Public Art Workshop Series – Creative Acadiana

Acadiana Center for the Arts has partnered with Basin Arts to create the Public Art Workshop Series. This four session intensive, led by public artist and designer Joel Breaux, is designed to train the next generation of 3-dimensional public artists in Acadiana, providing them with all the tools necessary for public art calls across the country.

In October 2024, LCG announced the University Corridor Redevelopment Project. As part of this project, Basin Arts was appointed to oversee a creative placemaking initiative to install public art pieces at strategic locations along University Avenue. AcA and Basin Arts identified that, while we have a robust muralist culture here in Lafayette, there is an opportunity for growth when it comes to large-scale, 3-dimensional, sculptural work.

Over the course of this series artists will learn how to apply for and propose public art works, how to design work with longevity, space, and materials in mind, how to gain contacts and experience working with fabricators and fabrication companies, and how to consider the practicalities of assembly and design. The series will end just as a public call for artists is announced for one of the public art pieces along the University Corridor. See below for a more detailed description of each session.

This is an amazing opportunity to not only bring the unique voice of Acadiana artistry into a new medium but to give Lafayette artists the chance to shape the Lafayette arts landscape for many years to come.

Space is limited to 20 participants.

For those whom the cost of this workshop is prohibitive, a limited amount of needs-based scholarships are available on request. Since we do not ask for financial information, applicants should determine seriously for themselves their eligibility and need. If you would like to request a scholarship, please contact community@acadianacenterforthearts.org.

This series is designed for artists and designers with some knowledge of 3D sculptural art looking to expand their knowledge on how to scale their work for public space, navigate the complexities of public commissions, and deepen their professional practice through real-world application. Whether you’re ready to take on your first public art installation or seeking to strengthen your approach, this workshop offers the mentorship, connections, and practical insight needed to take that next step.

SCHEDULE

Friday, August 22: Public Art 101: Beginning our 3D Public Arts Workshop Series, Public Art 101 is an introduction to the field of public art. This session will cover realistic expectations for a career in public art, how to navigate calls to artists, murals vs 3-dimensional art, and how to consider site specificity, human interaction, nature, and engineering in your designs.

Friday, September 19: Fabrication: This session of our 3D Public Art Workshop series focuses on the ins and outs of fabrication. This will include discussions on materials and processes, kinetics and simple mechanics, and the different considerations between indoor and outdoor pieces. This session will also cover how to work with fabricators and fabrication businesses as well as the resources available in the Acadiana region. This is a two-location workshop. A one hour lecture at the Acadiana Center for the Arts will be followed by a trip to a local fabrication manufacturer. Carpooling is encouraged, but attendees are responsible for securing their own travel plans.

Friday October 24: Proposals: The third installment of our 3D Public Art Workshop Series focuses on crafting an effective public art proposal. Beginning with a breakdown of typical proposal components, this lecture will then dive into how to convey clarity and legitimacy in an application, how to navigate your weaknesses and stay competitive, and how to budget your project properly. This session will also cover resources and programs for designing and rendering your project digitally.

Friday November 21: Field Trip: For the last session of our 3D Public Art Workshop Series, we’ll be taking the lecture on the road. This workshop will meet at the Besthoff Sculpture Garden in New Orleans where we will discuss the processes, considerations, and merits of various artworks in the field. We will then visit various New Orleans based fabricators to discuss the process of practical design and assembly. This is an off site, multi-location workshop. Carpooling is encouraged, but attendees are responsible for securing their own travel plans.