Now in it’s 5th year, DesCours will be holding its annual event in New Orleans from December 2nd-December 11th, 2011. DesCours is a ten-day, contemporary architecture and art event that looks towards the future in showcasing experimental, cutting-edge new media and interactive installations while embracing New Orleans rich cultural heritage. During DesCours, internationally recognized architects, designers and artists transform unique, hidden spaces within the French Quarter and Central Business District into destination places for visitors and locals alike.
There are a total of 11-13 artists and architects (individuals and teams) that will be selected through this proposal process, which is due by August 19th at 5pm, and by invitation to participate by creating installations for French Quarter courtyards, downtown building lobbies, rooftops, walkways and other ‘hidden’ New Orleans spaces. Overall, we are seeking installations that react and respond both to the historic nature of the sites, and to the public audience that views them. More event description after the break.
There are two primary conditions for installation sites as indoors or outdoors. The outdoor locations consist of either open courtyards or building rooftops. The interior locations include building lobbies, unoccupied building floors, and covered walkways. All of the locations are ‘hidden’ from public view, in that they are private, normally closed and/or inaccessible to the public. All of the locations will be viewed at night, thus the proposals should respond to this condition. For the outdoor locations we are seeking installations that are viable when exposed to the elements (rain, moisture, etc.) and also respond to/in the dark (illuminated or otherwise). The exact locations of projects will be determined upon receipt of all proposals in order to provide the most suitable match of site to project.
Project selection will be done through a two-part process to identify the best pairings of potential projects to sites. First, the proposals are reviewed by the DesCours committee and past DesCours participants to make the first selection round. Second, the final participants are determined by founder and curator, Melissa Urcan. Determination is largely based upon the selection criteria outlined in this proposal on page 3, but also on overall quality and concept of the proposal and fit to the DesCours event.
We are asking all potential participants to submit a proposal that will assist in the site selection, and provide information and images for PR purposes. Please review the ‘Criteria to Consider’ section of this RFP closely before submitting your proposal.
For more information on the event and request for proposals, visit their website here.
