With expressions of interest to be matched with an artist to participate in

WITH ART

a community art program

  seeks community groups interested in participating in WITH ART, a program that creates opportunities for collaborative art projects between community groups and artists of all disciplines.

To support and foster the development of the arts on behalf of the people of Portage. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION AND GOALS WITH ART is a program that creates opportunities for collaborative art projects between community groups and artists of all disciplines in Winnipeg.

The program is based on the belief that WITH ART communities can explore issues, ideas, and concerns, voice community identity, express historical and cultural spirit, and create dialogue. Exploration and the process of art-making are central to WITH ART. The end product of the collaboration need not be a permanent work of art but the project should include a public event such as an exhibition or performance. WITH ART is designed to be flexible and experimental and truly collaborative. Both communities and artists will be asked to approach the process without preconceptions of what the final product will be. Artists and community groups will create a project based on community goals, the artist’s working methods and the partnership that subsequently develops.

 

The type of project that might develop could include Documentary artworks such as books, videos, or exhibitions; Performances, plays, concerts, readings, or dance; Site-specific artworks, which may include permanent outdoor outworks. Ephemeral works in various media. These are suggestions only, intended to spark possibilities.

The goal of the program is that the final project is an expression of the collaboration between artists and community. Community is defined as broadly as possible and refers to a group of people brought together by any number of forces including a shared heritage, geography, tradition, history, mission, culture, lifestyle or interest. Groups must have a history of working together.

 

A call will be issued to artists wishing to participate in a community-based process. Following an application and interview process, artists will be considered on the basis of artistic excellence, experience, ability to work well with a wide range of people and the ability and willingness to work collaboratively with community members on a shared goal. Selected artists will form a roster from which the participating community partner will select an artist whose art practice they feel best suits their interests. When a final match is made, the artist will be asked to provide Criminal Record and Child Abuse Registry Checks. The artist will then receive funding for the project but will collaborate with the community on the budget details. WITH ART PROJECTS Completed or in DevelopmentWe understand and encourage the fact that each community group and each artist will have a unique perspective and no two projects will be the same.

However, the following information may be helpful in understanding the intent and results of the program to date. Since WITH ART was initiated in 2006, several thousand people from diverse communities have participated in and been impacted by art projects that explore community identity and issues.

Seventeen projects are now complete or in development:

COMPLETED:

The Craftastics: Agents for Social Change: Artist Jennie O and the Valley Gardens Middle School Grrlz Club created a deck of trading cards featuring their super hero alter-egos to combat gender discrimination, stereotyping, body-issues, depression, anxiety, gossip, peer pressure and bullying.

Picturing a Bright Future: The Eritrean Women’s Photography Project: Artist Sarah Crawley mentored a group of Eritrean women – all recent immigrants to Winnipeg – in the art of photography. The process resulted not only in the creation of beautiful objects, but in a newly discovered empowerment, creativity and confidence for the women, all of whom are rebuilding their lives in Canada.

Winnipeg First Nation:

Heart of a Home: Filmmaker Jim Sanders and the Manitoba Urban Native Housing Association created a film that explores Aboriginal housing in Winnipeg.

Live/Life from 95: Filmmakers Ervin Chartrand and Jim Agapito worked with the youth of the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba to create a rap song, video and making-of documentary that reflects the immigrant and refugee experience.

Elwick Community Centre: Artist Dimitry Melman-Komar and the Elwick Community produced a vibrant mosaic tile mural for the outdoor walls of a Maples neighborhood community centre.

The Birthing Project: Artist Judy Jennings and the Manitoba Maternity Care Action Network collaborated on a glass installation reflecting images of birth that is now installed in the new Birth Centre.

Spence Community Compass: Artist Leah Decter with the Spence Neighbourhood Association collaborated on a permanent installation at Furby Park, on Furby Street north of Ellice Avenue, that explores notions of home through mosaic, indigenous plantings and text.

Empty: Theatre artist Hope McIntyre worked with participants of a Winnipeg Harvest Food Bank depot at the First Unitarian Universalist Church to create a play about the daily struggle to access food.

Queer Perspectives: Painter Lisa Wood mentored youth from Rainbow Resource Centre’s Peer Project for Youth and together they created an exhibition and book that explores forming identity while negotiating, pushing and breaking perceived norms of gender and sexuality.

Sombo A Diba: choreographer Casimiro Nhussi created an original dance piece performed by volunteer dancers from the African Community of Manitoba (ACOMI).

The Challenges of Giving Shelter: Filmmaker Kevin Nikkel worked with the staff of the Winnipeg Humane Society to create a documentary that explores the challenges of providing humane treatment to animals.

IN DEVELOPMENT:Documentary photographer Jon Schledewitz is collaborating with residents of Dorchester House on a photography and book project that examines the lives of the residents of the halfway house.

Trans-media artist Jim Agapito is working with Sunshine House, a volunteer-run drop-in centre that provides harm-reduction services.

Interdisciplinary artist Karen Cornelius is working with the Manitoba Environmental Youth Network.

Playwright Hope McIntyre is working with West Broadway Youth Outreach’s Girls’ World.

Media artist Heidi Phillips is working with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives and youth from Pathways to Education.

Interdisciplinary artist Leah Decter is working with Peace Alliance Winnipeg.

Artist Dimitry Melman is working with the WRENCH (Winnipeg Repair Education and Cycling Hub).

COMMUNITY GROUP ELIGIBILITY

Community refers to a group of people brought together by any number of forces including a shared heritage, geography, tradition, history, mission, culture, lifestyle or interest. Community groups must have a history of working together. Interested applicants should have in mind a common goal that they wish to explore through the art making process. Community groups must be located in the City of Winnipeg. WITH ART is not a grant program for projects already underway. Organizations that receive operating funding from the Winnipeg Arts Council or are fully funded agencies of the City of Winnipeg are not eligible. Youth-engaged community groups interested in undertaking a specifically youth-focused project should apply to the Youth WITH ART program. Please note: Community groups should not apply with a specific project or artist in mind. SELECTION CRITERIACommunity groups’ applications will be reviewed on the basis of:

Expression of a shared goal to explore issues through art, including but not limited to identity, social issues, cultural expression, history or the environment;

A commitment to working collaboratively with an artist to explore these community issues;A willingness to enter the process without a predetermined idea about the outcome;The belief that the art-making process is a unique and valid way to express community identity and concerns;Community cohesion and evidence of a history of working together as a group;A commitment of community time to work on the project.

SELECTION and MATCHING PROCESS

A selection panel composed of people with proven experience in art and community-building will review the applications based on the selection criteria above. Selection of community groups will be based on the written expression of interest. Facilitated by WAC staff, the community groups chosen to participate will review the artist roster and select a shortlist of artists whose art practice would be most compatible with their interests and goals.

Following an interview process between the community groups and artists, a final match will be made. The selected, matched artist will receive funding to carry out the project and the budget will be developed in collaboration with the community partner. It is anticipated that the initial jury process will take place in January 2014.

The matching process with community groups will depend upon scheduling availability but it is hoped this process will be completed by May 2014. Please note that the Winnipeg Arts Council is not compelled to select community groups based on the applications received.

PROCESS OVERVIEW

1. Call to artists is issued for expressions of interest.

2. Call to community groups to participate in program is issued.

3. Selection panel recommends artists to form roster.

4. Selection panel chooses community group(s) to participate.

5. Each selected community group, in collaboration with WAC, selects an artist to work with from the roster based on review of materials and interviews.

6. Matched artist enters into a contract with WAC and the City and into a WAC- facilitated Working Agreement with the Community Group; artist receives first phase of project funding.

7. Artist and community group meet to develop ideas, plan and budget. Planning typically lasts about three months.

8. Budget and plan are approved by WAC and funding is released.

9. Artist and community work on project with regular reporting process to WAC. Projects typically last about one year.

10. Project culminates in a public event.

BUDGET

Community groups will not receive funding. Artists or artist teams* matched with a community group will receive a planning fee of $3,000 in the initial stage of the project. The artist and community group will work together during this period to formulate the kind of ideas they wish to explore, as well as develop a budget and implementation plan. Additional funding of up to $14,000 will be made available to the artist to carry out the project, based on a payment schedule, budget, implementation plan and working agreement approved by WAC.

Community groups will not receive funding but the budget will be developed collaboratively between the artist and community group. The budget must include an artist fee for the implementation stage of the collaboration as well as cover all aspects of the project including but not limited to planning, community consultation, materials, insurance, and any other resources necessary to complete the project. **Artists working as a team must share the total funding available.**

WORKING AGREEMENT

The selected community group will be required to enter into a Working Agreement with the artist, facilitated by WAC and endorsed by the City of Winnipeg, that outlines the roles and responsibilities of all parties as well as rights of use and ownership.

FINAL ARTWORK

The final artwork will become the property of the City of Winnipeg but with broad allowances for use by the various parties. Copyright remains with the artist and/or with both the artist and community group in a shared arrangement. 

LETTER OF INTEREST: Application RequirementsCommunity groups wishing to be considered must submit a detailed Letter of Interest. The letter should describe your group and address why you wish to work with an artist. Please prepare your letter with the following headings, and answer the following questions:

1. Community DescriptionHow do you define your ‘community’? Which members of this community do you envision participating in such a project?What is your history of working together as a group? Include a description of your mission or describe the common interest or activity that brings your community together.If you are a neighborhood group, what are your boundaries?What are the current projects and future initiatives planned by your community?

2. Participants, Leadership and Resources

Who will lead the project for your community?

Please use the application form to list two people who will serve as community liaisons. Community leads must sign the application form.

How is your group prepared to contribute time and human resources toward the project?

Is there any other resource or special contribution that your community is able to commit to the project?

Is there a space in your community to meet with the artist? Please describe it.

3. Working with an Artist

Why do you want to work with an artist?

Describe the issue you would like to explore with an artist.

How you feel the art-making process would address this issue?

How will a collaborative art project benefit or impact your community in a broader sense?

How could an art project with your community contribute to the city?

Does your community have experience working with art and artists?What kinds of artists can you imagine working with (e.g. writer, visual artist, filmmaker, musician, dancer, theatre artist)?

APPLICATION DOCUMENTS

All application documents must be suitable for photocopying, presented on white, letter-sized paper (8½” X 11”, in portrait orientation) as outlined below. Please DO NOT staple applications or bind them in any way in folders, binders or plastic covers. Completed Application Form (page 7 of this document). Letter of Interest (see above for letter requirements and format). (Optional) Support Materials, such as examples of programs your group has initiated or other materials that describes your group’s activities. These may include items such as pamphlets, brochures, etc. If you wish to have these support materials returned, you must enclose a stamped, addressed envelope. Please ensure that the envelope is appropriate to the support material and contains sufficient packing material as well as sufficient postage. Please note that only support materials will be returned, not the Letter of Interest documents.

DEADLINE

Complete application packages must be received on or before January 14, 2014 by 4:00 pm. (This is not a postmark deadline). Incomplete and/or late applications will not be accepted. Faxed or e-mailed applications will not be accepted. The Winnipeg Arts Council will not be responsible for applications lost in transit. While all reasonable care will be taken in the handling of materials, the Winnipeg Arts Council cannot take responsibility for lost or damaged materials. Application materials will not be returned unless you have submitted support material you wish returned. In this case you must also enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure the application package reaches the WAC office by the deadline. All applicants will receive a notice by mail or e-mail that their application has been received. If you have submitted an application and do not receive notification within two weeks, please contact the WAC office. Please send applications to: WITH ART - CommunitiesWinnipeg Arts Council103-110 Princess StreetWinnipeg, Manitoba R3B 1K7 For additional information or questions please contact:Tricia Wasney, Manager-Public Art, (204)943-7668 or by e-mail at twasney@winnipegarts.ca; ortamara rae biebrich, Artist Projects Manager, (204)943-7668 or by e-mail at tamara.rae@winnipegarts.ca. The Winnipeg Arts Council reserves the right to choose to not recommend any application, proposal or finalist and to terminate or re-advertise any project. For any Program and Call to Communities updates please visit www.winnipegarts.ca.WITH ARTCall to Communities APPLICATION FORM Name of Community Group Website address, if applicable Community Representatives: 1) Name & Role Mailing Address Postal Code qCell qWork Phone: qHome Fax E-mail Signature of applicant Date 2) Name and Role Mailing Address Postal Code qCell qWork Phone: qHome Fax E-mail Signature of applicant Date Application ChecklistPlease submit these items in the following order:1. q Application Form (this page)2. q Letter of Interest (see pages 4 & 5 for letter requirements and format)3. q Support Material (optional) AND: q I have included a self-addressed stamped envelope for return of support materials.OR: q I do not want my support materials returned. Send submissions to: WITH ART - CommunitiesWinnipeg Arts Council103-110 Princess StreetWinnipeg, Manitoba R3B 1K7 Complete proposal packages must be received on or before 4:00 pm, January 14, 2014 (not a postmark deadline). Incomplete, late, faxed or e-mailed applications will not be accepted. Please let us know how you found out about this opportunity The Winnipeg Arts Council funds, supports and fosters development of the arts on behalf of the people of Winnipeg.