West Michigan Symphony Commissions Artworks to Commemorate 75th Anniversary
Muskegon, Michigan, January 30, 2014 – In honor of its 75th anniversary season, the West Michigan Symphony is commissioning artwork for its new office, performance and outdoor space in downtown Muskegon.
Artists have until March 16 to submit ideas for consideration to the Symphony, which is seeking 10 two- or three-dimensional pieces of art in all media for its new home in the Russell Block building at 360 W. Western Ave. Commissions will be awarded in April for the artworks, which will be featured at a special exhibit at the Muskegon Museum of Art in honor of the Symphony’s anniversary.
“The 75th Anniversary Exhibition: West Michigan Symphony” will run from Sept. 18-Nov. 2 as the Symphony kicks off a year of special concerts, performances and celebrations to mark its anniversary. After the exhibition at the MMA, the artworks will be installed in the Symphony offices and The Block, its new and intimate performance space.
“This is such a wonderful and lasting way to commemorate this important milestone in the Symphony’s history,” said Carla Hill, WMS president and CEO. “We are seeking art that is contemporary in nature and will fit the aesthetic of the new and beautifully restored space we now call home at the Russell Block Building.
“The Symphony is delighted to partner with the Muskegon Museum of Art on this commission and exhibition. We encourage all Michigan artists to consider submitting a proposal for this competition – and to then seeing the exhibition at MMA and hearing a performance of the West Michigan Symphony. We have an exceptional season in the works to celebrate 75 years of performances.”
Artists are encouraged to visit the new WMS offices and performance space to determine the appropriate scale and location for proposed artwork. Proposals may include photographs or sketches of sites within the building if the artwork is tailored for a specific location.
All submission packets must include:
• Sketches, models or studies for the final artwork. Artists may also submit images and specifications for already existing artworks that fit the space.
• A written description of the work, including the materials used and final dimensions. Any special requirements for installation should be included.
• A completed submission form. Forms are available at the WMS and MMA offices, or for download at www.westmichigansymphony.org or www.muskegonartmuseum.org.
Commissions will be awarded to 10 artists whose proposals are accepted, with a maximum of $1,000 per artist. Artworks that deviated from the accepted proposals may be refused. Final artwork must arrive at the Muskegon Museum of Art ready for public display, including necessary framing or hanging devices, by Aug. 30.
Submission packets should be mailed to: Art Submissions, West Michigan Symphony, 360 W. Western Ave., Muskegon, 49940. For additional information or questions, contact Carla Hill at 231.726.3231, ext. 222 or via e-mail at chill@westmichigansymphony.org, or Art Martin at MMA at 231.720.2575.
About West Michigan Symphony
As one of the few professional regional orchestras in Michigan, West Michigan Symphony has played a leading role in the region’s cultural community for nearly 75 years. WMS serves a regional audience with eight pairs of concerts annually, along with dozens of educational and outreach activities for children and adults. Earlier this year, the organization also launched The Block, a new and intimate concert venue in downtown Muskegon that will host a wide range of performers. WMS also oversees operations for the West Michigan Youth Symphony and the newly formed WMS Children’s Choir. For more information, visit www.westmichigansymphony.org.
