CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: Downtown Dayton Storefront Activation

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Accords, Culture Works, in partnership with the City of Dayton and Downtown Dayton Partnership is accepting submissions from commissioned and published fine or visual artists for a Storefront exhibit involving vacant storefronts in downtown Dayton.

ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE: Fine and Visual Arts

PURPOSE OF THE DOWNTOWN DAYTON STOREFRONT ACTIVATION PROGRAM

The Storefront program aims to transform empty storefronts, construction fences, and vacant windows into vibrant visual narratives celebrating Dayton’s rich history, thriving arts scene, and enduring spirit of peace and pride. By showcasing artwork that highlights the city’s identity, this initiative seeks to create an engaging and inspiring urban environment for residents and visitors alike, fostering a sense of community and cultural connection.

Timed to coincide with the NATO conference in May and the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Accords, these installations will serve as a powerful reflection of Dayton’s values on an international stage, with the potential to leave a lasting visual and emotional impact well beyond the event.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

We welcome submissions of visual art that creatively and effectively align with positive, non-political themes of Dayton’s rich history, Dayton Arts and Culture, Peace, and City/Downtown Pride.

Selected Applicants will be assigned to a space by the Selection Committee based on the applicant’s submission.  Please use the following links for reference: Storefront Activation Examples and Dayton Storefront Images.

Submissions may include, but are not limited to:

• 2-Dimensional Visual Art: Paintings, illustrations, photography, mixed media, digital art, or other flat works that can be adapted for display in storefronts or as vinyl window coverings.
• 3-Dimensional Art: Sculptures, installations, or freestanding pieces that are lightweight, durable, and safe for display in semi-enclosed spaces.
• Innovative and Interactive Elements: Works that incorporate interactive or multimedia components (e.g., augmented reality overlays, QR codes linking to audio or video) are encouraged but must be compatible with the installation site.
• Materials: Artists are encouraged to use weather-resistant, durable, and sustainable materials wherever possible. Works should be designed to endure varying environmental conditions, particularly if displayed for an extended period.
• Size and Scale: Art must fit within the dimensions of the selected display area (e.g., storefront windows, fences, or designated installation spaces). Provide clear measurements and installation requirements with your submission.

Submissions with business branding, political and hate statements, nudity, negative insinuations or self-promotion will be rejected immediately.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Artists Selected will:

• Create a visual art piece (flat window art or 3-D) for display.
• Create the art piece with a flexible design that can be adapted/resized to a storefront, window cling or banner, depending on available space.
• Consider/address lighting for the art piece
• Actively participate in the construction of the final product and promotion for the Storefront program.
• Work within a budget agreed upon by the Storefront Committee.

COMPENSATION

$500-$1,000

ELIGIBILITY

Each applicant must:

• Be 18 years of age and older
• Currently live or work in the City of Dayton or within 30 miles of the City.
• Have a record of commissions or published work
• Provide additional relevant information/experience including but not limited to print or online publications/samples of their art,

 HOW TO APPLY:

Please follow this link to Downtown Dayton Storefront Activation Application to be considered.

All submissions should include high-resolution images or renderings of the proposed work, along with a brief artist’s statement describing the concept and its connection to the program themes. 

 SELECTION PROCESS

Artists will be chosen by a Selection Committee comprised of area professional from the City of Dayton, Culture Works, Downtown Dayton Partnership, Dayton Peace Museum, and other qualified community leaders. The Selection Committee’s sole purpose is to choose candidates based on artistic merit.

Submissions will be collected and organized by Culture Works. Each applicant’s portfolio/submission will be assigned an ID to ensure anonymity and equity.  Any and all references to the entrant’s name (other than the application information document) will be redacted or deleted.

If no suitable candidates are found through this application process, the selection committee is authorized to nominate and invite eligible candidates.

CITY/REGION: Dayton, OH

POINT OF CONTACT: Diane Schoeffler-Warren, Culture Works liaison

CONTACT EMAIL: diane@cultureworks.org

EXPIRES:  February 17, 2025