Call for Artists to Help Preserve our Dark Skies

Call for Artists and Photographers! The City of Bee Cave in partnership with the Bee Cave Arts Foundation invites photographers of all levels to submit work reflecting the theme “The Night Sky.” There is no entry fee, and each photographer may submit up to five entries. All images are entitled to a review by the City of Bee Cave and the exhibit curator. Selected images will be displayed at The Hive by the Bee Cave Arts Foundation from October 14 – November 14.

AWARDS :

First Place Winner -$300 gift card to a Bee Cave business of choice
Second Place Winner- $200 gift card to a Bee Cave business of choice
Third Place Winner – $100 gift card to a Bee Cave business of choice
One honorable Mention – gift card to the West Cave Preserve for a walk through the grotto (approximately one hour walk for up to four people).

TIMELINE:

Sept. 4: Deadline for entries
Sept. 7: Selection announced
Oct. 7: Delivery of Work
Oct. 14: Exhibition Opens
Nov. 13: Closing Reception with awards
Nov. 14: Strike artists pick up work
December: Winning pieces displayed at City Hall during the
Dark Sky Proclamation City Council meeting

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
As development increases worldwide, the use of lighting, specifically at night, also increases. Excessive use of artificial light results in “light pollution,” which can have serious environmental consequences for humans, wildlife, the climate, and energy dependence. To protect the City’s night skies, Bee Cave is pursuing a Dark Sky Community designation with the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), which is the recognized authority on light pollution and the leading organization combating light pollution worldwide. An IDA Dark Sky Community is a community that commits and demonstrates dedication to the preservation of the night sky through the implementation and enforcement of a quality outdoor lighting ordinance, dark sky education, and citizen support of dark skies.

In celebration of dark skies and the benefits they bring to our health, wildlife, and climate, the City of Bee Cave and the Bee Cave Arts Foundation are seeking photography submissions pertaining to dark skies. Photographs can be of the night sky, the impacts of light pollution, or nocturnal wildlife that rely on dark skies for their livelihoods. All submitted photographs must have been in or around the City of Bee Cave. The goal of this contest is to promote dark sky awareness and make the importance of the night sky a focus point for the exhibition. In addition to the noted prizes, the selected winners will have their work on display/presented for the Dark Sky Proclamation reading at the December City Council meeting.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Submit the following items in a single PDF or Microsoft Word document:

Cover Page with Name / Mailing Address / Phone Number / Email Address
One-page narrative describing the inspiration of the photograph and how it relates to the importance of preservation of dark night skies
Numbered Slide List with Title of Image
Location where the photograph was taken
All photographs must be submitted in individual JPG. files.
Files should be labeled as example
Last Name_First Name_ Title_ image number on slide sheet

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS:
Entries are due by Sept. 4, 2020 via email to info@beecavearts.org

Subject line should read “Call for Night Sky Photography Entry”

SELECTION CRITERIA:
Concept’s applicability to the theme (Dark Sky)

The review panel will also consider the following factors for each application: Artistic excellence and unique design and high visual impact

QUESTIONS:
Contact the Bee Cave Arts Foundation with any questions or concerns at info@beecavearts.org