Project Mission:

Who We Are will be a collaborative art project designed to allow participants and observers to engage with ideas around what it means to be an American at this time in history. What do we value? What do we celebrate? What do we fight for? Who are we?

Keeping in mind that the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence is in 2026, this project will be asking participants to grapple with the question, "Who are we?" - as citizens, as Vermonters, as Americans, as people. Ideas of citizenship, belonging, history, culture, and society will be considered. Fundamental questions about what it means to be a person in the world today will be central to the creation of this collaborative art piece.

The finished art piece will:

• be the result of a collaborative effort between the artist(s) and participants from the community.

• reflect the community’s values and identity.

• connect to the chosen theme for the project.

• be suitable for placement outdoors. While an outdoor mural to be installed on the building is the preferred type of art, the library will consider proposals for other work (sculptures, etc.) and encourages artists with unique ideas to apply.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to a professional local artist or team of artists who have:

• demonstrated excellence in the visual arts.

• experience teaching art and facilitating workshops, specifically around connecting art to larger idea or theme.

• experience working with a variety of age and ability levels.

Anticipated Project Schedule – This schedule has some flexibility depending upon the needs of the library and the artist(s).

3/2/2026 Submissions Due (The library may choose to schedule in-person meetings with top candidates before final selection is made.)

3/16/2026 Artist Selection and Notification

Late March Artist(s) and library meet to collaborate on workshop schedule

April 2026 Two workshops with the community

May 2026 Two workshops with the community

June 2026 Two workshops with the community

Late June/Early July 2026 Work Completed and Installed

Workshops and Open-Studios

6 Collaborative Creation workshops:

• The artist(s) will work with participants to create one final collaborative art piece. Each participant should have the opportunity to contribute to the art, using methods the artist facilitates, and materials provided. Participants will be of a variety of age and experience levels.

• Participants will engage in discussions with the artist(s) and with each other, therefore sharing ideas, making connections, and building community.

Open-Studios:

• The artist(s) will engage the public in one or two open-studios during the period when the art piece is being finalized and installed. During this time, the artist(s) will demonstrate and discuss their creative processes, perhaps even discussing their other works and artistic endeavors.

• Observers may ask questions of the artist(s) while they work.

• Depending on the needs of the project and the artist(s), a seventh workshop may take the place of the the second open-studio, or the time may be used to move the project forward in another manner. This will remain flexible and will be assessed as the project moves forward.

Artist Compensation (if a team of more than one artist is hired, these fees and stipends will be payable to the team)

1. Artist/team fees for collaborative creation series:

   six collaborative creation workshops @ $300/workshop. (Each workshop lasts a minimum of 60 minutes)

2. Artist/team fees for finalizing artwork and installation:

   up to 2 open-studio sessions where the public can observe the artist(s) working and ask questions @$450 session. (Each session lasts a minimum of 90 minutes)

3. Artist/team fee for attendance at public reception to reveal finished artwork: $200

4. Travel stipend for travel to and from the library for up to 9 visits: up to $400

5. Additional stipend for up to 3 hours of prep work and planning (if needed): $300

Materials Budget

Various art supplies and other materials needed for workshops and installation: not to exceed $1000

Submission Requirements

Interested artists must submit the following as one PDF file. Incomplete submissions will not be considered:

1. Letter of interest (500 word maximum) describing artistic approach and relevance to the project

2. Artist resume/CV which highlights relevant experience

3. Concept sketch of proposed artwork

4. Up to 3 images of previous relevant work, including descriptions

Please submit your proposal electronically by March 2, 2026 to: Jill Andersen jill@carpentercarse.org 802.482.2878

Please also contact Jill if you need help with your submission or have any questions about the project.

Who We Are is made possible by a grant the library was awarded through Vermont Humanities’ Project Grants process. This grant is administered by the Vermont Arts Council using funds provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Vermont 250th Anniversary Commission to commemorate our nation’s 250th anniversary. For more information on the grant, please visit the Vermont Humanities website.