Creative Philadelphia Opens Applications for 2016 Performances in Public Spaces Program

Creative Philadelphia - the Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy (OACCE) is now accepting applications for the upcoming year of Performances in Public Spaces - an initiative that directly supports artists and performing arts organizations interested in presenting free performances in public parks and plazas across the city. This year, the program will not be limited to a list of pre-selected sites; encouraging greater collaboration and creativity between artists and site stewards. The number of projects selected and award levels will be based on the number of applications and range of amounts requested.

"With over 180 applications, Performances in Public Spaces was well received by performers, sites and neighborhoods in its pilot year," said Helen Haynes, Chief Cultural Officer. "The program introduced new performers to neighborhood spaces across the city and highlighted many that were recently renewed and reopened. We are excited to continue our support of place-based activities in our neighborhoods and jumpstart a strong sense of community using meaningful cultural experiences."

In its inaugural year, Performances in Public Spaces supported 23 performers for 26 performances across the city, from FDR Park to Fairhill Square, from Pearl Street at the Asian Arts Initiative to Bartram's Garden. Based on feedback from performers and the community, changes have been made to the 2016 application. In addition to the overwhelming response to the 2015 call, many sites - parks and non-traditional public spaces - expressed an interest in hosting performances. This year applicants will be allowed to apply with any publicly accessible site in Philadelphia. The application is a "call for collaboration" to encourage applicants and sites to contact one another with ideas of how to activate their space and engage with their community.

Depending on the applications submitted, Creative Philadelphia anticipates that 10-15 awards of $500-$2,500 will be made. The funds can be used to cover artist fees, marketing, materials, production and other administrative costs incurred by the artist or group related to this specific performance.

All performances must take place between April 1st and November 1st, 2016. Applications must include a letter of support from the selected partner site as proof of communication between the performers and the venue. Performances with a unique and natural connection between the site (physical and historical), the performance and artist, as well as generating positive visibility for the civic space are preferred.

Applications and all required attachments must be submitted online or delivered to the OACCE office in City Hall Room 116 by 5:00 pm on December 17, 2015. Submissions will be reviewed by a committee comprised of City employees and performing artists and/or arts administrators.

For the application, please visit http://creativephl.org/performancesinpublicspaces.

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