Bioenergy is a renewable resource.
Artistic creativity is also a renewable resource. Now, the one is fuelling the other and artists are being called on for their expertise.
The biennial International Bioenergy Conference & Exhibition is scheduled for this coming June in Prince George.
Organizers of the bio-technology event have partnered with the Community Arts Council to create an original sculpture that will be used each conference in the giving of the Founders' Award In Bioenergy Excellence.
"Bioenergy Industry leaders from all over the world will be coming together in Prince George," said Lisa Redpath, the CAC's project co-ordinator. "Over the three days of the conference, held at the centre of one of the largest biomass fibre baskets in the world, bioenergy experts will gather to discuss the industry in British Columbia, as well as the latest of the future bioeconomy."
The event's key award was in need of an original sculpture, so the recipient could be honoured with a significant piece of artistic hardware.
"The Founders' Award in Bioenergy Excellence will be presented to an individual during the conference to acknowledge and celebrate their exceptional achievements as a champion of the bioenergy sector," Redpath said.
The conference organizers have set aside $750 for the creation of this award. Interested artists must submit a proposal by 4:30 p.m. on
Nov. 2 and, if selected, the final piece must be completed by
Apr. 4.
Redpath stressed that this would be "an annual award, therefore the client may require reproductions of the sculpture in future years. Respondents to this call for proposals should be prepared to provide a quote on the cost of annual reproductions of the award.
This quote will be for representative pricing only. Acceptance of a proposal this year does not represent a commitment to contract the artist for any future reproductions."
Proposals will only be accepted in digital form. If the proposal contains large files, those should be shared via Dropbox.
The proposal should include:
Artist's name, address and contact information.
Artist's biography and CV, including three references.
Photos of at least six sculptures (or a link to the artist's online portfolio) demonstrating the artist's ability to complete the project to specifications.
Artist's sketch of the proposed sculpture design (hand sketches or digital sketches are both acceptable).
Artist's description of the concept and the sculpture design, including a description of the materials proposed to be used.
Total cost for finished sculpture (exclusive of GST), delivered to conference site at the Prince George Civic Centre.
Cost (exclusive of GST) to reproduce the design for future years' awards (per reproduction).
Redpath explained that the award should measure at least 12 inches in height, would ideally be made of wood or contain some component of wood, must include a base suitable for engraving or attaching a commemorative plaque (for exact wording of the plaque please visit the CAC website).
Suggested words and concepts to think about, as inspiration for the physical creation, might be renewable energy, green energy, forests, wood, alternative uses of wood, locally made renewable fuel, biomass, flame, heat, or electricity.
Redpath will be available for consultation on the sculpture and this call for proposals until Oct. 16. Submissions should be emailed to her desk using the [email protected] address.
