 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
American for the Arts Public Art Network 2006 Year In Review acknowledges AIFP installation
as one of the best public art installations in the nation
Wetlands Listening Post by Sound Collective (Atlanta artists Evan Levy and Seth Rogers) was recognized by internationally renowned public artist Mary Miss in the 2006 Year In Review announced at the Americans for the Arts Public Art Network (PAN) preconference in Milwaukee on June 2, 2006. One of 20 projects (from 150+ submissions from all over the U.S.) selected by Mary Miss, Wetlands Listening Post was cited as an example of an installation created on a modest budget that worked with existing elements in an unexpected and surprising way. The installation was exhibited in Art in Freedom Park 2005. Wetlands Listening Post is only the second Atlanta public art project featured in Year In Review. The other was Ring of Water by Ann Gardner commissioned by the Atlanta Bureau of Cultural Affairs for the Atlanta Courthouse in 2003.
For more information on Wetlands Listening Post click here
For more information on Year In Review click here
March 27, 2006
Organizers cancel Art in Freedom Park 2006
It is with regret that the organizers of Art in Freedom Park have decided to announce the cancellation of the 2006 exhibition. The 2006 exhibition was initially planned to open May 7. The loss of a significant founding sponsor in December 2005 forced the postponement of the exhibition until September 2006. With no replacement sponsors on the horizon and no Atlanta arts funding organization willing to commit financial support, the organizers see no other alternative but to cancel the 2006 exhibition.
Meetings with potential replacement sponsors proposed alternative options, including relocating the exhibition to another park or exhibiting the installations in several parks throughout Atlanta. The AiFP task force felt strongly against both options. Project Director, Evan Levy elaborates,
"I selected Freedom Park as the site several years ago as it was an under-utilized urban park in close proximity to downtown Atlanta and the MLK and Carter Centers. The linear geography of the park presented the opportunity to showcase world-class sculpture and site-specific installations that offered close interaction with families and joggers that frequent the park and could be easily viewed by passing traffic."
Dept. of Transportation estimates close to 45,000 cars traverse Freedom Parkway and Moreland Avenue daily.
Levy believes that scattering the exhibitions throughout several Atlanta parks would dilute the experience. "Last year Art in Freedom Park exhibited 30 sculptures and site-specific installations from Georgia based artists. The condensed display made a strong impression on residents and drivers along the two mile stretch of Freedom Park; starting from the corner of Candler Park Drive and North Avenue and continuing intown to Freedom Parkway/Highland Avenue, close to Sol LeWitt's renowned 54 Columns."
Many of the proposals for the 2006 exhibition were large-scale sculptures and installations which would've allowed organizers to select the same number of projects but extend the exhibition into Candler Park / Inman Park. The long-term goal of Art in Freedom Park was to utilize the entire six-mile park for a world-class gallery of contemporary art.
Ninety-eight (98) proposals were received for the 2006 exhibition. The RFP caught the interest and imagination of artists from across the length and breadth of the U.S., plus several artists abroad. Due to the high quality of proposals received, if organizers are able to secure a major sponsor for the 2007 exhibition the independent selection committee will consider all of the 2006 proposals.
Organizers are hoping the cancellation of this landmark exhibition will unite artists and local residents to notify city officials that the cancellation of Art in Freedom Park poses a significant loss to Atlanta's cultural portfolio.
February 7, 2006
Art In Freedom Park delays opening of the 2006 exhibition
Due to the loss of a significant founding sponsor the Art in Freedom Park task force has decided to delay the opening of the 2006 exhibition to September 2006. The 2006 exhibition was due to open on May 7, 2006. It is anticipated that the additional four months will give the fundraising committee sufficient time to recoup the financial loss.
We regret the inconvenience that this may cause some artists resulting in their inability to participate, but feel this is a necessary action in order to present a strong exhibition in 2006 and fulfill the long-term goal of establishing Freedom Park as an internationally recognized art park for Atlanta.
Ninety-eight (98) proposals were received for the 2006 exhibition. The RFP caught the interest and sparked the imagination of artists from across the length and breadth of the U.S., plus several artists abroad. The high number of outstanding proposals has made the selection process difficult. The seven-member selection committee is due to meet again in early March to make their final deliberation on the art projects for the 2006 exhibition.
January 23, 2006
Artist selection for Art in Freedom Park 2006 exhibition commences
The selection committee has met and plans to make their recommendations known late February.
Proposals were received from across the length and breadth of the US and several international submissions.
Click here to access the 2005 news archive.
