Got An Idea For a Great Dayton Icon?

The Chicago Bean. The New York LOVE sign. Giant lawn birdies in Kansas City. UpDayton and the K12 Gallery for Young People & TEJAS invite artists to submit proposals for a new Dayton icon. This is a 2016 UpDayton Summit winning project. We are seeking creative thinkers to submit designs for an Instagram-worthy public sculpture that will attract locals and visitors alike. UpDayton and K12 will work with the selected artist(s) to assemble a team to construct the winning design(s).

SUBMISSION CRITERIA:

• Eligibility: Open to both amateur and professional artists who reside in or have strong ties to the Greater Dayton region. Artwork may be created by a solo artist or in collaboration with a team.
• Design Requirements:
  1. The final structure will be a sculpture spelling out “DAYTON.” Artists should submit original designs for individual letters. Artists may submit up to six designs for consideration.
  2. Designs should embrace Dayton’s culture and innovative spirit.
  3. The completed structure should be self-supporting and free-standing. The structure should not be taller than 10 feet and should be able to be rescaled depending on the structure’s final location. It should be able to withstand extreme weather.
  4. Artists’ designs should aim for a budget of $1,000 per letter.
• Designs should be submitted in PDF format and may contain original sketches, original images, and other graphics.
• Artists should also submit a one-paragraph description of the design that includes suggested materials, special requirements (electricity, etc.), and the location envisioned for the final piece.

SELECTION PROCESS: All entries will be judged by a community panel, selected by the New Dayton Icon project team. Entries will be evaluated on creativity, design feasibility, sustainability, and ease of execution. The winning designs will be unveiled at a community reception. Artists/teams will receive a $100 prize for each winning design.
KEY DATES:

• Submission deadline: September 14, 2016 at 6pm
• Design Unveiling & Community Reception: TBA (likely mid-October)
• Art Installation: Spring/Summer 2017

RULES: All submitted designs must be the original work of the entrant and must not include, be based on, or derived from any pre-existing or third party designs, trademarks, or copyrighted images. The selection panel reserves the right to ask for revisions on submitted designs or to not select a winner if no suitable entries are received. An entrant may be asked to translate his/her design to a different letter.

ABOUT UPDAYTON:

UpDayton is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization powered by volunteers. We are not membership-based; rather, the organization relies on income from valuable mission-driven programs and the generous support of organizations, businesses and individuals who share our vision for a thriving Dayton region. The Dayton Icon project was one of three projects selected for implementation at the 2016 UpDayton Summit.