International Public Art Fest calls for 2021 proposals

The IPAF theme for 2021 is ‘100% Sustainable’ and proposals for participation are officially open. Artists should submit proposals for public art interventions that are public-friendly and resonate with the theme.

The arts organisation is mindful of the environmental and societal footprint and has geared all efforts so that every aspect of the nine-day event has a minimal impact on the environment, as well as promoting social and economic inclusion. “Being in the throes of Covid-19, we need to think now, more than ever about how to ‘future-proof’ our communities through environmental, economic and social sustainability. We are looking for ideas for public art activations that focus on the idea of sustainability, through environmental awareness, creative sustainable solutions, creating economic possibilities through skills-building and sharing or a focus on community building,” says Alexandre Tilmans, co-founder of Baz-Art.

“The United Nations’ secretary-general, António Guterres said it himself: ‘Everything we do during and after this crisis (Covid-19) must be with a strong focus on building more equal, inclusive and sustainable economies and societies that are more resilient in the face of pandemics, climate change and the many other global challenges we face’ and this was the inspiration behind the theme for IPAF 2021,” explains Tilmans.

Artists are advised to consider the following guidelines when designing their proposed concepts:

• Explorative: inspect and integrate art into unusual spaces, create accidental encounters and pose small art gestures
• Visible and public-friendly
• Collaborative: foster dialogue within the community, public discussion and positive development
• Sustainability at the heart of the work: is the work made from sustainable materials, is it sustainable themed, or do the outcomes produce a more sustainable community or economy?
• Workshop hosts: open to all urban intervention ideas, from guerrilla gardening to mural techniques

The organisers are open to exploring ideas around activations in all mediums, murals, sculptures, performances, experiences. Let them know how you’d like to participate.

Creating awareness of the positive impacts of public art and celebrating street art as an art form is a driving force for the annual event. In addition, the festival aims to position Cape Town as a global street art hub in Africa while showcasing local talent and culture on an international platform. The event, ultimately, seeks to show how public art can activate social change and cohesion.

If you’re interested in submitting your proposal, read up more about IPAF 2021 and submit your portfolio applications here. The deadline for submissions is 15 November 2020.