In many places, social interaction seems to have become porous. In our hyper-connective, digital everyday life and a (post-)pandemic era, opinions prosper in information bubbles, hermetically demarcated from each other, and so give rise to new social realities. The question of how a democratic community could be re-imagined and renegotiated is becoming urgent.
The statement by artist Adrienne Piper from the 1960s, “The power of art is unlimited for social change” still carries weight today. But how can change succeed? How is it possible to break down unyielding points of view and create permeable spaces, in which collaboration can emerge, communities be formed, and paths of reciprocal learning be established?
Starting out from this question, Art in Public Space Tyrol 2022 will be dedicated to artistic social practices and thus operate in both rural and urban spaces – participatively, collaboratively, dialogically and sustainably. By incorporating local conditions, artistic fields of action should be created, in which collective interaction and togetherness are discussed, formulated and applied.
Since 2008, the funding programme Art in Public Space has been implemented in cooperation between the State of Tyrol and the Tiroler Künstler:innenschaft (Tyrolean Artists’ Association), financed by the State of Tyrol. The aim of the funding is to promote contemporary art and cultural projects in public space, thereby making the discussion of current social issues accessible to a broad public and opening up a dialogue on cultural, social and political issues. Art in public space aims to trigger discussions and become an integral part of the development of fresh perspectives.
In this context there are no limits to the conceivable artistic formats: permanent sculptural art projects, temporary interventions as well as participatory, performative and dialogical formats in public rural and urban spaces may be supported. Special attention will be paid to project submissions that are site-specific and have inherently communicative formats. In order to reach the most diverse audience possible, the projects should represent a synergy between artistic practice and everyday culture. In this sense, the venues of the projects may be as diverse as the projects themselves, offering opportunities to make art experienceable beyond the boundaries of cultural institutions.
The call for tenders is directed towards international artists, artist collectives, curators, art or artist societies working in the field of contemporary visual art.
In 2022, the action Art in Public Space will be endowed with 80,000 EUR by the State of Tyrol. The amount of state funding for the projects recommended for implementation can, according to the recommendation of the jury, amount to 100% of the total eligible costs. Two to three projects will be invited for realisation from among the projects submitted.
