest of the Texas Biennial.

Q: What’s the review process like?
A: Michael Duncan and Risa Puleo are the primary jurors. A non-voting team of City department staff will assist them.

Q: If I am selected, will I be asked to participate in any public events?
A: There will be a public programming component to the Texas Biennial, and all selected artists will be involved to some extent. The nature of the public programming or events will be designed and scheduled in cooperation with the artists.

Q: Will experience be an issue?
A: An artist’s past experience is always important, but it is not a requirement to have completed a public art project to be commissioned for this opportunity. There are several factors, including past work, qualifications and strength of concept, that go into the selection decision.

Q: Will there be more then one project on a site?
A: It depends on the proposals. If one project requires an entire site, then that information should be included in the proposal. Also, works by different artists may also occupy the same approximate site, if appropriate.

Q: How long will the public work be up?
A: This depends on the artist’s proposal and intent for the work. It could be an hour-long performance, or an ephemeral installation that lasts as long as the environment supports it, a participatory event scheduled on several dates, or a durable piece that can last for months. All works must be de-installed by end of December, 2009.

Q: Can the artist propose permanent works?
A: We are not considering permanent works at this time.

Q: How many sites are there to choose from?
A: There are four available park land sites. Maps and information for all sites can be found on the Texas Biennial website.

Q: Is there electrical power available?
A: There are some options for tapping into existing sources of power at some sites (the MACC, the east side of the DAC, and the north side of Auditorium Shores). Work with electrical needs is best sited relatively near an existing facility or source at those sites. Artists with specific questions about electrical power should contact Meghan Turner, AIPP Coordinator, at 512.974.9314, to discuss.

Q: How many images of the proposed project are required?
A: There should be 3 separate views of the proposed project.

Q: How strict is the budget?
A: There is some flexibility in the budget. Although it is important to have a thorough plan which shows attention to detail and a well-rounded concept. Generally, we are commissioning several works in the range of $3,000 - $10,000.

Q: Where can find price information for the items on the budget?
A: This budget form is a generic template for the City of Austin. Not all of the information is applicable to your specific project, but the form should be filled out to the best of your ability. You do not need to obtain specific quotes from suppliers at this point, unless it helps you in your research process of determining whether the work is feasible. Insurance (auto and general liability) should be budgeted for an average of $500. Workers’ Comp insurance may be waived by the artist, but any non-volunteer assistance working on-site will need to be covered. More details can be provided upon commission. Any specific budget-related questions can be directed to Meghan Turner, AIPP Coordinator, at 512.974.9314.

Q: Where can I find information of Artist Insurance?
A: AIPP has a full list of insurers to contact for a quote, which will be made available to those who request more information. However, this can be done once the artist is selected for commission.

Q: How long should we carry the insurance policy?
A: Most insurance policies offer coverage for a year

 

Please contact us with any questions at:

info@texasbiennial.com

512.385.1670


Texas Biennial
5305 Bolm Rd #12
Austin, TX 78721

TEXAS BIENNIAL 2009