A new creative collaboration between The Sound newspaper and the Prescott Park Arts Festival aims to put the press in Prescott Park.
The two Portsmouth-based organizations are seeking proposals from local artists to design and build a news box that will carry copies of The Sound during festival events this summer. The winning artist, as chosen by a panel of judges from both organizations, will receive a $1,000 award. The deadline for proposals is May 15, with the winner to be announced on May 20. The finished work will be unveiled in June.
“I see this project as a great way to engage the local visual art community, as well as provide the general audiences with the opportunity to be inspired by interactive art,” said Ben Anderson, president of the Prescott Park Arts Festival (PPAF).
The finished news box will be on display during all festival events, including concerts, food festivals, and the park’s summer musical production of “Peter Pan.” Guests will be able to pick up copies of the paper while enjoying the show.
“We’re really appreciative of the chance to share our paper with everyone at these events, and this seemed like the best way to make the most of it,” said Chloe Kanner, executive editor of The Sound. “This way, we can also promote a local artist and provide a functional piece of art.”
In addition to the prize money, the winning artist — or group of artists — will be recognized publicly in The Sound and on the finished box. The $1,000 award includes the cost of labor and materials.
All ideas for the design and appearance of the box are welcome, but it should consider the spirit of the newspaper and the festival.
“The Sound and PPAF both fill a really important niche in our ever-growing community — access to quality arts and culture and a voice for the local arts community,” Anderson said.
“This collaboration comes really naturally, since both sides have a sincere motive of building community and supporting creativity,” Kanner added.
For more information on the Build-the-Box Contest, send an email to news@soundnh.com with the word “prospectus” in the subject line.