Multimedia Performance Project Fuses Art, Technology & Public Discourse

BANDALOOP, Illuminate, Madrone Studios, and The Village Impacts are proud to announce a new collaborative public art project, #SFPublicCanvas, an outdoor performance installation that blends art and technology to create a “canvas” for performance and storytelling, based on narratives from San Francisco’s Mid­Market/Tenderloin neighborhood.

The project is designed to further the public discourse regarding the changing face of this historic area and the city at large, while shedding light on how similar stories are shared by cities around the world. Over the course of the next several months, artwork submitted by the public will be compiled into a performance work, which will feature large-screen projection and BANDALOOP’s internationally acclaimed vertical dance company. Free public performances will take place June 16­-19, 2016 on the exterior of the Hastings College of Law building on Golden Gate Ave.

To create this “canvas,” project organizers have just launched the #SFPublicCanvas Art Competition, asking the public to submit artwork and ideas in response to the question, “How can we build a future for the Mid­Market/Tenderloin neighborhood that addresses the issues facing the area today?” Organizers are calling for artwork in any medium to be submitted via email or Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter using the hashtag, #SFPublicCanvas no later than March 15, 2016.

They are particularly interested in receiving literary submissions of either text or recorded poetry or spoken word that will be incorporated into the project.

Submissions will be compiled into a cohesive work of video projection art featuring original animation conceived by world renowned, San Francisco­-based designer, GMUNK. During the June performances, the projection art will be displayed as an environment for BANDALOOP’s vertical dance, with aspects of the animation triggering, and being triggered by the performers.

A jury will award finalists in three categories cash prizes and the opportunity to display their work at a one­-night Finalist Exhibition gallery event at The Village events venue. A bonus award will also be given to a People’s Choice winner, selected through a public online vote.

Submit online by March 15, 2016.