Art Installation Information Package

Thank you for your interest in applying for a Bass Coast Art Grant.

Bass Coast takes place from July 12-15, 2024, in Merritt, BC on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Nlaka’pamux and Syilx people.

Since the inception of the Art Grant program in 2012, we have awarded over $250,000 in grants, showcased more than 400 interactive art installations, and have seen over 1000 artists participate in the program. Through the Art Grant Program, our goal is to offer professional and emerging artists an internationally recognised exhibition space to showcase their work.

Exhibiting art outdoors in a festival environment comes with unique challenges. This application serves as a tool to help you prepare before you apply.

Please thoroughly read the application and information package before submitting to ensure your art meets the criteria

We’re seeking the following:

  1. Innovative three-dimensional art
  2. Designs that are interactive with the viewer
  3. Installations that showcase unique lighting fixtures & design
  4. Installations that initiate profound conversation
  5. Designs that create an environment that encourages viewers to gather
  6. Teams that use sustainable building materials and methods
  7. Structurally sound designs, built to the B.C. code
  8. Art designed for outdoor use with high winds and rain potential
  9. Art may be pre-existing or in the design phase when submitting your application
  10. Evolution of an existing piece or returning piece, to ensure a unique experience at Bass Coast

NEW IN 2024: Applications exhibiting some or all of the following qualities have a higher potential for success.

  • Increased Physical Size: Art that is larger than 6 feet high.
  • Cause & Effect: Interactive art that uses science and technology.
  • Lighting Design: Installations with advanced lighting design.
  • Flooring: Applications which include carpets, rugs, floors or mindfulness of how the piece is landing/framed in its environment.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Bass Coast 2024 Art Grant submissions will consist of 1 round.

ROUND 1: Nov 15, 2023 - Feb 1, 2024

    Submissions will be reviewed Feb 1, 2024; successful applicants will be notified by March 15, 2024..

      Radius Clause: Installations receiving a financial grant of over $1000 will be asked to sign a radius clause and cannot present the same project at any festival within 500 km & 45 days on either side of the Bass Coast exhibition. Installations must make an effort to make their presentation unique in some way for events located in close proximity to each other.

      Art Installation crews can enter the site on Wednesday (special requests can be made for earlier entry) and complete installation by 11:59 PM on Thursday pre-show. Art Installations must be removed by 5 PM on Monday post-show.

      Art Installation crews are expected to ensure that their installation remains safe, secure, and functioning throughout the entirety of the festival. Bass Coast Festival is not liable for any damaged art installations.

      The exhibit spans the festival grounds, including the forest, field, beaches, campgrounds and gates. Bass Coast will decide on the location of art, and artists must comply with the location awarded to them.

      VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

      • No pop-up tents; if you use a tent, it must be disguised*
      • No tarps, unless disguised*
      • Blow-up pools & plastic seating must be disguised*
      • No rental fencing
      • Art must match the description provided, or the grant will be revoked
      • Engineering stamps and liability insurance are required for all weight-bearing overhead structures

      *If a tent, tarp, blow-up pool, and/or plastic seating is absolutely necessary, it must seamlessly integrate with the installation & not be visibly recognisable as a purchased product.

      GENERAL INFORMATION
      Bass Coast is a 19 plus event and photo ID is required to enter the festival site. This includes all presenters. No animals are permitted on-site before, during, or after the event.

      ACCESSIBILITY
      Please take a moment to read about our Accessibility services: https://basscoast.ca/pages/accessibility

      SUSTAINABILITY
      All presenters must use environmentally friendly packaging products. We encourage all presenters to source products locally whenever possible.

      Please take a moment to read our sustainability education series: https://basscoast.ca/pages/sustainability-education-series

      CODE OF CONDUCT
      Bass Coast is committed to fostering its safe and inclusive community. In order to do so, Bass Coast requires that its team, contributors, volunteers and attendees understand and agree to this Code of Conduct in relation to all activities regarding the Festival.

      Please take a moment to read our Code of Conduct: https://basscoast.ca/pages/code-of-conduct

      CULTURAL APPROPRIATION
      Please take on the responsibility to do your own research and educate yourself on this issue. When choosing your design for Bass Coast and anytime, ask the questions:

      1. Does this design hold traditional significance to a community or culture?
      2. Is the design intended to express religious beliefs or political statements?
      3. Does the design designate respect and or status within that culture?

      If the answer is yes to any of the above (or if you don’t know), we ask you to reconsider producing it. Bass Coast’s harm reduction strategy includes a commitment to providing a culturally safe environment for the whole community. A culture of mutual respect is a fundamental part of the Bass Coast experience. Even if you think that your specific use of a culturally significant piece of art, clothing or makeup is respectful, other community members may find it insensitive or upsetting. We ask that you avoid creating, selling or wearing these items at Bass Coast in order to maintain a welcoming and comfortable environment for all festival attendees.

      Please take a moment to read about our Cultural Respect ETHOS: https://basscoast.ca/pages/respect

      ETHOS
      Please take a moment to read more about our ETHOS:

      WEATHER
      Bass Coast can be full sun, torrential rain, thunderstorms, or high winds. You must ensure your installation is anchored correctly and can withstand sustained high winds & gusts. Your installation must also be water-resistant.

      NOTE: We do not accept tarps and pop-up tents in the exhibit unless well disguised. In the case of heavy rain or storm conditions, you are permitted to cover your artwork with a tarp for the storm's duration. You must remove the tarp immediately after the rain has stopped.

      Please consider the following: Will any parts of it act as a windsail? Will rain damage it? Please describe your plan for high winds and rain.

      SAFETY
      All installations are required to be safe. Does your art have sharp corners or items that extrude at eye level? Are there tripping hazards that may create an unsafe area for people in the dark? Remember, the exhibit is busy during the day and night.

      If your art is suspended in the air, it must be SECURE. If your art is airborne, you may require a rigger on your team. All suspended elements must be pre-approved by our rigging team.

      A safety check will be conducted once your artwork is installed on-site. If there are safety issues, we will ask you to address them. Bass Coast reserves the right to remove or take down any art that is a safety concern, and the grant will be revoked.

      ENGINEERING PAPERS
      If the Art Installation is more than one floor, has large overhead components or includes large moving parts you must have an engineering stamp and carry liability insurance.

      INSURANCE
      All Art Grant recipients may need to add Bass Coast to their liability insurance depending on the Art Grant design. A minimum of at least 2 million in liability insurance per installation will be required.

      INTERNATIONAL ART INSTALLATIONS
      Installation artists may qualify for a work permit exemption letter for crossing the Canadian border. If your installation is currently located outside of Canada, please state its current location and any prior instances of border crossings associated with it..

      VEHICLES & PARKING
      Vehicles used for installation may enter the forest area where the art will be installed for drop-off and pick-up purposes only. The forest is a small space and cannot accommodate excess vehicles for extended periods. Vehicles will not be permitted to enter the forest after Thursday, July 11, at noon.

      ENTRY & CAMPING
      Art Installation teams receive Wednesday and/or Thursday Entry access which includes General Admission camping in Art Installation Camping (located on the festival side of the river). Please note we do not allow art teams to camp beside their installations. Art Installation Camping is no more than a 5-minute walk away from your installation.

      LIGHTING & TOOLS
      Installation artists are responsible for the setup, tear down and upkeep of your installation throughout the festival. You must ensure your installation is illuminated for viewing at night. Bass Coast will not provide any lighting, tools, lifts, ladders, extension cords, power bars or other equipment or hardware.

      Bass Coast has very limited access to heavy machinery. In special cases artists may request in advance assistance from the Bass Coast team to support them with bucket lifts, skid steers, tall ladders & lull (telehandler).

      POWER
      Power will be allocated on an individual basis depending on the needs of each installation. Main hubs will be set up in the forest and field. Each installation is required to dig their own trench minimum 10 inches deep to that power hub and lay your power cords into the trench.

      Bass Coast does not provide power for tools during set-up, prior to main power hubs being turned on Thursday at 9am. If you require more power for set up than your own battery-powered tools, please make a note in your application. You are responsible for having enough power bar(s) and cable to reach an outlet. Installations may be 20’-50’ feet away from a power hub.

      COVID-19 GUIDELINES
      Bass Coast Festival will continue to operate in accordance with provincial and local health guidelines and recommendations. The government of British Columbia’s current response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic can be viewed here.

      RELEASE OF LIABILITY
      Bass Coast is not responsible for any damage, theft, vandalism or any other incident regarding your installation, tools or property. You are completely responsible for your installation and property on-site.

      Please take a moment to read our Liability Waiver: https://basscoast.ca/pages/liability-waiver

      IMPORTANT DATES in 2024

      Feb 1:     Final round of applications close
      Mar 15:   All successful applicants contacted
      July 10:   Art Installation participants arrive on site
      July 11:   Art Installations must be completed by 11:59 PM
      July 15:   Art Installations must be removed by 5 PM