CBRM News

SMArt Spaces Seeks Project Proposals

Sydney, NS — Cape Breton’s new community-based initiative that brings art to empty storefronts and spaces in the CBRM, is now accepting artist proposals for the second term. Jumping off of the overwhelming success of the Lumiere Festival, which brings thousands of residents and visitors into the downtown core for one amazing art-filled night annually, we are hoping to continue the attraction, on a smaller scale, throughout the year.

The goal of SMArt Spaces is

- To provide high-quality creative displays in unattractive and unused spaces in our downtown.

- To facilitate the rental /permanent occupancy of spaces through increased positive exposure to these spaces by the community and visitors

- To decrease vandalism by bringing more people into our downtown and creating ‘ownership’ of our downtown

- To give artists of all types access to free high-exposure sites throughout CBRM for exhibiting, creating and performing.

The ultimate goal of SMArt Spaces is to activate all empty spaces in order that they become profitable rented spaces, bringing commerce and vitality to the business district. We aim to put ourselves out of business, and put business back where it belongs.

Artists from across the island are encouraged to apply, and those successful applicants will receive an honorarium. We are looking for 2D and 3D artistic mediums: visual arts, film and video, and fine craft. Each installation will be displayed for six to eight weeks, decided by the landlord, the artist and the SMArt spaces facilitator.

The deadline to apply is February 24th for our second display term. To learn more about SMArt Spaces visit the Facebook page or The Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design website (www.capebretoncraft.com) to access the artist application. Email applications to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

  About SMArt Spaces

SMArt Spaces (Sydney Makes Art Spaces) is a community-based initiative that brings art to empty storefronts and spaces in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. This initiative is supported by the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, The Next Steps in Arts and Culture Mayor’s Roundtable Committee, the Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design, and the Downtown Sydney Association. The duration of artwork placed in specific areas is determined by availability of those spaces.

Our goal is:

- To provide high-quality creative displays in unattractive and unused spaces in our downtown.

- To facilitate the rental /permanent occupancy of spaces through increased positive exposure to these spaces by the community and visitors

- To decrease vandalism by bringing more people into our downtown and creating ‘ownership’ of our downtown

- To give artists of all types access to free high-exposure sites throughout CBRM for exhibiting, creating and performing.

The ultimate goal of SMArt Spaces is to activate all empty spaces in order that they become profitable rented spaces, bringing commerce and vitality to the business district. We aim to put ourselves out of business, and put business back where it belongs.

How it works:

1. SMArt Spaces project coordinator will facilitate the process of securing the vacant storefronts for the art project. The artist does not need to approach the landlord directly, the coordinator will be working with local business associations and the municipal government to do so.

2. Once a space is secured, an artist is paired up with the space according to artist needs. A time is arranged for a one-time setup. Once the work is set up it will remain there by mutual decision between SMArt Spaces staff, the artist, and the landlord. SMArt Spaces staff request that the landlord give 30 days notice for removal, whenever possible. Will be set up for six to eight weeks.

3. Selection of artists will be ongoing and juried by the organization and placed in storefronts in an ongoing, as-needed manner. If the landlord wishes to approve the installation they may do so. All art will be judged by standards of presentability, suitability to the space, appropriateness and entertainment value. Art that contributes to or speaks to our community will be given a priority. Exhibit themes may be around events in the community, our history, our organizations or seasonal themes. Opportunities to exhibit will be extended to individuals, groups and schools as long as they meet standards of presentation and creativity. SMArt Spaces aims to be able to update exhibits frequently, keeping it fresh and interesting.

4. The public will be engaged in the activities of SMArt Spaces. They will be invited to the ‘unveiling’ of new exhibits through local media, social media and sidewalk engagement. Local businesses will be encouraged to promote the openings of new exhibits.

Artists from all cultural groups and visible minorities are given equal consideration. SMArt Spaces presents projects from artistic disciplines including (but not limited to):

• Visual Arts

• Film & Video

• Fine Craft

Application Information for Artists

We are looking for professional artists, fine crafters or multi- disciplinary artists to submit either ideas for a piece of artwork created for a specific space, or a pre-made piece looking to be placed in one of the designated empty spaces.

Artist projects will be juried by a panel of local artists and professionals. Please review the Evaluation Criteria section below to learn more about the selection process.

SMArt Spaces will offer chosen artists an honorarium for completed artist projects. This is a fixed amount and is the same for all artist projects. The amount is determined by the availability of funds. Payment of the honorarium is by cheque after the artwork is installed. Projects must be presented as described in order to receive payment. The honorarium includes exhibition and copyright fees based on national standards set by CARFAC.

Please note: For artists traveling from out of town for installation, pick up, etc, SMArt Spaces does not pay for travel, accommodation, or per diem.

We encourage artists to apply for funding to support their proposed projects if needed. For more information on funding opportunities, please visit the Arts Nova Scotia website.

Terms and Responsibilities

• Responsibility for the activity must be entirely assumed by the participant

• Respect the obligations and deadlines proposed by the SMArt Spaces organizing committee.

• Develop an engaging project that considers the format and space provided

• Consider public safety, by-laws and laws when developing your project. Safety considerations will be considered as a part of your 
project’s feasibility criteria.

• Present the project, as described, on date of installation. (No withdrawals except in extenuating circumstances. Participants who 
withdraw projects without reasonable cause may not be considered for future events).

• Present the project for the entire duration of the pre-determined installation (unless the space becomes occupied by a renter).

• Artist projects can be newly created or previously made. Past Lumière projects are welcome.

• SMArt Spaces is not a commercial event; artists will refrain from all commercial or retail activity during the event. This includes display 
and distribution of promotional material. However, artist contact information will be displayed for potential sale of artwork for after artwork is taken down post pre-determined display time.

• Artists must understand, artwork will be in public spaces, and although the art will be in-closed behind glass storefronts, SMArt Spaces does not take responsibility for stolen or damaged goods due to
vandalism. Artists are encouraged to purchase their own insurance for these purposes.

• Artists are responsible for covering the cost of their projects, transporting their projects to the space, and removing their projects
from the venue.

• Artists are responsible for leaving the venue as they found it. Any additional costs incurred for damage or clean up to venues may 
be billed to the artist.

• Organizers reserve the right to refuse participation to any participant at any time.

Evaluation Criteria

Artist projects will be evaluated by an independent jury based on the following criteria:

Uniqueness: The project will offer a new aesthetic experience to the audience in Cape Breton. Artist history will be considered in evaluation.

Feasibility: The participant demonstrates that planning and co-ordination for the project have been carefully thought through. The jury must be reasonably convinced that the participant will be able to accomplish the project as proposed.

Artistic Merit: The project considers the nature of the space as a display for all ages. Desirable projects are strong in aesthetic, conceptual, and experiential elements.

Venues

Artists are asked to propose a potential venue(s) for the presentation of their projects, and site specificity is encouraged. However, there are instances where it is not possible for the organizing committee to secure the locations proposed by artists. The final determination of project placement lies with the organizing committee and artists are asked to respect these decisions as final.

Current available spaces for display are subject to change as businesses move in.

Download the Application Here