C5 Studios launches Art in Storefronts 2024
Artists invited to submit proposals
C5 Studios Community Arts Center is excited to announce the launch Art in Storefronts 2024.
With generous funding provided by the city of Bishop’s Grant in Support, Art in Storefronts aims to beautify and enrich building storefronts that are neglected or vacant and elevate the street appeal of downtown Bishop.
The objectives of this project include providing a public platform for local artists to share their artwork, utilizing unused spaces or neglected storefronts as creative spaces and creating an art walk experience in downtown Bishop.
The benefits of such projects are diverse and well documented.
Public art is known to bring a sense of uniqueness to towns and cities, contributing to placemaking. Studies show that urban areas that contain public art experience lower levels of crime such as vandalism. Art enhances the environment and heightens awareness of people’s surroundings.
The Art in Storefronts project also provides local businesses and building owners an opportunity to support local artists while acting in accordance with the new city ordinance,
No. 586, which addresses the issue of vacant building and storefront nuisances. This ordinance states vacant buildings and storefronts are a major cause and source of blight in nonresidential neighborhoods, especially when the owner of the building fails to actively maintain and manage the building to ensure that it does not become a liability to the neighborhood.
Art in Storefronts was first facilitated in Bishop in 2022 by local arts organization Eastern Sierra Artists, managed by then ESA board member Gaye Mueller, and was received extremely well; bringing interest and attention to the participating artists and their work.
Art in Storefronts 2024 aims to build upon the success of its predecessor, continuing an exciting public art project and extending its impact by culminating in an engaging, exciting and creative
art walk down Main Street for locals and tourists alike to enjoy. Facilitated by C5 Studios and managed by Courtney Bagby and C5 Studios directors, this project is one of a handful of exciting public art projects that C5 Studios and Eastern Sierra Artists are currently facilitating in the area.
C5 Studios is currently inviting submissions of proposals from artists interested in participating with Art in Storefronts 2024, and seeking local businesses and building owners with vacant or available storefronts who would like to participate. Artist submissions must include a bio, pictures of 3-5 pieces of past work, and their proposed installation idea with a written description and rendering.
Submissions may be dropped off at C5 Studios or submitted digitally to Courtney Bagby at courtneyc5studios@gmail.com by Feb. 20. Local businesses and building owners interested in participating should reach out to the same email address.