did you dream today?
did you dream today?
Bench Assessment & Preparation Plan
The initial phase of The Baltimore Bench Project focuses on identifying, assessing, and preparing all eligible benches across the city for the proposed artistic enhancement. The goal is to ensure each bench is structurally sound, properly maintained, and ready to serve as a durable canvas for public art. Collaboration with the Baltimore Department of Transportation (DOT) will be central to this stage, ensuring that all proposed work aligns with city standards and infrastructure needs without disrupting or exasperating city DOT services.
1. Locate and Assess Benches
• I will be conducting a comprehensive survey to locate all public benches within the city limits using DOT's provided map
• Photograph each bench to document its current condition.
• Note any benches that are damaged or unsafe for public use.
2. Coordinate Repairs with DOT
• I will consult with the Department of Transportation to report benches that require maintenance or replacement.
• Determine whether DOT will issue work orders for necessary repairs or if a supplemental budget within the budget of this project should be allocated for a commercial/private contractor.
• If only a small number of benches require repair, submit work orders and include them in the project once restored or leave them simply renewed as originals.
3. Prepare Benches for Painting
• Ensure all benches designated for the project are in good, safe, sit friendly condition.
• Perform surface preparation (e.g., cleaning, sanding, priming) to create a paint ready surface.
4. Protect and Preserve Artwork After (prep)
• Research and select a high quality, all weather seal be applied after painting to protect both the artwork and the benches from weathering, ensuring long term durability and vibrancy.
Artistic Implementation
The second and main phase of The Baltimore Bench Project focuses on artist engagement and participation in their community. The selection of designs will represent the diversity and creativity of Baltimore. This stage ensures that the project remains inclusive, well documented, and accessible, both digitally and publicly.
1. Artist Application & Design Proposal
• I will develop an Artist Application Form for individual and group submissions that cover all pertinent information and releases. It will also cover the parameters for the design submission and state the rules for submissions (such as no profanity, lewd, political images, design should be timeless).
• I will add a Digital/Printable Bench Design Template for proposed artwork layouts.
• Invite submissions that celebrate community identity, creativity, and Baltimore’s cultural richness.
2. Bench Selection Platform
• I will build a dedicated application page featuring a link to the interactive DOT map and complete list of benches.
• I will create for each bench it's own individual webpage and reference number (matching the DOT map) to allow applying artists to easily reference and select locations using the DOT map
• Enable group applications (e.g., art collectives, school programs, neighborhood groups) to sign up for multiple benches or specific areas.
3. Application Requirements
• Artists and groups will indicate 1–3 preferred locations, a proposed work schedule, and an estimated duration for completion.
• Participants will be asked to confirm permission for project-related photography, video documentation, and social media coverage (beyond their personal accounts) to help promote the initiative and its impact.
4. Selection Process & Outreach
• Assemble a diverse selection panel to review proposed designs, ensuring a wide range of artistic styles and voices are represented.
• Promote the opportunity across social media, community networks, art organizations, and local media outlets to reach a broad pool of applicants and foster citywide awareness.
Execution, Documentation & Preservation
The third phase of The Baltimore Bench Project brings the project to life through the coordinated painting, protection, and promotion of each finished bench. This stage emphasizes safety, consistency, and sustainability, ensuring the project remains both visually inspiring and structurally sound for years to come.
Wolves Art Collective
WOLVES Copyright 2019 Wolves Art Collective - All Rights Reserved.
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalized ads or content, and analyze our traffic. By clicking Accept, you consent to our use of cookies.