Ever since Meow Wolf announced its plans to construct a permanent exhibition in Denver, many Colorado artists have been wondering how they can be involved. Well, now is your chance — starting October 5, Meow Wolf will open its call for proposals for the Denver exhibition, slated to open in 2020. According to the official press release, Meow Wolf wants Colorado-based artists to “show your vision in sculpture, new media, fantastic storylines or immersive installation.” Artists of any and all kinds and experience are encouraged to apply, so don’t back out just because you do something obscure — chances are, obscure creativity will be welcomed as much as writing, sculpting or visual art will be.
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After the success of Meow Wolf’s Santa Fe exhibition, The House of Eternal Return, including millions of visitors and dollars in revenue, artists of all kinds have been attracted to the possibility of contributing to the immersive art display. Aside from wanting to get paid for an artistic endeavor, artists are excited about working with and for a group who understands artists because they are artists themselves. When Meow Wolf started as a DIY artist collective 10 years ago, they resorted to donations and dumpster diving for materials to make immersive installations. Today, those same dumpster divers are still running the company — including the CEO and co-founder Vince Kadlubek.
In order to give interested applicants a framework before they apply, two free workshops will be held this weekend on October 6 and 7. The sessions will provide prospective artists the opportunity to ask Meow Wolf’s creative directors and co-founders any questions, but especially questions pointed at applying and being involved with a collaborative group of artists.
Last month, Meow Wolf hosted a corporate social responsibility meeting at STEAM on the Platte to break down their plan for supporting the Denver community (and especially the neighborhood it’s moving into, Sun Valley) and hopefully avoid the fears around gentrification. Much of its work with Denver is advised by the Community Action Committee, a group made up of 15 Sun Valley artists, advocates and community members. Part of the plan is to make sure at least 40 percent of the installation and work within the Denver Meow Wolf is made by Colorado-based artists — and with hundreds of artists expected to contribute, there are a healthy number of spots to go for. Plus, Meow Wolf wants to ensure artists are provided a living wage and benefits. Already, the organization started working with and supporting local artists, including ones at the Maker Faire, Colorado Black Arts Festival, Temple Tantrum, College of Arts & Media and The Denver Zine Library.
READ: How Meow Wolf Plans to Support Denver’s Community and Combat Gentrification
“Meow Wolf origins are rooted as deeply as can be in creativity and community. We know that when you put those two powers together, anything is possible. Given the immense talent and energy of our neighbors, we have the highest expectations for Colorado proposals and couldn’t be more excited to see what comes in beginning this Friday,” said Han Sayles, Meow Wolf Artist Liaison, who moved to Santa Fe from Colorado to work on the Denver exhibition.
So, Colorado-based artists, get your creative juices flowing and prepare your best propositions. This is one of those chances that doesn’t come around every day.
For the open call that starts on Friday, October 5, go here.
For more information about the free workshops on October 6 and 7, go here.