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:
-
Innovative ideas & unique concepts
-
Installations that are interactive with the viewer
-
Projects that showcase unique lighting and design
-
Work that initiates profound conversation
-
Designs that create an environment that encourages viewers to gather
-
Teams that use sustainable building materials and methods
-
Structurally sound designs, built to the B.C. code
-
Art designed for outdoor use with high winds and rain potential
-
Art may be pre-existing or in the design phase when submitting your application
-
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
-
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.