2023 Open Call for Artists: The Guardhouse Program

Launched by FOR-SITE in 2023, The Guardhouse Program invites three artists each year to activate a former military guard station at the main entrance to Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture, presenting new work that responds to the natural and cultural significance of the site and its surroundings. 

FOR-SITE is thrilled to extend an open call for artists interested in developing new work this spring and summer 2023 for installations opening to the public this summer and fall 2023, respectively.

Selected through an open call for proposals, artists work closely with FOR-SITE to develop their proposed ideas for the 100-square-foot, freestanding building. Their resulting installations are viewable through the windows 24 hours a day, complemented by programs custom-designed to engage public audiences and highlight the ideas explored in their work.

Artists are invited to propose their ideas for the creation of new work highlighting the natural and cultural significance of the site and its surrounding areas.

Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture is visited by 1.4 million annually. FOR-SITE hopes that year-round temporary art installations inside The Guardhouse will serve as an invitation for public audiences to reflect on and engage in dialogue about the historic and contemporary uses of the site. The Guardhouse Program is presented by FOR-SITE in partnership with Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture, and is made possible thanks to generous support from the ARB Fund. 

How to Apply: 
The Guardhouse Program is designed to serve three selected artists annually, each of whom will activate the former military guard station at the main entrance to Fort Mason Center with a temporary art installation responding to the natural and/or cultural significance of the site and its surrounding areas.

Artists must be available to participate in The Guardhouse Program this spring (with an installation in summer) and/or this summer (with an installation in fall) 2023.

If selected, you will work closely with FOR-SITE to develop your proposed ideas and create new artwork designed specifically for installation inside The Guardhouse, which is a 100-square-foot, freestanding building. Your installation will be open to the public, viewable through the windows 24 hours a day for a three-month exhibition period.

If selected, FOR-SITE will work with you to develop accompanying public programming that provides opportunities for audiences to engage with the ideas explored in your work.

Priority will be given to artists whose proposed ideas take into consideration both the historic and contemporary uses of the site and its surrounding areas.

FOR-SITE will provide: maps; detailed floor plan and elevation drawings of The Guardhouse building; guidelines/restrictions to consider when developing new work for installation.

If selected, you will receive $2,500, plus up to $2,500 for production-related expenses.

FOR-SITE will provide financial and dedicated in-kind staff support for (de)installation, marketing/communications and promotion, as well as dedicated in-kind staff support from project conception through research, development, production and installation.

Applications must be received by no later than 11:59 p.m. PST on Thursday, March 16, 2023.

If selected, you will be notified by no later than April 1, 2023.

Please complete the application by responding to the questions and uploading requested media.

https://for-site.slideroom.com/#/login/program/71420