SCOPE & BACKGROUND The Shreveport Regional Arts Council (SRAC) and Visit Shreveport-Bossier (Tourist Bureau) announces a Call to Artists for designs for Gateway Signage along the Boom or Bust Byway in Northwest Louisiana. The Boom or Bust Byway runs along Highway 2 from Vivian to Lake Claiborne where it circles the Lake and returns to Vivian. These large roadside signs will feature iconic imagery for the towns they are representing and include a QR Code to share information about local attractions. Seven (7) signs have already been fabricated from a previous Call to Artists, however two additional signs are needed, one each for Sarepta and Belcher, Louisiana. NOTE: Belcher had been included in the previous group for the Boom or Bust Call to Artists, however final designs were not selected. Artists that submitted designs for Belcher’s previous call may submit new designs, or their original designs from the last Boom or Bust Call provided that the subject matter is in alignment with the 5 “themes” provided for Becher in this new call. Each community has selected icons or themes to represent the distinct heritage, culture, and attraction of their area. The Artist will determine which symbols provided best describe the community’s vision The purposes of the Artists’ designed Gateway Signs are to: 1. Encourage travelers to take the BOOM OR BUST Byway for a spin! It’s a beautiful trip through Northwest Louisiana. 2. Motivate travelers along the Byway to explore the “off the beaten path” treasures in each Town/Village. This is authentic Louisiana! 3. Inspire travelers to stop for a “Selfie,” Post on social, and click a QR code to the app to access the history of the area and directions to the town’s shopping, eating, and attractions. Note: The Artist will submit the “to-scale” Design(s). Selected Designs will be FABRICATED and INSTALLED by the Shreveport Regional Arts Council. ELIGIBILITY The Design Entry is open to all artists on the Northwest Louisiana Culturalyst Directory at the time of submission. Register on the CULTURALYST directory, (at no cost) if you are an Artist residing or owning property in Northwest Louisiana and have at least 10 works of art ready for digital upload, along with a professional resume and Artist’s statement. Designs for signage will be accepted through Submittable.com. https://nwla.culturalyst.com https://srac.submittable.com ENTRY DEADLINE Deadline for submission is 4:00 pm, FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2024. PROJECT Artists will submit designs that for a laser cut-out sign on a white background. Artists may submit up to three (3) Sign Designs per Town. Each sign design focuses on one discrete “icon” or “theme” for the town. An Artist may submit up to three single icon designs. EX: 3 separate images of Bayou Dorcheat for Sarepta. -OR- Three (3) separate icons for one Town. EX: Sarepta - A. Christmas Festival B. Trace Adkins C. Muddy Bottoms ATV Park The Artist will use the digital or physical template to design the one-sided sign. Each sign measures 16’W X 6’H. The top of the sign has a town name that measures 18”H. The sign sits on a concrete base that measured 18’W X 4’H X 1.5’D Artist does not design the town name or concrete base. SPECIFICATIONS The Gateway Signs are uniform in structure, size, color (white), materials and “silhouette” approach using black, “negative areas” designated to be cut-out of the design, with the white, “positive areas”, still solidly connected to each other. The image on each sign will be unique. Artist’s may enter up to 3 designs for each Gateway Sign (as many as 24 designs, total). These measurements bring to the top and the cement foundation holding the sign brings the overall measurement to 18’ W X 11.5’ H X 1.5’D. SITES AND IMAGERY Each Artist’s sign design must uniquely identify each site with ONE of the listed site assets. Example: Belcher Patriotism. Note: You may not combine two icons, such as the Belcher Patriotism with Historic Churches. (or other themes). SAREPTA • Christmas Festival • Hunting at Bodcau WMA • Bayou Dorcheat and Bodcau Dam (ex: fishing, hiking, camping, kayaking, etc.) • Trace Adkins • Muddy Bottoms ATV & Recreation Park BELCHER • Historic Churches • Patriotism • Agriculture • Caddo Indians • Cotton SELECTION / COMMISSION 1. The Jury of professional Artists will select up to 3 designs per Town as follows: Notification: On or before Thursday, July 25, Artists will receive notice about Selection. There are 3 types of information: A. The work was not selected. B. The Jury may select the submitted design “As Is.” These selected designs will receive a $500 award and progress to the next level. C. The Jury may make aesthetic and safety recommendations. In this case, the selected designer may choose to make the requested revisions, which are due within 7 days of notification (by August 1st). The Artist receives a $500 fee per approved revised design. D. The Artist may choose not to make the revisions and step out of the process with no fee. The Jurors may move to an alternate design. 2. The Final Designs will be displayed August 5th in the destination’s Library, Village Hall, and the Churches with ballot boxes. The images will also be posted on the destination’s Facebook pages and official website. Only citizens of that destination may vote for their favorite design, and may vote only once. (This will be verified.) 3. Deadline to vote is Tuesday, September 3rd. 4. Wednesday, September 4th, the Steering Committee will tally scores and submit them to the respective Mayors of the destinations, who will have final say to approve a design for the site. 5. These selected Artworks/Artists will receive an additional $1,500 Award per Design. TIMELINE: Tuesday, June 11: Activation/Distribution of the Call to Artists. Wednesday, June 19: Mandatory “Orientation” in person or by Zoom; 12 noon and 5 pm; personal assistance is available by appointment. 4:00 pm, Friday, July 12: Deadline for Submissions via Submittable Thursday, July 25: Announcement of Finalists, with notes for “As Is” Acceptance or “Please Revise” Acceptance. Thursday, August 1: Revisions are due. Monday, August 5 to Tuesday, September 3: Community /Town Voting Friday, September 6: Vote numbers reported to Town Mayor. September 16 – 20: Mayors report final decision – with opportunity to request minor modifications.