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Below are some frequently asked questions we've received to date about the City's Artist in Residence program.
Q. I missed the info session - do you have the info package or slideshow available for the public to view?
A. Yes. The questions that were asked and answered in the session are all listed on this web page, and you can view the full slideshow presentation here. If you still have questions or are uncertain about anything, please feel free to email us at culture@victoria.ca.
Q. What type of artist are you looking for? Do you want someone who is a muralist?
A. We aren't looking for any particular type of artist. The selected artist can approach the residency in accordance with their art practice. The competition is open to artists working in visual media (painting, print-making, drawing, sculpture, crafts, photography, film and video) and/or performance arts (theatre, music, dance).
Q. Will the artist need to work with the community or facilitate partnerships with other artists?
A. Not necessarily. It's up to the selected artist how they choose to approach the residency.
Q. What if an artist does not have professional training and doesn't meet the UNESCO definition of a professional "Artist" that is included in the criteria? Should one still apply?
A. The City of Victoria's Public Art Policy defines an artist as "any person, who by virtue of professional training, exhibition history and/or critical review is recognized as skilled in making works of art." (UNESCO). Meeting this definition is a part of the required criteria. All artists with significant experience are encouraged to apply.
Q. How do I stay connected with you?
A. The City maintains an 'Artist Roster' which is used to send out notifications of upcoming programs and calls to artists. If you would like to be added to the list, please email culture@victoria.ca with 'Artist Roster' in the subject line.
Q. Is it possible for the successful artist to apply for additional funding through grants or private partnerships?
A. The City has allocated a significant budget to this project and would prefer the artists' time be focused on project delivery rather than applying for additional funding. Partnerships with outside organizations on projects is encouraged.
Q. Will the Artist in Residence be required to manage all their own media exposure?
A. No. The City has staff who will help you with this. The job does require you to be available for interviews but the City will help with setting them up and will often act as a liaison between the artist and the media.
BonfireHub
Q. Can I save and pause my Bonfire submission, to return to it later?
A. Yes. You can save and pause your submission and return to pick it up where you left off. Be sure to wait until file uploads are finished and you get a green light beside the box before leaving the page. In addition, you can make changes to completed submissions so long as it's before the submission deadline. For more information on this, please visit: Can I revise my submission after I've completed it?
Q. If I am still submitting when the deadline passes, will I be able to finish and submit?
A. No. When the 4:00 p.m. deadline passes, the portal will shut and any incomplete or partially completed applications not be able to be submitted. We recommend you give yourself lots of additional time.
Jury Process
Q. Is the selection criteria listed in order of importance?
A. Not necessarily, but the criteria will be weighted.
Q. Will the jury include City staff members?
A. Please see the Art in Public Places policy [PDF - 1 MB] for information on selection panels (relevant information found on page 10 under "The Art in Public Places Selection Panel).
File Requirements in Application
Q. Should I put my professional experience and qualifications in the Expression of Interest, as well as my CV?
A. No. The Expression of Interest should have a detailed explanation of why you want to be the next Artist in Residence, and why your previous experience would make you an ideal candidate. In your CV, you should include what you've recently accomplished as an artist in your own practice.
Q. Can you clarify what the CV requirement is? The EOI asks for a CV and to include a brief statement of artistic activities from the past 12 to 18 months. Does this mean a CV and an artistic statement, or is the CV meant to be a four-page statement?
A. Applications must include a CV that is a maximum of four pages, and includes a statement about your artistic work over the past 12 to 18 months.
Q. Can I upload video files in the place of digital images?
A. Yes. You may upload 10 video files or any combination of video and digital images. Bonfire is set up to accept Any(.*) file types. This includes: csv, pdf, xls, xlsx, ppt, pptx, bmp, gif, jpeg, jpg, jpe, png, tiff, tif, txt, text, rtf, doc, docx, dot, dotx, word, dwg, dwf, dxf, mp3, wav, avi, mov, mp4, mpeg, wmv, zip.
A tooltip will popup when the vendor hovers their mouse over the word "Any". This tooltip specifies the various formats that Bonfire will accept for this slot. The maximum upload file size is 100mb.
Q. Do I send the 'documentation list' with the images, or as a separate PDF?
A. Please use the 'Digital Image Documentation List' template that is included in the Request for Expressions of Interest PDF. This can be uploaded as its own document (any file type is accepted).
Q. Should the digital image documentation feature projects I wish to do as part of my residency?
A. No. You'll determine the projects you wish to do during your residency during the initial research phase of the term. The digital images you submit as part of your application should feature artwork you have completed. This is to show the jury what your style is and who you are as an artist.
Q. Can I submit two images per artwork for the digital image documentation?
A. Yes. It's up to you which images you select send. Whether you prefer to send two images for five projects, or one image for 10 projects is up to you. Please note that the maximum number of images is 10.
Q. Can I submit concept renderings as part of the digital image documentation?
A. Yes. Please also include why the concepts are included and not the final product (i.e. final product is not yet complete, the project wasn't selected etc).
Q. What type of documentation do you want for the Published Support Material?
A. This can be anything that's been published about you as an artist or about your work. For example, reviews, articles, editorials, videos etc.
Q. Can I submit the files in a single pdf, or as individual files?
A. Please submit as individual files. Files can be submitted in any file type, but please be aware that jury members will be reviewing the submissions on their personal computers. Choosing common file types that can be viewed on all types of computers is beneficial.
Term/Accommodations/Re-location/Start Date
Q. To accommodate out-of-town applicants, is it possible to delay the start date or work remotely for the first month while finding accommodation?
A. Yes. We are open to a flexible start time within of few weeks of our intended start date, as we understand the potential need for artists to relocate and/or give notice to employers. If possible, clarify in your application what your plan is for re-location.
Q. Does the position require a full-time presence in Victoria or a full re-location? If the artist or artist team has a studio in a different BC location, can they remain based in that location and work part-time or remotely in Victoria?
A. Ideally we would hire someone who would be willing to be based out of the Greater Victoria or Capital Regional District area for the duration of the residency; however, if the artist is able to successfully demonstrate via your application that they will be able to uphold the full expectations of the role while working remotely or commuting, it would considered by the Selection Panel.
Q. Is there a set schedule of when the artist must serve their 20 hrs/week? Does the 20 hrs have to be served in the office?
A. No. The position is set to part-time so that the artist will have room for their private practice as well. 20 hrs/week is an average number of hours over the full year and is not a clock-in/clock-out scenario. In theory, if the artist wishes to work more than 20 hrs/week some weeks, and fewer hours other weeks that is fine so long as it's made clear through the Art Plan.
Q. Where will the artist be situated – is there a studio?
A. No. The artist will be required to acquire studio space; however, there will be office space available when working with City staff to develop budgets and timelines.
Projects during Residency
Q. What is the process for approving the Public Art Plan that the artist creates in phase 1?
A. The plan would be reviewed at a staff level to assess the feasibility (budget, timelines, work force etc.). Impacted stakeholders will be engaged, including internal departments, external partners etc. The Art Plan will then need to be presented to and approved by the Art in Public Places Committee.
Q. What if we want to propose projects on private land?
A. All projects must be located on City of Victoria property. As this program falls under the Art in Public Places program and policy, the artwork must be accessible to the public and will be entered into the Art in Public Places collection.
Q. It says temporary and ephemeral works can be proposed, does that mean that documentation of these works can be considered the required 'one work of permanent public art'?
A. Yes, keeping in mind that the artist may be required to allocate project expenses to hire a professional photographer or videographer as part of their proposed budget.
Q. If the selected artist hires subcontractors or partners with other artists, will they need to provide proof of insurance and WCB?
A. No. The City only requires proof of insurance and WCB from the Artist in Residence. Any relationships or agreements the Artist in Residence has with subcontractors is separate from the relationship with the City.
Q. Can the artist work on architectural design or new buildings?
A. It's possible. An artist would have to have sufficient accreditation and demonstrated ability to create architectural design. Work on City infrastructure is possible if there's a project happening and there's opportunity for artistic collaboration. All projects and ideas need to be approved by the Art in Public Places Committee in advance.
Artist Team Applications
Q. If an artist team applies, are we able to submit two page CVs for each member or is it two-page total?
A. The same page limit requirements apply to teams and individual applicants.
Q. If an artist team applies, will they share the 20 hrs/week or will they be expected to each work 20 hrs/week?
A. An artist team would share the 20 hrs/week. In addition, they would share the artist fee and project budget.
If your question hasn't been answered, please email
culture@victoria.ca
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