open call - prism: seeing beyond mass incarceration

PRISM: Seeing Beyond Mass Incarceration, hosted by Cleveland Public Library, will facilitate the creation of art and programming as it examines the role of the library in efforts to end mass incarceration. The project aims to further a more imaginative and expansive dialogue around the realities of mass incarceration, efforts to end this societal ill, and alternative solutions to safety. LAND studio and Shooting Without Bullets serve as consultants and co-project managers, shaping the project’s identity and processes in alignment with broader efforts encouraging the use of art for justice.

This open call will result in the selection of four (4) artists, each awarded $75,000, who will design and install artwork at four (4) library campuses throughout Cleveland. Selected artists will be required to attend a retreat to learn more about PRISM, visit potential installation sites, and engage with community members to support the conceptualization of site-specific artworks.

Successful projects will:

• Further PRISM's aims to shift the narrative around mass incarceration
• Interrogate the curatorial themes of PRISM in interesting and impactful ways
• Reflect the needs and identity of Cleveland and the neighborhood in which the library branch is located
• Visually transform public space

Please read the PRISM Project Brief for more background and information.