Request for Proposals: L+A+N+D (Landscape + Art + Nature + Design) Initiative

It is designed and constructed by artists, architects, landscape architects, designers, and creatives, successful L+A+N+D proposals provide experiences with topics addressing humans – connection to nature, beauty in the landscape, biodiversity, conservation, sustainability, and climate change. The selected experiences are implemented via a stipend to the applicant(s), and a construction budget for fabrication and installation expenses.

L+A+N+D will strengthen Bernheim’s mission of connecting people with nature through the lens of art and public engagement, positioning the organization further in its vision of being a national treasure and leader in ecological stewardship.

L+A+N+D will inspire and connect everyone to nature through art, it may provide unique experiences to those who might not visit art galleries or museums or have a known interest in art; L+A+N+D is an experience of discovery that fosters environmental knowledge and advocacy from a varied group of contemporary voices and L+A+N+D demonstrates that sustainability can be beautiful and engaging.

Goals

• To contribute to the region’s cultural vitality with an innovative public arts program that excites the greater community.
• To hear new voices and perspectives on nature and climate crisis issues through creative experiences and expressions.
• To develop into a major showcase of environmental design.
• To develop programming around L+A+ N+ D experiences that inspires sustainability practices at home and within communities which motivate people to act in protecting the natural world.

Tiers of Entry Categories

• To encourage submissions from emerging and established applicants, Bernheim has two tiers of entry categories, where more extensive construction warrants a higher materials and production budget.
  • Tier 1 Entry Breakdown
    • Honorarium: $10,000
    • Materials and Production: $20,000
    • Total Awarded:  $30,000
  • Tier 2 Entry Breakdown
    • Honorarium: $5,000
    • Materials and Production:  $10,000
    • Total Awarded: $15,000

Selection Criteria

• Relativity to Bernheim’s mission of connecting people to nature and the goals of L+A+N+D.
• Artistic excellence, innovation, and unique approaches to the L+A+N+D site.
• Accessibility to Bernheim visitors and how the work serves to activate or enhance public space.
• Creative use of materials that have minimal impact on the environment.
• How structurally sound, safe, resilient to weather, and heavy use by the public.
• Visual impact, including interactivity and scale/scope of the work.
• Demonstrated ability to realize the work through detailed and realistic budget and installation plan.

For more information, visit Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest.