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Downtown South Bend
Window Galleries Proposal
Background Downtowns across the Mid -west are employing creative tactics in the face of the
negative effects of darkened storefronts. Currently, there are two vacant spaces in
the Redevelopment Commission owned Michigan Street Shops center —121 and
123 S. Michigan.
One approachthat The Chicago Loop Alliance and Downtown Evanstonhave
successfully employed to enliven the streetscape and highlight available spaces has
been to transform the windows of empty storefronts into temporary "Window
Galleries" displaying the work of local artists.
We (DTSB staff and board members) believe that downtown South Bend is a perfect
candidate for a similar program. Over the past several years, Downtown South Bend
Inc. (DTSB) has successfully grown Art Beat as a signature event in downtown
attracting regional attention, bringing thousands of visitors, and strengthening the
image of downtown as an arts destination. The Downtown South Bend Window
Galleries program proposes to leverage the positive energy of ArtBeat and further
enhance the brand of downtown as a cultural hub.
Project Goals 1. To enhance the image of Downtown South Bend as an Arts and Cultural
District
2. To highlight and draw attention to available spaces in a positive manner
3. To enhance the pedestrian experience for visitors to downtown
4. To highlight local artistic talent
The Process • DTSB willinvite local artists /arts organizations to set up a temporary art
installationin the window space of empty redevelopment commission -
owned storefronts (namely 121 and 123 S. Michigan), for a period not to
exceed 90 -days. There is also potential to bring the former State Cafe space
into the program.
Selected artists /organizations will agree to vacate the space within two
weeks if notified in writing that a renter has been found for the space prior
to the end of the 90 -day period.
• In order to maximize synergy with Art Beat (August 27, 2011), we propose
that the program take place during the months of July, August, and
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September.
• The art will be selected either via jury or curated by an established local art
organization such as the South Bend Museum of Art or a local gallery.
Selection criteria will include consideration of the specific space.
• Artists will be granted access to the space for the initial set -up, the break-
down, and in the case they may need to swap out a painting. There is no
need for the storefronts to be staffed as all the art will be viewed through
the window.
• DTSB will furnish a poster for each window containing the artist's bio and
contact information.
• For Rent signs will remain and be prominently displayed on the door of each
space.
• Artists will supply all the materials required for the installation.
• DTSB will launch the exhibits with an opening to be held in conjunction with
the First Friday in July which is themed "Dinner and a Movie ".
• The selected artists will be present at the opening. People will gather
outside the space and the artist will speak for a few minutes about their
installation.
NOTE: Utilities are expected to be minimal. The only lights will be those in the
window space.
Time Line • The selection process will take place during the month of June
• Program participants will be granted access to the store -at the end of June,
to set -up their installation.
• The installations will be complete by July I"
• Participants will remove the installations no later than the 15t week in
October (unless the space has been rented prior)
Legal • Program participants will sign a Waiver of Liability and Hold Harmless
Requirements Agreement similar to that from the Downtown Evanston Art Under Glass
program (See Attachment A).
• Spaces will be awarded via an application process using an application
similar to the one used by Downtown Evanston (See Attachment B).
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ATTACHMENT A: SAMPLE AGREEMENT
Art Under Glass Project
WAIVER OF LIABILITY AND HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT
1. In consideration for receiving permission to participate in the Art Under Glass Project to install and display in
windows at the Church and Orrington building (specific location to be input), ( "the Project") from June 1, 2009 through
August 31, 2009 (insert whatever dates agreed upon) I as the artist or a representative of the arts organization or group ( "the
Artist ") hereby release, waive, discharge and agree not to sue EvMark, Farnsworth Hill, the City of Evanston, its
coordinators, servants, agents and volunteers (hereinafter referred to as "releasees ") from any and all liability, claims,
demands, actions and causes of action whatsoever arising out of or relating to any loss, damage or injury, including death or
disability, that may be sustained by the Artist, or to any property belonging to the Artist, whether caused by negligence, or
otherwise, while participating in the Project, or while in, on or upon the premises where the Project is being conducted, while
in transit to or from the premises, or in any place or places connected with the Project.
2. The Artist is fully aware of risks and hazards connected with being on the premises and participating in the Project,
and the Artist is fully aware that there may be risks and hazards unknown to the Artist connected with being on the premises
and participating in the Project, and the Artist hereby elects to voluntarily participate in the Project, to enter upon the above
named premises to install art work and subsequently remove it. The Artist voluntarily assumes full responsibility for any
risks of loss, property damage or personal injury, including death, or any loss or damage to property owned by the Artist as a
result of the Artist's participation in the Project, whether caused by the negligence or otherwise.
3. Farnsworth Hill will notify the Artist and EvMark in writing if a renter has been found for the space. The Artist
agrees to vacate the premises two weeks from receipt of the notice.
4. It is the Artist's express intent that this Agreement shall bind the members of our families and spouses, if I /We are
alive, and our heirs, assigns and personal representative, if I/We are deceased, and shall be deemed as a Release, Waiver,
Discharge and Covenant Not to Sue the above named releasees.
In signing this Agreement, I, as The Artist or a representative of the Arts Organization acknowledge and represent that:
A. 1, as the Artists or a representative of the Arts organization have read the foregoing Agreement, understand it, and
sign it voluntarily as my own free act and deed;
B. No oral representation, statements or inducements, apart from the foregoing written Agreement, have been made or,
if made, will be considered part of this Agreement.
C. I am at least eighteen (18) years of age and fully competent; and
D. I execute this Agreement for full, adequate and complete consideration fully intending to be bound by same.
In witness whereof, I, as a representative of the organization have hereunto set my hand and seal this 31 st day of May, 2009.
Name of Artist or Arts Organization: _
Phone: Address:
EvMark Signature:
Name Printed:
Witness:
Witness Name Printed:
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Date:
ATTACHMENT B: SAMPLE APPLICATION
Art Under Glass
Artist Application
A collaborative project between the Arts & Business Committee of the Evanston Arts Council
and local commerce, Art Under Glass showcases the work of Evanston artists in open
storefront windows throughout Evanston. The goal is to bring visual energy to unoccupied
retail spaces and to expose artistic works to the Evanston community. Professional and
emerging artists will be reviewed by an independent jury for exhibition opportunities based on
artistic quality. The final selection process will match artists' works with suitability of available
spaces. This program is open to artists who live and /or work in Evanston.
Artist's name
Medium (check all that apply)
Drawing C Wood ❑ Glass
Metalwork = Prints Sculpture
❑ Ceramics Painting r Fiber
❑ Photography Other /Mixed (please describe)
Other Artist (if joint application
Email address
Evanston Mailing Address
(work or home)
Phone
(work and cell)
I am age 18 or over: D yes = no
Do you currently volunteer on a committee or are you employed by the City of Evanston?
yes J, no If yes, which committee(s) or department?
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Please include:
Up to six (6) sample digital images of your artwork on CD as jpg format and 72 dpi
A brief biography as it pertains to your art (one page) — include on CD with images
(? An artist statement (one page) — include on CD with images
Adetailed list of artwork submitted including medium and size of each — include on CD
I understand that I will be responsible for providing my own insurance, if desired, to protect my
work for the duration of the installation. I am responsible for installing my own work and will
work with Art Under Glass coordinators to have my work installed in a timely manner as well
as being responsible for removal of my work when the installation agreement ends.
agree to provide any materials necessary for a proper installation, such as easels, risers,
backdrops, lighting where available and will work with the Art Under Glass coordinator to
create an appropriate display and to ensure the safety of my work.
agree that any images of my art and or my name may be used for any promotional purposes.
I agree to sign an installation agreement stating the terms and dates of the installation and to
abide by such agreement.
Artist's Signature
Date
Deadline for receipt of applications is Monday, April 25, 2011. Future application cycle
deadlines TBA.
Please send to: Art Under Glass Program
Evanston Arts Council
927 Noyes Street #100
Evanston, IL60201
847.448.8260
cu ltu ralarts(aD-cityofevanston.org
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