Call for Artists:
Journey Bench Art Project
Call for Artists: Journey Bench Art Project
Public transit is central to what makes a city operate and sets the tone for how residents experience their city. The Journey Bench project will allow artists to create a bench design inspired by their public transit experience. This art initiative, led by the Corridor Clown Bus Department, a performance art advocacy group in Eastern Iowa, aims to uplift diverse voices and perspectives on public transit in our community. Artists are encouraged to create designs that spark dialogue around issues of mobility, equity, and accessibility.
Benches will be available in two ways:
Several benches will be decorated at a Community Bench Art Day (TBA). Participants are encouraged to sign up below for more info on the event.
Additional benches will be available for artists to paint. Participating artists will be provided with a pre-built bench as a blank canvas to paint on. The starting benches are based on an Aldo-Leopold design. Benches will be available in Spring 2024. Artists are invited to submit up to three designs on the application below.
Benches:
- The benches are green-treated pine benches built in the Aldo Leopold design
- Benches are 48" long x 28" high
- Bench surface and sides are available to be painted
Exhibition:
- Completed benches will be displayed at Public Space One in downtown Iowa City at a time/date TBA in July 2024
- Following the exhibition, the benches will be displayed at non-profits across Johnson County.
Submissions:
- Artists may submit up to 3 bench design proposals
- Proposals should include sketches or digital mockups showing bench design
- Artists are encouraged to incorporate themes related to transportation, Iowa City, or social justice into their designs
- A selection panel will choose bench designs to be produced
Details:
- Each chosen artist will receive a bench to work on at their home or studio and a $50 stipend to paint their design
- Benches must be completed by July 2024 for the exhibition
- Artists retain copyright over their designs
Applications are due by April 1, 2024.
Please sign up for the Community Painting Day or submit your bench designs using the application below. Thank you!
This submission form below requires a Google account to up. If you don't have a Google account or don't wish to submit your application using this form, please email your application to materials at iaclownbus@gmail.com.
While we aim to provide artists with creative freedom for this bus bench art initiative, there are some content restrictions we must enforce. To maintain an inclusive and safe public space, artwork cannot depict violence, illegal activity, or sexually explicit material.
If you have any questions, please email iaclownbus@gmail.com