Call for Proposal: Artist-in-Residence Summer 2016
BACKGROUND: BAY AREA DISCOVERY MUSEUM
Creative thinking begins early in every child’s life. It enables original thought and the ability to see
solutions where others don’t. It unlocks possibilities and fosters innovation. It provides the fundamental
building blocks for success in school and beyond.
The Bay Area Discovery Museum is designed to ignite creative thinking in children. 7.5 acres of natural
beauty inspires families to engage in a world of possibilities. Framed by the majestic backdrop of the
Golden Gate Bridge, the museum is a space for imaginations to run wild. Every curated detail of the
exhibits brings creative thinking to life for all stages of childhood. Navigate winding tunnels to develop
physical and intellectual risk-taking skills. Feel the rush of cold-water tide pools that surprise and
awaken curiosity. Imagine new worlds by transforming into a spider, a ship captain, or a bridge builder.
At every turn is a new opportunity to challenge the boundaries of creativity.
Now the Bay Area Discovery Museum is taking these experiences beyond its physical location. The
Museum launched the Center for Childhood Creativity in 2011 to pioneer new research, thoughtleadership, and teacher training programs that advance creative thinking in all children—extending its
impact beyond the physical site.
OUR STRATEGIC PLAN
Our Vision: Give 1 million children annually a stronger start to life. Creativity in early childhood matters.
And it can be taught. We provide young children with experiences to maximize their creative potential
and develop their ability to solve the complex challenges facing our community.
Our 3 strategic goals: To broaden and deepen engagement…
1. At the Museum: Offer more research-based educational programs for children, families and
teachers.
2. In our Community: Expand partnerships to reach low-income children because all children
deserve the same educational opportunities and experiences in early childhood and beyond.
3. Nationally: Through our Center for Childhood Creativity, use research to advocate for the critical
importance of creativity in early childhood.
OVERVIEW: PUBLIC PROGRAMS
The Artist-in-Residence program is part of the Bay Area Discovery Museum’s public programming suite.
The Bay Area Discovery Museum understands that people learn by making connections, experimenting,
role-play and imitation. Through our free public programs we provide our visitors the opportunity to
discover the world around them in new and innovative ways by encouraging families to explore diverse
materials, tools, and techniques. The Museum creates an environment that stimulates creativity, and
allows visitors express their feelings, thoughts and ideas through art, science, nature and more.
The goal of our public programs is to create opportunities for visitors to make connections among our
museum spaces, the arts, the environment and the community. Through our programs people
collaborate with our staff, other visitors, and professional artists giving a range of fun, hands-on
experiences to learn and grow. Public Programming encompasses the Art Studios (Studio 5, Studio 10),
our Creative Labs (Nature Lab, Science Lab, Maker Lab, Art Lab), Art Excursions, Research Toys, Toddler
Circle Time, Storytime and our Artist in Residence Program. For more information on the Art Studios
and our current artist-in-residence please see our website: http://www.baykidsmuseum.org/tour-themuseum/art-studios/current-artist-in-residence/
ARTIST RESIDENCY
As we move into our 25th Anniversary Year (2016) we have a vision - to give 1 million children annually a
stronger start to life. Through this vision we have identified a new strategic plan for the Museum and we
want you to be a part of it.
The Museum invites artists – visual artists, musicians, composers, media artists, architects, poets,
scientists, dancer/choreographers, writers, builders, naturalists, puppeteers, storytellers, actors,
playwrights, etc. – to propose residencies and projects which support and enhance our strategic goals,
public program offerings, and our 25th anniversary.
Artists may propose how to best engage with the themes (please see web page), from the type of
residency proposed to its duration. There is no minimum duration for a residency; projects may take
place at any time throughout the course of the 4 month theme. For example, we would welcome a
residency that consisted of a one day community festival or the 4-month construction of an on-site work
of art. An example of a previous project is Patrick Dougherty’s willow sculpture, described in detail
online: http://www.baykidsmuseum.org/tour-the-museum/lookout-cove/patrick-dougherty-willowsculpture/
Artists-in-residence will be supported by stipends starting at $1,000, the exact size of which will be
determined by the cost of project not to exceed $20,000.
2016 THEMATIC INSPIRATIONS
Summer 2016 (August - May): 25th Anniversary
-This January kicks off our 25th anniversary year and we are looking for a residency that will help
us start off with a bang! Since 1991 we have been bringing innovative learning through creative
experiences to early childhood audiences in the bay area. How can you help us to celebrate the past and
embrace our future?
TIMELINE:
January 3, 2016: Proposals due for residencies to take place between August-May, 2016. Final
candidates contacted by February 8, 2016; Artist-in-Residence announced by April 1, 2016.
PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS:
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All proposals should include a 1 page project description, maximum of 5 proposal images and
resume or curriculum vitae (please include a link to an online portfolio or select portfolio images
not to exceed 5).
Please specify the costs associated with your project.
Artists should have experience with or a strong interest in engaging with children ages 0 – 8.
Please detail why you are interested in working with the Bay Area Discovery Museum, its site,
and community of children, parents, school groups, and early childhood educators.
Proposals should include descriptions of how your project or idea will engage directly with our
daily visitors and school groups.
Proposals selected for further consideration will be asked to submit full portfolios and detailed
project budgets.
Note that due to the sensitivity and requirements of working with children, artists selected
should expect to be cleared of a background/criminal check.
Proposals should be sent to Artistinresidence@badm.org with the subject line: Call for Proposal. Please
combine all proposal components into one PDF for submission.
Funding for the 2015-2016 Artist-in-Residency has been generously provided
by an individual donor to the Museum.