Transformation
A circus isn't a circus without visual stimulation. There are endless ways to help transform the space. We're open to including existing works, but we're most interested in original pieces. Think large, colorful, abstract, unique and raw. We're all about the environment and community, so if you can put together a series of amazing paintings on large pieces of cardboard you found in an alley, or create art from found objects, all the better! Be creative! If you're professional-minded and looking for a fun project that promises exposure (and possibly sales), let us know what you can bring to the table.
Community
In addition to music, art and fun, community is a huge priority within the Circus. We're offering interactive workshops, booking local talent, and integrating Chicago businesses in an effort to bring folks together in a new and exciting way. One of our favorite ideas is a community art project. Below are three directions we'd like to head. If you're interested in one of these, or have another idea, let us know.
1. Video project: You know those videos you randomly see online, where dozens or hundreds of folks get together and all contribute a tiny piece, but once it's finished it all fits together in such an awesome way? We'd like to offer that experience here. What does that mean? Probably something like you bring the idea (music video? art project? etc), we provide you a booth and the people. Attendees throughout the night can stop by and record a part, to be released later as a larger project. It's a unique and fun experience, and will be a great memento for all participants to check out upon completion.
2. Group art: We rely on you to bring the big picture here, but what we'd like is an artist's station, lead by the artist, where attendees can visit and make a small part of something larger. Maybe everyone paints a 1x1" square and as they finish drying you assemble the larger project throughout the event? Whatever the idea, people will be watching you create live art at the event, using their contributions. This gives folks an artistic way to get involved, even if they're not that creative. By the end of the night, the Circus will have an original piece of art, produced by many! We'll then arrange for this piece to be displayed after the event so folks can visit afterward and check it out up close.
3. Circus exclusive art for button workshop: One of the workshops we'd like to offer is on button making. While this workshop may offer many things, one of the experiences we'd like to secure requires several original paintings on large sheets of paper. The style, theme and colors of these paintings should reflect the atmosphere of the Circus, but the design is up to you. Within this workshop, visitors will create a unique, custom-to-the-event button using a piece of your artwork. They will select one of your paintings and make a button directly from that piece of art. Your artwork will be a button exclusive to the first Circus event. (We just request no words and no branding.)
Existing Work
If we use your artwork, we can provide space for you to sell your pieces.
- Do you make tapestries? We'd love to hang those around the booths to create a tent-like feel indoors.
- Are you a photographer? We'd love to display your pictures if they invoke our circus atmosphere.
- Do you screen print unique posters? If they're bright and colorful, it would help generate the right feel for the event.
Also, check out our art focused workshops & other ways for artists to get involved!
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What we expect
While we're excited you're interested in getting involved, we're looking to involve people who are excited to be involved. We're eager to provide this experience for Chicago, and as a part of it, we expect you to help spread the word! Also, the Circus should feel like no other. If you get involved, play it up! How will you make your contribution feel like a part of the Circus, rather than something AT the Circus? Special decorations? Menus? Costumes? Think about it, and let us know what you plan to do. We're anxious to hear your ideas.
What we offer
Promotion:
- This event will be promoted throughout the city with posters, flyers, interviews, articles, word of mouth, and more! If you're involved, your name will be a part of that.
- Your success isn't just up to you; we're going to help! Everyone involved with the Circus is a part of the community we're trying to bring together, so we want to help you make the most of this experience. Regarding promotion, this means we'll work to help secure interviews and highlights for you and your work as well.
- Let's work together! If you're a business involved, can we hang some community art created at the Circus at your place after the event? If you're playing music at the Circus, do you have a skill you'd like to share within a workshop? Can you think of other ways to collaborate? Check out the rest of the site and let us know.
- While at the event, we encourage you to create the atmosphere. For example, if you're the face painter, arrive early and decorate other contributors' faces! The opportunities are endless.
- If you're unable to barter your time and skills for fun and exposure, let us know what you need. Our goal is to make your investment in this project well worth the return in promotion, experience and networking.
- If you're teaching a workshop, you're welcome to bring merchandise or materials to sell.
- We encourage you to come up with unusual ways to earn tips, though we request you not directly solicit them.
What we ask
- Know someone who can help? Designer? Photographer? Here are some other ways to get involved.
- Have time to donate? Other resources? Interested in being a sponsor?
- Have an idea? Our ears are open, we'd love to hear it.
