Open Call for Artists: Vestibules: Eco-Art project in New Bedford, Brooklawn Park. Proposals Due: 8/7/2026
Vestibules, an eco-art project that consists of an environmentally resilient, flowering rain garden in New Bedford’s Brooklawn Park, seeks artists or artist teams to submit a proposal for either one large installation ($18,000 budget) OR one of two interactive art installations ($4,000 budget for each), which will be installed on one of three raised mounds on the garden’s perimeter. Artists are welcome to submit separate, distinct proposals for both tiers if they wish to be considered for multiple opportunities (but no artist or artist team will be awarded more than one artwork).
Supported by a University of Massachusetts blue economy grant, our remediating rain garden materializes the deep connection between the human community and the natural world. For the past 10 months, the Vestibules‘ team has collected local stories, artwork, and oral histories rooted in community memories of Brooklawn Park. These pieces’ general themes, which include the human-nature sensory connection and water as a metaphor for home or freedom, should contribute to the design of the Vestibules’ installations. Together, the rain garden and the artworks forge a sensory community space, bridging the gap between individuals and nature.
- Theme: A celebration of the sensory and aesthetic interconnections between Brooklawn Park’s human and natural worlds, with a focus on the local communities’ connections to the park’s green spaces, specifically with their memories of visiting, playing, and simply enjoying Brooklawn Park.
- Disciplines: Artists with a variety of practices are welcome to submit their proposals for this outdoor eco-art project. Artists will work with the Vestibules project team during the development, curation, and installation periods.
- Specific spatial requirements: Artwork will be at the perimeter of an 800 square foot rain garden (see below for site specificity). Each work should reflect sustainable practices and also be able to withstand two New England winters.
- Eligibility: Open to artists from New Bedford and nearby communities. Some experience in outdoor public art installation required. We especially encourage all creative individuals from the New Bedford community to apply.
- Application: See below for additional UMass Dartmouth requirements.
- Budget and Fee Payment Schedule: Each budget for each of the three artworks is all-inclusive: it includes materials, fabrication, transportation, meals, housing, and all artist fees. Fee schedule (33% contract approval), materials (33%), and final payment at project completion.
- Submission Portal: https://nbedc.submittable.com/submit
- Submission Timeline:
- Proposal Launch Date: July 10, 2026 by 9:00 PM EST
- Submission Deadline: August 7, 2026 by 9:00 PM EST
- Selection Announcement: August 15, 2026 by 9:00 PM EST
- Installation/Delivery of Final Artwork to Brooklawn Park: November 15, 2026
Please submit the following materials:
- Letter of Interest & Preliminary Proposal (Max 3 pages)
- A concept statement describing your interest in public art installations, your aesthetic philosophy, and how your design aligns with the thematic, aesthetic, and ecological goals of Vestibules.
- A brief CV or Bio including current contact information.
- Budget, Timeline, & Technical Details
- High-level production timeline that includes the start date through fabrication to final installation, with final artwork completed and installed no later than November 15, 2026
- Preliminary budget breakdown in your preferred format that includes anticipated materials and fabrication methods, within the stated budget maximum of $18,000 or $4,000
- A preliminary maintenance schedule and requirements for the New Bedford Parks, Recreation, & Beach Department.
- Supporting Materials (Does Not Count in Page Limit)
- Preliminary sketches, mock-ups, renderings, and/or technical notes for structural review and maintenance considerations.
- 3-5 images of previous relevant public artwork you’ve completed.
Review Process: Proposals will be reviewed by a Project Advisory Committee, consisting of Project Team leaders, members of the New Bedford community and New Bedford’s Parks, Recreation and Beaches Department.
UMass Dartmouth Compliance and Legal Requirements:
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- Independent Contractor Status: Selected artists will be onboarded as Independent Contractors/Individual Suppliers via the UMass Unified Procurement Service Team (UPST) Portal. Funds cannot be disbursed until onboarding is complete.
- Required Documentation: Upon selection, artists must promptly provide a completed Form W-9 and secure ACH/Direct Deposit enrollment information for electronic payments.
- Massachusetts Labor Laws: Final selection is strictly contingent upon passing the university’s internal Independent Contractor Questionnaire (ICQ) to satisfy Massachusetts state worker classification laws.
- Insurance Requirements: Because the artwork will be fabricated entirely off-campus, the Certificate of Insurance (COI) requirement for studio construction is waived. (Note: Standard public installation liability may still apply during on-site delivery).
Site plans & Garden Footprint:
The rain garden footprint spans approximately 800 square feet and features native plants,
walkways, and artwork. The design includes three raised earthen mounds engineered to direct stormwater into the garden for remediation. The three art installations will be permanently sited on these mounds, nestled within surrounding wildflowers. Approximate measurements of each mound (Refer to Site Map Graphic with Red Arrows Indicating Mounds): 30’ by 9’, 24’ by 12’, and 20’ by 8’.
Garden Plan: Red Lines Indicate Locations of Art Installations.
Rain Garden Site: Situated across the parking lot from the Ricketson Nature Center.