We are looking for installation type pieces that are static or interactive for members of the public to explore.

The festival is a visual arts event that combines a wide range of art forms for a variety of skill sets. The 2019 programme was a vibrant blend of workshops, masterclasses, installations, drop in activities, live art, demonstrations, talks, exhibitions and a trade fair. 

The event takes over Bridlington’s signature venue, Bridlington Spa and beyond for two days; filling to the brim with art. Alongside this runs the ArtWaves Fringe in the week run up to the main festival weekend. 

ArtWaves is now in its sixth year and growing bigger and stronger each year. In its initial year, the festival attracted around 700 visitors; this number expanding to around 1,700 in the 2016 event and reaching 5,000 in 2019. We anticipate this number will continue to rise as the reputation of the event grows and we maintain a high level of artistic programming.

Further information on the event can be found at: www.artwaves.co.uk

Introduction to Submerge 

In 2018 we piloted the Submerge strand and are happy to announce its continued return for the 2020 festival with the support of the Visual Art Uplift in East Riding. 

This strand of the event is aimed at young, new and emerging artists looking to create and display artwork on a public platform. 

We are looking for installation type pieces that are static or interactive for members of the public to explore. 

Submerge works by commissioning artists and working with them by way of light technical support to deliver the piece at the event, exposure through marketing/association with the event and where possible a portfolio of images from our event photographers. Essentially providing further exposure to boost their artistic profile. 

This formatting has been adopted by many arts events across the country and proves to be highly successful, the event manager behind ArtWaves has personally created and managed a similar strand for a highly reputable arts event within the region and is passionate about the benefits such a strand can have to artists. 

The experience allows artists to go through all the elements of concept to creation with the support of the event management, in house production and further contractors where required to ensure the piece is showcasing the best the artist has to offer. 

We are looking to commission 4 pieces for 2020 with for a commission fee of £500 - £1000 per artwork.  

Theme/Brief

The team behind ArtWaves have decided not to set a restricting theme, we want artists to have free rein over the ideas they submit to us. However, we are keen that the artworks meet a brief so that our audience demographic responds to them positively. 

Artworks should be attractive, perhaps on the edge of unusual but they don’t need to be complicated. Ideas could link to the East Riding, embracing the heritage of the area or explore art culture in a general sense. 

We want artists to add their own style, create something that showcases what they do as an artist and something that adds vibrancy and a twist to the existing offerings of the festival. 

Please Note: Your idea must be feasible, both in terms of budget and practicality.

How it works

Below is an outline of how the Submerge strand will run:  

• Get inspired and create your ideas for an installation/piece.
• Complete the expression of interest application below and send it through. 
• Wait for a response post selection (February 2020)
• Successful artists will then be invited for an induction and walk around the site, meeting key team members and where their installation/piece can be sited. 
• A pack will be provided with full event information/timescales etc.
• The festival will also provide a ‘workshop session’ by a well respected artist on getting your work into exhibitions for all the Submerge artists. 
• On going support will be given from the Artistic Director (via phone and email) alongside input from the production team and any external contractors as required to ensure the production of the piece is on track. 
• A secondary meeting to re-look at siting pieces, updates etc. 
• The piece will be constructed by yourself with light assistance from the in house production prior to the event going live. 
• Live event 
• De-rigging of the piece
• Post-event feedback, supply of images, supporting statements for the artist

Elements to note 

Although we are encouraging artists be as create and unrestricted as they wish, your idea also needs to be able to appeal to the audience in a visual or interactive sense and we will request in the expression of interest that you elaborate on how the idea fits. 

Please be realistic with your submission, in terms of feasibility of creating the piece. Make sure that you have thought about cost implications and the practicality of making your piece work logistically. The ArtWaves team are happy to talk through things and have a lot of experience in the area. 

You must be aware that this is a festival for all, from families to elderly attendees and therefore although we encourage entries of a diverse nature we must be sensitive to this fact. Please ensure that your piece is suitable for all audiences.

Criteria for submission

• Your work must be safely constructed for displaying to the public. 
• The event runs from 10.00 - 4.30pm on Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st May 2020. This is during daylight hours however, should you submit a light based installation we can look at creating a suitable space to house your piece.
• Temporary artwork that will excite, inspire and entertain a diverse audience of all ages. 
• Your work must be operational for on Friday 29th May and run on Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st May for the public.
• It is essential that you think through how your piece will be realised. We will provide a technical manager to assist in the installation of artworks and the team will support you with any technical questions you may have but we are looking for ideas that are realistic in terms of how they will be presented. 
• Our budget has to work very hard for the festival to remain sustainable and we can indicate that larger Submerge commissions for the 2020 event will receive £1000/£500. The festival will be able to absorb some installation costs such as power leads, blacking out spaces etc.