GigCity Commissions 2017

Echoes, Storybox, Urban Dream Brokerage, Dunedin 2016

Echoes, Storybox, Urban Dream Brokerage, Dunedin 2016

Urban Dream Brokerage Dunedin and GigCity are pleased to be able to commission significant arts commissions for vacant spaces worth $6500 each. Applications are now closed for 2017.

Our first commissions are Sounding (2017)  Sunroom (2017),  Echoes (2016) and Planet Obolescence (2017).

This commission is funded by GigCity Community Fund / Chorus and Digital Community Trust

We commission engaging and innovative data-rich arts and culture projects utilising digital technology in Dunedin city. Projects may be of any duration as long as they are active for at least two weeks and have strong public impact. We are looking to the long-term in assisting change in the city.

Artists may be resident anywhere in New Zealand but must be able to demonstrate that they will be able to resource working on the ground in Dunedin to ensure dynamic public engagement.

The successful projects are granted $6500 to contribute to the costs of the project.

We welcome diverse and fresh approaches i.e. these projects are only two potential ways of considering the criteria. Previous UDB projects may be viewed at www.urbandreambrokerage.org.nz

UDB DUNEDIN Gigcity CRITERIA 2017

We are looking for projects that:

Engage people in Dunedin City: Projects should be dynamic and open to the public, accessible and visible. They should increase a sense of community in the city and interact with the public in new ways. Think about how can you involve people.

Demonstrate new technologies: The project must visibly display and demonstrate emerging technology and innovation in a public space. The project must be within the Dunedin CBD footprint and be data rich. “Data rich” may be defined as installation that uses digital technology to deliver the outcome, e.g. video rather than static installation

Provide the unique and innovative: Your project should not replicate existing businesses or or a type of space or gallery. Think about how your project might operate differently to what is already in existence. Cross disciplinary projects and practice modes are welcome.

Being professional and having a clear idea: Demonstrate you are ready to look after a space responsibly. Looking after a space open to the public develops professional skills and business practice, but we need to have confidence you are ready.

Pay attention to context: Projects should demonstrate an awareness of Dunedin City’s current usages, issues and history. Think about where it might best be located and interaction with its neighbourhood and existing uses. We are particularly interested in projects that create engagement with vacant space within Dunedin’s central city areas.

Representation: We wish to increase the visibility of mana whenua in the city and the connection between the city and the history of the land it is placed on. We're also committed to ensuring the city better reflects the diversity of its people. Consider how your project represents these elements.

Existing Relocating Projects: Projects that involve relocating from an existing rented space in Dunedin city are not eligible. Projects that already exist elsewhere are also not eligible.  We prioritise new projects and initiatives. Student work that is under assessment is not eligible for the UDB unless previously arranged with the academic institution.

HOW IT WORKS

Urban Dream Brokerage helps find a space for approved projects and negotiates their use, organises a license (see below) and covers public liability insurance. The Application Process

  1. Criteria: Individuals or organisations first must be satisfied they meet the criteria for application.

  2. Submission: Applicants fill out a submission form available to enter online here. Applicants can contact Mark Amery mark@lettingspace.org.nz or Helen Kirlew Smith at urbandreambrokerage@gmail.com with queries.

  3. Assessment: The applications are assessed by the UBD Dunedin advisory panel. The proposal must meet with their majority approval as to matching the criteria, and they may provide advice on its best implementation. UBD then meet with applicants to vet their application and discuss potential spaces.

  4. Location: UDB proceeds to locate property options and commence negotiations. Applicants are also encouraged to identify spaces they think are suitable (in some instances they will actually negotiate the use of space themselves). If we think a project is suitable for a space that is available we meet with the applicant and assess the project in more detail.

  5. Licensing: Once located UDB issues the licenses and arranges for public liability insurance cover (a key part of the brokerage's services to applicants) and assists applicants to obtain power and other utilities (we can help with set-up but the cost of power and utilities is at the licensee's cost).

  6. Funding: Successful projects are granted $6500 (GST not payable) will be provided on the commencement of the license.

  7. Monitoring: The agency then monitors the progress, and reports back to both property owners and partners at the end of the license. We will also feature applicants' projects on our website, through our newsletter to our database and through social media. Projects that aren't temporary should plan on operating on a rolling 30 day period of use.