Call for Proposals: Interactive Gallery Artist in Residence
The Delaplaine Arts Center is accepting proposals for a yearlong artist-in-residence program as part of the Community Engagement Program. The selected artist will create, facilitate, and maintain a public, interactive, and community-oriented work of art in the 3rd-floor hallway of the Delaplaine. The project must be accessible for all ages and abilities and appropriate for all visitors to the Delaplaine.
The Delaplaine Arts Center
The Delaplaine Arts Center is an active non-profit visual arts center in downtown Frederick, Maryland, providing the region with educational opportunities and experiences in the visual arts through classes, exhibitions, and programs. Our vision is “Everyone deserves art!”
Timeline
- Proposals accepted through July 31, 2026
- Artist selected and notified by August 17, 2026
- Open to the public May 1, 2027-April 21, 2028
The Space
The 3rd-floor wall, which serves as the surface for the project, is 192 inches wide by 86 inches tall and is magnetic. The artwork created in this project must be removable from the wall. For example, it must be adhered to a layer of paper, painted onto a layer of canvas, or smaller parts of the overall composition could be temporarily adhered directly to the wall with painter’s tape.)
Supplies will be available at all times for visitors to interact with the artwork, in a cart next to the wall.
It is encouraged to visit the space prior to submitting a proposal.
Budget
The artist will be paid $300 per month, totaling $3,600. All supplies will be provided by The Delaplaine Arts Center.
Expectations of the Artist
The selected artist will be expected to:
- Maintain the project throughout its duration. This includes visiting the project frequently (at least 2 to 4 times per month) to maintain the project’s appearance and incorporate new artwork that has been created by the public.
- Lead the Creative Outlet program on Saturday, May 1, 2027, from 3-5 p.m., which will serve as a kick-off event for the project.
- Lead 1-2 workshops with a selection of the Delaplaine’s Community Engagement Partners to contribute to the project.
- Create a how-to video for the project, filmed by Delaplaine staff.
- Maintain frequent communication with the Delaplaine’s Community Engagement Manager to notify them of supply shortages or other issues.
- Spread the word about the project and the Delaplaine Arts Center to their audience and community.
- Sign a Memorandum of Understanding, provide promotional information and photos in a timely manner for the Delaplaine’s spring magazine, and submit a W9 form.
Eligibility
The selected artist must:
- Have reliable transportation and reside in Frederick County or an adjacent county.
- Be able to tend to the project 2 to 4 times per month.
- Have studio art experience.
- Be able to work with people of varying ability levels.
- Have excellent communication skills via email and phone.
- Be at least 18 years old.
How to Apply
Email a proposal, in a single PDF, to Jillian MacMaster, Community Engagement Manager.
Proposals must include:
- A thoroughly detailed description of the project, including themes explored, methods and media utilized, and how the artist and public will contribute to the work of art.
- A list of all necessary supplies, noting if the supplies are for artist use, public use, or both. Provide links if specific brands or items are preferred.
- A biography and CV.
- Five examples of the artist’s artwork, artwork created by students/people you have taught or lead in a project, or both (please indicate).
Questions may be emailed to Jillian at the email address linked above.