• A term for Earth Artist is for 3 years, from the date of confirmation 
• A person can only hold the position of  Earth Artist for the City of Hartford once
• A term may be temporarily extended until a new Earth Artist is confirmed

A person may lose the title of Earth Artist for the City of Hartford if they:

• No longer reside in the City of Hartford
• Misrepresent or abuse the position of Earth Artist       
• Fail to fulfill the duties of the position of Earth Artist

In any of these cases, the Court of Common Council may revoke the title through a majority vote.

The responsibilities of the Earth Artist include, but are not limited to:

• Appearing at public events
• Providing increased opportunities for the community to experience the natural world through art and culture
• Amplifying the presence of the natural world in Hartford, giving voice to the planet and its non-human species
• Addressing, through art and culture, the need for environmental justice in communities that have historically been exposed to air, water, noise and ground pollution.
• Submission of a work of art or outcomes of a community-led project to the Commission on Cultural Affairs each year 

The Earth Artist promotes awareness and appreciation of the planet Earth; works with the Connecticut Science Center, the Parks, and local schools to promote ecological learning through hands on art and cultural activities, and endeavors to instill pride in the beauty of Hartford’s natural spaces.

A nominee for Earth Artist must:

• Be a current resident of the City of Hartford 
• Be at least 18 years old
• Have original works of art in at least one regionally-recognized, juried public exhibition or cultural event
• Be available to serve a 3-year term

The City of Hartford seeks to encourage and engage the community in experiencing the life affirming power of being in relationship with the planet Earth by identifying and honoring successful and insightful Earth Artists and cultural activists residing in the City. This position can be held by artists from many disciplines, including visual artists and performers, as well as specialists in eco-art, and/or community art. The Earth Artist will have experience in socially engaged projects, and show involvement with environmental and/or ecological initiatives. The Earth Artist title can be awarded to an individual, or a collective of artists.

Certain criteria will be given consideration in the selection process, including: 

• Excellence as evidenced by the submitted work sample
• Professionalism as evidenced by an established history of projects, honors, awards, fellowships, and/or other recognition such as contributions to community culture
• Demonstrated advancement of environmental art and culture in the community as well as other forms of commitment to community involvement 

• An artist or collective of artists may apply for the position
• A Selection Committee will be formed to review Earth Artist applications. The Committee will be organized and directed by the Commission on Cultural Affairs
• The Committee will submit three finalists and a recommended choice to the Commission on Cultural Affairs. The Commission will then select one finalist and make a recommendation to the Mayor for approval
• With approval from the Mayor, the selection is submitted to the Court of Common Council for a confirmation through majority vote

Month 1: Establish Selection Committee. Hold initial meeting. Circulate Call for Submissions.

Month 2: Issue reminder for Call for Submissions.

Month 3: Applications with all necessary materials are due and vetted for completion and standards.

Month 4 + 5: The Selection Committee reviews applications, deliberates, and submits three finalists and one recommended choice to the Commission on Cultural Affairs. 

Month 5: The Commission on Cultural Affairs recommends a finalist to the Mayor for approval. The Mayor has the opportunity to dispute the recommendation or request more information. Their selection is submitted to the Court of Common Council for final confirmation through a majority vote.

Month 6: City of Hartford Earth Artist will be decided by this date, as approved by Council. The date for a confirmation ceremony is set. 

Month 7: The 3-year term of the Earth Artist begins on the date of confirmation. Commission holds a meeting with Earth Artist to discuss vision/mission of  Earth Artist and to determine means of supporting the work of the Earth Artist for the coming years.

The Selection Committee will consist of at least one person selected by the Mayor, at least one member of the Court of Common Council or appointed by the Court of Common Council, at least two people with a demonstrated expertise in art, ecology, and/or environmental justice and culture who reside in the City of Hartford, and two other seats determined by the Commission on Cultural Affairs. The Selection Committee reviews all applications and may interview the candidates. The Committee deliberation reflects upon the values and goals of the role of Earth Artist, as well as the community of the City of Hartford. The selection committee then acts as an advisory committee to the Earth Artist to provide support throughout their term.

View the complete the 2019 Earth Artist POLICY HERE.

Required Materials for Applying

• An application form
• A letter of interest
• Resume or CV, including achievements and awards
• At least 4, and a maximum of 7, exemplary samples of the applicant’s work with citation of the source of publication or location of venue artwork displayed when applicable
• Three recent letters of reference (may include professional, community, and academic references)

Applicants may be contacted by the Committee for further interview, references, or material. Applications are not carried over for future years. Prior applicants must re-apply for consideration. An applicant cannot be a member of the Commission on Cultural Affairs or the Committee to select the Earth Artist.

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION

Mail to:

Commission on Cultural Affairs
Attn. Free Center
460 New Britain Avenue
Hartford, CT 06106

or

Email to: hartfordarts@gmail.com

Subject line: Earth Artist