Artist / Performer FAQ
2011 festival dates: August 5 – 7
Disorientalism performing Guns and Gals in the 2010 Summer Festival
Submissions
Q: What kind of work are you looking for?
A: There is no specific genre we are looking for. However, Maxon Mills, the Luther Barn and the surrounding areas are unique and inspiring spaces conducive to site specific installations. Be as specific or general as you are able in your proposal as to how your installation might integrate into our space. Please do show relevant work and tell us how it relates to your proposed installation. We also show flat work, sculpture, installation, performance art, dance, film and music. Small Artists’ objects, books, prints, crafts and clothing are also sold in our store.
Q: How do I submit work?
A: A separate proposal is required for each Artist or group of collaborators submitting. Instructions for submitting are available on the application page HERE. You can check out the application form before submitting it.
Q: Is it necessary to visit the site before I submit work?
A: Artists are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with our spaces and submit proposals accordingly. A preference is given to Artists who consider our space in their proposal. However, a site visit is not required.
Q: Why is there a submission fee?
A: It is a full time job curating the festival and we need to pay our staff. We tried to keep the submission fee as low as possible so it wouldn’t be a deterrent to submit work.
Installation
Q: When is install?
A: We have two installation weekends: Friday June 24th – Sunday June 26th, and Friday July 1st – Sunday July 3rd. The Maxon Mills is open from 10am til 8pm each installation day. Works MUST be installed by the end of the day on Sunday, July 3rd.
Q: Am I required to install my own piece?
A: Artists are responsible for the installation of their own work during the install period. If you are unable to install your piece yourself or you require special circumstances, time or equipment, please state them in your proposal and we will try to accommodate your needs. Artists must be responsible for their own work.
Q: How can I get my work up to the show?
A: Artists are responsible for getting their work to and from the Wassaic Project. Work may be delivered in the following ways:
1) Bring your piece up with you during the install period on the train or by car or carpool with other Artists.
2) An Artist point person will be chosen to coordinate a shared truck form New York City to the Wassaic Project on the first day of the install period. The truck will be coordinated, driven, and paid for by Artists showing in the Summer Festival independent of the the Wassaic Project. Work will be delivered to a safe spot at the Wassaic Project, but the Artist is still responsible for the installation of their work during Install period. Please note, this is a one way trip. A separate Truck will be arranged during the de-install weekend.
3) You may mail your piece to The Wassaic Project if you make arrangements beforehand. Please state that you will need to mail your piece, whether you need someone else to install it, and why in your proposal and we will try to accommodate you.
Transportation
Q: How do I get up to the festival site?
A: The Wassaic Project is accessible by Car and Metro North Railroad. Directions to the site are listed HERE.
Q: Do I need a car during install or the festival?
A: It is not necessary to have a car during install or the festival, although it makes things easier. If you do not have a car, we recommend that you bring all the things you will need to install your show and during your stay. You are also allowed to bring a bike. A bike may be brought on the Metro North if you buy a bike permit along with your ticket (these are inexpensive and last a lifetime). There is also a general store in the town center (easy walking distance) and many people arrange carpools to the hardware store and supermarket.
Accommodations
Q: Where do I stay during the install period?
A: Artists are invited to camp for free on our campgrounds during install period.
Camping on the Luther Barn field during the 2010 Summer Festival
Q: What facilities are available during Install?
A: The campground is equipped with clean running water (hose), port-o-potties, and garbage cans. There is also a lovely stream nearby for taking a dip.
Q: What should I bring?
A: Items to Bring:
-Everything you need to Install your work including
*Art
*hardware
*Tools
*Lighting is provided, though if you have special requirements, you should bring what you need to best light your work
-Tent or Tipi
-Sleeping bag/sleeping pad
-Personal Items
-Water Bottles
-Cooler
-Food
-Cooking utensils
-Camp Stove
-Headlamp/Lantern
-Bugspray
-Suntan lotion
-A warm change of clothes
-Bathing suit and towel
-Bike, helmet and lock
PLEASE MINIMIZE YOUR USE OF DISPOSABLE ITEMS
PLEASE NO GLASS BOTTLES
Q: Are there electrical outlets available for use?
A: Electrical outlets are available in the Maxon Mills.
Q: Where do we get food?
A: There are a number of restaurants and stores in the area accessible by car or bike. If you have neither, we will arrange a supermarket shuttle during install and there is a small general store in town that has some food and supplies.
The Festival
Q: Do Artists or volunteers have to pay for camping during the Festival?
A: Nope! Amazing! Free camping for all volunteers, Artists, Musicians and Performers. But not your guests! Camping during the festival is $40 per person for the weekend if you register in advance (which you can do HERE), $60 if you register onsite.
Q: Are Artists required to volunteer for the festival?
A: No. In fact, we encourage Artists NOT to volunteer so they have maximum time to meet other artists, buyers, performers, and RELAX. Artists: PLEASE send us your friends to volunteer! Volunteers who work for at least one full eight hour shift get free camping, five drink tickets, and a festival poster. Contact us at summerfest@wassaicproject.org
Q: Am I required to attend the festival?
A: The Wassaic Project is a community event and we feel that it is important for our Artists to make it a priority to be a part of our community, so we make it a priority to have Artists that will attend the festival. If you are unable to attend the festival, please state the reason in your proposal.
Commission
Q: How much commission does the Wassaic Project take from sold works?
A: The Wassaic Project takes 50% on all work sold at The Wassaic Project.
De-Installation
Q: When is de-install?
A: De-install is Friday, September 2nd – 4th. Artists MUST arrange for de-install of their work during this period.
Q: How do we get our work back?
A: Work is to be picked up during the de-install period. The Artist is responsible for the packaging and picking up of their work, unless you have arranged otherwise beforehand (please state this in your proposal). Artists who shared the truck for installation will arrange a truck for de-installation.