ART - 2025 Installation Application -



BASS COAST
ART INSTALLATION APPLICATION


Thank you for your interest in applying for the Bass Coast Art Installation program.

Bass Coast takes place from July 11-14, 2025, in Merritt, BC on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Nlaka’pamux and Syilx people.

Since the inception of the Art Installation program in 2012, Bass Coast has awarded over $300,000 in grants, showcased more than 450 interactive art installations, and has seen over 1100 artists participate in the program. The program offers professional and emerging artists an internationally recognised exhibition space to showcase their work. Artists are invited to present interactive installations alongside their idols & peers with the support and mentorship of the Bass Coast team.

Exhibiting art outdoors in a festival environment comes with unique challenges. This application serves as a tool to help you prepare before you apply.

Before applying, please review all questions below and our Art Installation Application Package for important details.

We’re seeking the following:

  1. Innovative ideas & unique concepts

  2. Installations that are interactive with the viewer

  3. Projects that showcase unique lighting and design

  4. Work that initiates profound conversation

  5. Designs that create an environment that encourages viewers to gather

  6. Teams that use sustainable building materials and methods

  7. Structurally sound designs, built to the B.C. code

  8. Art designed for outdoor use with high winds and rain potential

  9. Art may be pre-existing or in the design phase when submitting your application

  10. Evolution of an existing piece or returning piece, to ensure a unique experience at Bass Coast

Applications exhibiting some or all of the following qualities have a higher potential for success.

  • Increased Physical Size: Art that is larger than 6 feet high.

  • Cause & Effect: Interactive art.

  • Lighting Design: Installations with advanced lighting design.

  • Flooring: Applications which include ground cover or mindfulness of how the piece is landing/framed in its environment.

INSTALLATION SUBMISSION EXPECTATIONS

Bass Coast 2025 Art Installation submissions will consist of 1 round.

ROUND 1: Nov 15, 2024 - Feb 1, 2025

Submissions will be reviewed Feb 1, 2025; successful applicants will be notified by March 15, 2025.

Radius Clause: Installations receiving a financial grant of over $1000 will be asked to sign a radius clause and cannot present the same project at any event within 500 km & 45 days on either side of the Bass Coast exhibition. Exceptions will be made if the other event is willing to match the funding amount from Bass Coast.

Arrival: Art installations are located in 2 areas with different opening dates. Installations in the field must be set up by Wednesday night at 11 PM, and those in the forest by Thursday night at 11 PM. All art Installations must be removed by 5 PM on Monday post-show.

Safety: Art installation teams are expected to ensure that their installation remains safe, secure, and functioning throughout the entirety of the festival. Bass Coast Festival is not liable for any damaged installations.

Exhibit Locations: Bass Coast will decide on the location of art, and artists must comply with the location awarded to them.


INSTALLATION BASIC STANDARDS  

  • No pop-up tents; if you use a tent, it must be disguised*

  • No tarps, unless disguised*

  • Blow-up pools & plastic seating must be disguised*

  • No rental fencing

  • Art must match the description provided, or the funding will be revoked

  • Engineering stamps and liability insurance are required for all weight-bearing overhead structures

*If a tent, tarp, blow-up pool, and/or plastic seating is absolutely necessary, it must seamlessly integrate with the installation and not be visibly recognisable as a purchased product. 

KEY DATES in 2025

Feb 1: Applications close at 11:59 PM

Mar 15:  All successful applicants contacted

July 9:  Art Installation participants arrive on-site

July 9:  Art Installations in the field complete and ready for safety inspection before 5 PM and completed by 11 PM

July 10:  Art Installations in the forest complete and ready for safety inspection before 5 PM and completed by 11 PM

July 14:  Art Installations must be removed by 5 PM


Please note: all questions with * indicate a required field.

Thank you, we look forward to reviewing your application.

I have read and accept the above terms
Yes, I agree to the terms above.


PLEASE DO NOT NAVIGATE AWAY FROM THIS PAGE WHILE COMPLETING THE APPLICATION FORM.


USING THE BACK BUTTON WILL RESULT IN THE LOSS OF COLLECTED INFORMATION, REQUIRING YOU TO START AGAIN.

GRANTS WILL ONLY BE AWARDED TO FINISHED PROJECTS THAT MATCH THE DESCRIPTIONS GIVEN BELOW.

OVERVIEW

Legal First Name *

Please choose one person as the primary point of contact for the installation.

Preferred Name *
Legal Last Name *
Email *
Confirm Email *
Phone Number *
Installation Name *

(MAX 50 CHARACTERS INCLUDING SPACES)

NEW in 2025:
We highly recommend picking a name that clearly describes the visual look of your installation to help make your piece more recognisable. Provide a title that is both concise and descriptive.

The name title will be featured on the Bass Coast website, app, signage and used for promotional purposes.

Best Image of Art Installation *
(MAX SIZE 2MB)

Please use a professional image, 3D model, or high-quality sketch that clearly showcases your art installation or conception design. Rough sketches are not accepted as this is a crucial part of the application.

For successful applicants, any artwork images submitted may be used on the Bass Coast website, app, and for promotional purposes. However, the Bass Coast Art Director will make the final image selection. The Art Curation Team may select an alternate image for the profile if needed.

Image Specifications:

Accepted file types: JPG / PNG.
Accepted file dimensions: 600x600px min. - 1000x1000px max.
Accepted file size: 2MB max.
Aspect Ratio: The image will be cropped square as needed.

Supporting Image Upload *
(MAX SIZE 5MB)

Submit a minimum of 3 supporting images. Must include one image with measurements and a human adjacent to the piece for scale, and one image with lighting renders at night.

Add another (Max 5)
Proposal Package

If you have created a multi-page proposal for your installation, please include a file link here. This is optional, as the application form will serve as a proposal.

    Accepted file links: Google Drive, Drop Box, etc.

    Video File

    Video submissions for installations are encouraged but optional. Include a file link to showcase an existing piece or proposed installation concept.

    Accepted video folder links: Google Drive file, Dropbox, etc.

    General Description *

    Briefly describe your installation for the curation team below.

    How is the piece interactive? *
    Footprint on the ground *

    Width, Length, Height. Please indicate the unit of measurement, specify whether it is in feet or meters.

    Is your piece over 6ft tall? *
    Categories *

    Bass Coast provides partial support for Art Installations in the form of both financial funding and tickets with an equivalent value. Bass Coast does not intend to fund 100% of the costs associated with each installation. Art Installation tickets are provided as an equivalent value and artists are expected to use this value toward their artwork. If these terms are not acceptable, please do not apply.

    Please select your category:

    Category 1: 2 Art Installation tickets, which have an equivalent value of $900.

    Category 2: 2 Art Installation tickets (equivalent value $900) plus financial funding up to $1000.

    Category 3: 2 Art Installation tickets (equivalent value $900) plus financial funding exceeding $1000.

    Category 4: 2 Art Installation tickets (equivalent value $900) plus financial funding exceeding $3000.

    Category 1
    Category 2
    Category 3
    Category 4
    Size of Team *

    The majority of Art Installation receive two tickets to the festival.

    You will be asked to provide the following details for your ticket allocation:

    TICKET ONE (1):

    • Legal First Name

    • Preferred Name

    • Legal Last Name

    • Job Duty / Role

    TICKET TWO (2):

    • Legal First Name

    • Preferred Name

    • Legal Last Name

    • Job Duty / Role


      Additional tickets may be allocated upon acceptance, subject to approval. A very limited number of extra team tickets may also be available for individual purchase, which includes art installation accreditation, camping, and early entry.

      Final ticket allocations will be confirmed upon contract signing. No further team members or tickets can be added after this point.

      If your installation requires more than two tickets, you will be asked to provide the following:

      • Specify the job duty per additional team member

      • A detailed explanation of why this role is essential for the installation

      Please select the total number of team members in your group.

      TICKET ONE (1) *
      • Legal First Name

      • Preferred Name

      • Legal Last Name

      • Job Duty / Role


        TICKET TWO (2) *
        • Legal First Name

        • Preferred Name

        • Legal Last Name

        • Job Duty / Role

        TICKET THREE (3) *
        • Job Duty / Role

        • Why is this role is essential for the installation?

        TICKET FOUR (4) *
        • Job Duty / Role

        • Why is this role is essential for the installation?

        TICKET FIVE (5) *
        • Job Duty / Role

        • Why is this role is essential for the installation?

        TICKET SIX (6) *
        • Job Duty / Role

        • Why is this role is essential for the installation?

        TICKET SEVEN (7) *
        • Job Duty / Role

        • Why is this role is essential for the installation?

        TICKET EIGHT (8) *
        • Job Duty / Role

        • Why is this role is essential for the installation?

        TICKET NINE (9) *
        • Job Duty / Role

        • Why is this role is essential for the installation?

        TICKET TEN (10) *
        • Job Duty / Role

        • Why is this role is essential for the installation?

        Budget *

        What are the costs associated with your project?

        Bass Coast provides partial funding for each installation, intended as a rental fee. Artists retain full ownership of their work and are encouraged to exhibit and develop the piece at other events over its lifespan. In your budget, please include all costs, such as transport, storage, engineering, and insurance. Thoughtful and comprehensive budgets are required for successful applications. 

        Last-minute funding requests will not be granted to teams that have not budgeted appropriately.

        Please list your budget or provide a link to it. Accepted file links: Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.

        Public Artwork Statement and Bio *

        For successful applicants, the information provided will be used on the Bass Coast website, app, signage, and for promotional purposes. 

        Please save a copy of your artwork statement and bio from our confirmation email for future reference.

        Enter your artwork statement and bio in the field below:

        1. ABOUT THE ART - Max 350 characters. Provide context and brief instructions for the viewer.

        2. ABOUT THE ARTIST(S) - Max 250 characters. Provide a brief description of the artist(s) behind the installment.

        Refer to the 2024 Art Installation profiles for formatting and inspiration here.

        EXAMPLE:
        ABOUT THE ART

        Echoes of Nature is an immersive installation that uses polished metal, wood, and stone surfaces to play with light and shadow. Soft lighting and earthy textures create shifting reflections on metal, inviting visitors to experience the beauty of subtle changes in perspective. Each visit offers a new way to see oneself and the natural world.

        ABOUT THE ARTISTS
        Elemental Collective has crafted immersive, nature-inspired installations since 2009. Their work blends natural materials and light to create introspective spaces, encouraging participants to explore their connection to the environment through creative reflection.

        Staging and Presentation *

         All installations should aim to create an environment around their art. You must place your piece on the ground with attention given to how it is landing. You must add ground cover to your installation. This attention to detail is vital when creating professional art in the space allocated for each artist to exhibit.

        Examples include:

        • adding seating with a carpet,

        • placing the art on a piece of turf,

        • bringing organic ground cover for around the base,

        • adding details to create a:

          • perimeter,

          • platform, and/or;

          • floor.

        To support our green team's post-event efforts, moving rocks or wood on-site is not permitted and must remain in place.

        How will your piece be framed in its exhibit location?


        FOR SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS, WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES WILL BE USED ON THE BASS COAST WEBSITE, APP AND FOR PROMOTIONAL PURPOSES.

        REMOVE THE URL FOR ANY PLATFORM YOU DO NOT HAVE AN ACCOUNT OR WEBSITE FOR. PLEASE INCLUDE THE FULL WEBSITE ADDRESS.
        Website

        Your company must own this website.

        Example: https://www.basscoast.ca

        Instagram

        Please include all the handles of team members who should be credited when Bass Coast shares an image.

        Example: https://www.instagram.com/basscoastfest

        SOCIAL MEDIA NOTE: Bass Coast includes tags in the asset, not in the caption of the post, unless specified. If you notice your art is untagged in a post where it is shown, feel free to direct message the festival on that platform to request tagging.

        ETHOS *

        Please confirm that you took the time to read more about our ETHOS:

        Sustainability *

        Explain how your project includes sustainable methods of installation and use of materials.

        Artist Past Experience *

        (MAX 50 WORDS)

        Describe your experience, and if applicable, your team’s experience, in creating large-scale art. Include links to past work or similar projects currently in progress.

        Image of Past Work *
        (MAX SIZE 5MB)

        Please upload an image of a finished piece of art you have created.

        THE DETAILS

        Have you attended and/or participated in Bass Coast before? *
        Which years and in what capacity?

        If yes, please elaborate.

        Have you presented installations at other festivals? *
        What festivals and which years?

        If yes, please elaborate.

        Artistic Impact *

        How do you think your piece will contribute to the environment?

        Amplified Music *

        Please note we do not accept any installations with amplified DJ areas, sound systems, musical instruments, or any other programming not approved by our curation team.

        Does your installation make amplified noise or use music?

        Amplified Music Description

        If yes, please describe.

        Power Plan *

        Does your installation require power?

        Power Requirements

        If yes, please be very specific. List all the items that draw power during the show.

        Pre-show Power *

        Main power hubs will be set up in the forest and field and ready for use on Thur. July 10, at 9 AM.

        Do you require power for set up and tear down?


        Pre-show Power Requirements

        If yes, please describe.

        Trenches *

        Each installation team must dig their own trench a minimum 10 inches deep to the power hub and lay power cords into the trench (some tools available). You are responsible for having enough power cables to reach an outlet. Installations may be 20’ - 50’ away from a power hub.

        By checking 'YES,' I understand that I am required to bring my own extension cords and agree to dig my own trenches.

        Yes
        Lighting Image *
        (MAX SIZE 5MB)

        Please upload an image or render of how your installation will appear at night.

        SAFETY

        Engineering Papers *

        If your installation has more than one floor, large overhead components, or large moving parts, you must have an engineering stamp and carry liability insurance that lists Bass Coast Project Ltd. If you still need to get the papers, please note you will be required to obtain them if accepted to the exhibit. Please consult with a local engineer for an estimated cost.

        My piece has more than one floor, large overhead components, or large moving parts and will require an engineering stamp. I have considered this in my budget:

        Engineering Papers Other

        If Other, please elaborate.

        Engineering Stamp
        (MAX SIZE 5MB)

        If you already have this paperwork, please attach the engineering stamp here.

        Liability Insurance *

        Do you have liability Insurance for this structure?

        All structures must be safe and built according to the BC Building Codes. An onsite safety inspection is mandatory for all installations. Large installations are required to have their own liability insurance. If you do not possess liability insurance, and it is determined to be necessary by our Art Installations curation team, you may be obligated to secure coverage before the festival and list Bass Coast on that policy. 

        My piece has more than one floor, large overhead components, or large moving parts and will require insurance. I have considered this in my budget:

        Liability Insurance Other

        If other, please describe.

        Insurance Documentation
        (MAX SIZE 5MB)

        If you already have this paperwork, please attach here.

        Structural Plan *

        Financial funding and/or tickets will only be awarded to finished projects that match the description below.

        How is your installation engineered to be safe? How is your installation anchored, fastened, and supported?

        Please describe your structural plans in under 50 words.

        Structural Plan Images
        (MAX SIZE 5MB)

        Please upload supporting images.

        Add another (Max 2)
        Rain Considerations *

        Bass Coast may experience full sun, heavy rain, and thunderstorms. Your installation must be water-resistant, securely anchored, and able to withstand sustained rain, high winds, and gusts.

        NOTE: Tarps and pop-up tents are not permitted in the exhibit unless they are well disguised. In the event of heavy rain or storms, you may temporarily cover your artwork with a tarp, but it must be removed immediately after the rain stops.

        Could rain damage or compromise the safety of this piece?

        Anchoring and High Wind Action Plan *

        Artists will receive high wind warnings when conditions include a sustained wind of 70km/h or more and /or gusts up to 90 km/h or more. A sober member of your team must be available to respond at any point in the show.

        What is your plan to monitor and ensure the safety of your piece and the people around it in the event of high winds?

        Rain and High Wind Safety Requirements *

        By checking 'YES,' I acknowledge that the location may experience rain and strong gusty winds. I agree to ensure that the installation is designed to withstand rain exposure, properly anchored, and all items are securely fastened against wind.

        Yes
        Sharp Corners and Tripping Hazards *

        All installations are required to be safe. Remember, the exhibit is busy during the day and night. 

        Does your art have sharp corners or items that extrude at eye level? Are there tripping hazards that may create an unsafe area for people in the dark?

        Sharp Corners and Tripping Hazards Safety Requirement *

        By checking 'YES,' I understand and agree that I am required to ensure the installation is free from tripping hazards and sharp objects that could cause harm.

        Yes
        Rigging *

        The trees on-site are not to be used for any weight bearing rigging points. If your art is suspended in the air, it must be SECURED by its own uprights, not the trees. If your art is airborne, you may require a rigger on your team. All suspended elements must be pre-approved by our rigging team.

        Please describe any suspended elements in your installation and specify if you need assistance from our rigging team, including the level of support required.

        Safety Terms and Safety Check Requirements *

        Art Installation presenters and their team are responsible for mitigating all anticipated safety concerns before applying and or arriving on site. If any unexpected safety concerns arise during setup or throughout the festival, immediately notify the Bass Coast installation curation team.

        Once your artwork is installed on site, a safety check will be conducted. If any safety issues are identified, you we will be asked address them. Bass Coast reserves the right to remove any art posing a safety risk, and financial funding and tickets may be revoked.

        By checking 'YES,' I confirm that I have understand and agree to the details outlined in the Bass Coast Safety Terms and Safety Check Requirements.

        Yes
        Storage and Transportation *

        Making art for festivals involves unique transport and storage factors that must be well thought out.

        How are you transporting your art to and from the festival? What are the costs involved? Do you have a backup plan? Where will you store the art, and what is the storage footprint?

        Heavy Machinery *

        Does your installation require heavy machinery?

        Heavy Machinery Equipment *

        Bass Coast does not provide any tools, lifts, ladders, extension cords, power bars or other equipment or hardware. Bass Coast has very limited access to heavy machinery. In special cases artists may request in advance assistance from the Bass Coast team to support them with bucket lifts, skid steers, tall ladders and lull (telehandler).

        What heavy machinery is required?

        None
        Bobcat with forks
        Bobcat (skidsteer) with auger (12”)
        Bobcat (skidsteer) with bucket
        10k Telehandler (Lull)
        12k Telehandler (Lull)
        45 ft Articulating boom lift (man basket)
        60 ft Articulating boom lift (man basket)
        Trencher
        Ladder over 12’
        Heavy Machinery Details

        If you require any of the above please be specific with your request: machine needed, amount of time for set up or teardown, do you have the required safety tickets & harnesses?

        International Art Installations *

        Installation artists may qualify for a work permit exemption letter for crossing the Canadian border. If your installation is currently located outside of Canada, please state its current location and any prior instances of border crossings associated with it.

        Is the installation located outside of Canada?

        International Installation Details *

        If yes, please elaborate.

        Bass Coast Team References *

        Do you have any references from the Bass Coast team?

        Bass Coast References Details *

        If yes, please include name(s), department(s), and if you worked together at Bass Coast Festival. Working together at Bass Coast is not a requirement. Contact info can also be included.

        Other References *

        Do you have any other references that can speak to your Art Installation experience?

        Other References Details *

        If yes, please include name(s) and contact details (phone number, company, and position). You can use this field to share any other details related to this experience.

        Opportunity for any further comments, links or information *
        Final Payment by Cheque *

        As the primary contact, please provide the full name or business name and address details in the fields below.

        Building Name/Street Number *
        Street Name *
        City *
        Province/State/County *
        Postal Code/ZIP *
        Country *
        Art Installation Application Package *

        By checking 'YES,' I confirm that I have read, understand and agree to the details outlined in the Bass Coast Art Installation Information Package.

        Art Installation Application Package

        Yes
        Liability Waiver *

        By checking 'YES,' I confirm that I have read, understand and agree to the details outlined in the Bass Coast Liability Waiver.

        Liability Release

        Yes
        Code of Conduct *

        By checking 'YES,' I confirm that I have read, understand and agree to the details outlined in the Bass Coast Code of Conduct. 

        Code of Conduct

        Yes
        Harassment and Assault Policy *

        By checking 'YES,' I confirm that I have read, understand and agree to the details outlined in the Bass Coast Harassment and Assault Policy with particular attention to Section 6.1.

        Section 6.1 - Harassment and Assault Policy

        Yes
        Please sign on the line below to accept terms and conditions. *

        Review your signature

        Draw your signature