Greetings,

The Firefly Arts Collective is looking towards being a presence in the community beyond our annual week in the woods. We feel strongly that there is more than enough creative energy in our community to sustain “the good stuff” year-round and to bring it home to share with others.

In particular, this letter is to inform you about the first of these projects, an art grant program to specifically bring Firefly art to the Boston area AND to Firefly.

*THREE $1,000 ART GRANTS - THE STEEL GRANTS*

To help celebrate Firefly's 11-Year Anniversary, AND to get our cool, larger art out more into the general community of the world, we are looking to once again augment our usual Firefly Art Grants with something special. This year we present the Steel Grants: 3 separate art grants of up to US$1,000/ea. Our goal is to provide these ambitious projects more money to work with. These larger than usual grants come with the stipulation that you must be willing to show them at least 3 times this year. This is a completely different call for art from your normally scheduled Firefly Art Grants that have already closed.

Check out our even newer, and developing website:

http://www.fireflyartscollective.org

In particular the Steel Grant page where all of the fabulous details you need and crave can be found:

http://fireflyartscollective.org/art-grants/steel-grants/

The three awarded pieces must make 3 appearances each - first at Firefly the event, second at FIGMENT Boston, and thirdly at the Somerville Maker Faire. Keep that last part in mind when conceiving your art!

*FIREFLY the EVENT in VERMONT*
For the 2013 kickoff, we want your larger-scale art smack-dab in the middle of the lower field at Firefly the event.

*PARTICIPATION in FIGMENT BOSTON!*
After Firefly, near the end of July, the three selected projects will be part of the 4^th Annual FIGMENT Boston! on the Rose Kennedy Greenway.

*SHOW OFF your AMAZING ART at the SOMERVILLE MAKER FAIRE

In mid-October, date TBD, but well after the Burning Man trucks have once again disgorged their cargo of errant goodies back home in Boston, we want you and your art to strut their stuff at the Somerville mini-Maker Faire in Union Sq.

*2013 FIREFLY STEEL GRANTS TIMELINE*
March 26th          Steel-Grants announced
April 16th          Steel-Grant Applications Due
April 22nd                Steel-Grant Recipients announced
July 4th-8th            Firefly - (Regional Burn - Bethel, VT)

July 27-28th            FIGMENT Boston (Rose Kennedy Greenway - Boston, MA)
July 29th                Steel Grant Documentation Due
Mid Oct. TBD  Somerville Mini-Maker Faire (Union Sq. - Somerville, MA)

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STEEL GRANT Guidelines & Application:

http://fireflyartscollective.org/art-grants/steel-grants/

Because these pieces w ill be exhibited at three different venues, there are certain requirements to meet and physical limitations to keep in mind in order for them to be viable in all three locations.

INTERACTIVE & PARTICIPATORY
In keeping with Firefly Arts Collective’s Mission Statement, we will only be considering projects that are interactive and participatory.

SIZE
Due to some space limitations, we need to make sure there will be room for as many artists to show as possible. So, we ask you to please limit the size of your proposed piece to 10’ x 10’ x 10’.

EASY to ASSEMBLE/DISASSEMBLE & TRANSPORT
Make sure it is easy to put together and take apart, since you’ll be doing that a number of times. Also think about how you will box up your project for safe transport. Transportation will be provided to and from all three venues if you need it.

DURABILITY
Your installation will always be set-up in a public space. Make sure it is not too fragile or particularly dangerous.

WEATHERPROOF
Your art will be presented at three outdoor locations, Acts of God and inclement weather happen, so be prepared and design accordingly. Please make sure your installation is weatherproof.

NO FIRE
We’re SOOOO sorry, but in order for the pieces to be approved by FIGMENT and the Rose Kennedy Greenway, we will sadly not be accepting applications for fire art :(

SAFETY CONCERNS
Safety should be thought about as you come with ideas. Fast spinning objects, sharp edges, anything that could inadvertently hurt a participant should be avoided. There will be children involved in all three venues, especially FIGMENT Boston and the Mini Maker Faire.

DAY and NIGHT VISIBILITY
Art for the Steel Grant MUST be effective and engaging during the light of day. Nighttime elements and visibility are encouraged as well.

POWER NEEDS
Power can and will be provided if you need it so please don’t let that limit your ideas and DO NOT add a budget line-item for power.

CHECK OUT THE WEBSITE FOR THE ACTUAL APPLICATION:
http://fireflyartscollective.org/art-grants/steel-grants/

Thanks for your time and efforts,

The Firefly Steel Grant Selection Committee