ART INSTALLATIONS & THEME CAMPS

• What are theme camps/sound camps?
• What are creative installations?
• What are mutant vehicles?
• What are musical acts and other performance?
• What are workshops?
• What is the creative grant program?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• FYI...

WHAT ARE THEME CAMPS AND SOUND CAMPS?

What is a theme/sound camp and how do you make one happen? Learn all about them.

Please note that this is also the place to apply to bring a sound system to the event. There is a limited capacity for sound systems at the event, and sharing is highly encouraged. If you receive a Creative Grant for a sound camp, you will automatically be registered.

Definitions:
Large Sound Camp = Amplified sound (anything bigger than a loud boombox) is projected to the world.
Enclosed Sound Camp = Amplified sound is contained within a structure. For example a covered dome that has speakers pointing *inward* - or something similar to this effect.

Sound Restrictions By popular vote from the community and the Apogaea board, there will be a mandatory Reduced Volume Hours and Quiet Hours for sound/theme camps at Apogaea this year.

Reduced hours will be from 4-6am. Projected/Large sound camps - Please turn your volume down to one half. Sound levels will be enforced with decibel meters.

Quiet hours will be 6am - 10am. During Quiet Hours turn off all generators, and subsequently all amplified music. FOUR - count em 4 glorious hours of peace and quiet - well, at least 4 hours without the megawatts thump of amplified music. That's enough to get a good nap in.

Also don't forget we will be enforcing enclosed generators. Generator noise must not exceed 70dB at 10 feet - that's about as loud as an average passenger car. Any generator that is found to be in violation will be turned off until the noise issue is remedied with better enclosure techniques. We're not trying to be Nazis about this, we just need to make sure everyone is being respectful in such a limited, but beautiful space.

Limited Space

Apogaea has limited space for theme camps, so it is important to register ahead of time. Each registered theme camp will be assigned to a reserved area based on their individual needs. The earlier you register, the better chance you have of getting suitable placement. If you do not register your theme camp, it does not mean you won't be able to do it; however, you may end up very far from central areas, on uneven ground, or in an area with a lot of underbrush.

Deadline for submissions is Midnight of May 15th, 2010. Please fill out and submit the Theme Camp Registration Form

WHAT ARE CREATIVE INSTALLATIONS (aka ART!)?

Art installations requiring registration:

• art installations over 8'x 8'x 8'
• theme camps
• workshops that require their own space (such as use of shade structures)
• fire related art or performance

You must register these creative projects to ensure that we can accommodate your space and location requirements. If you don't register your work or it can't be installed and used safely, Apogaea reserves the right to remove it.

Deadline for Creative Installation Registration is May 15th, 2010. All supplemental material must be postmarked NLT Midnight May 15th, 2010. Please fill out and submit the Creative Installation Registration Form, unless you are a themecamper. Themecampers - please use the themecamp form in the section above.

WHAT ARE MUTANT VEHICLES (aka ART CARS)?

If you have a Mutant Vehicle or Art Car you would like to bring to the event, please contact The Mayor of Mutant Vehicles at to discuss that possibility. We would love to see your creation, but there are some Guidelines and such. Here are the guidelines. We will post information about 2010 Mutant Vehicles as it becomes available.

WHAT ARE MUSICAL ACTS AND OTHER PERFORMANCES?

Do you create music, spoken word, theater, or any other form of live performance? Are you looking for a stage from which to share your art? If you would like to apply to perform on a stage at Apogaea please email . If you're planning a live performance and would like it to appear on the schedule, please register your event by emailing .

If you are considering bringing a stage or large scale sound system to the event, please be sure to register it as a theme camp as early as possible. There is a limited capacity for sound systems at the event, and sharing is highly encouraged.

WHAT ARE WORKSHOPS?

Do you have a passion you would like to share with others? Do you have a great depth of knowledge in an interesting field? Are you comfortable talking in front of a group of people? Conducting a workshop is a wonderful way to participate in the event. If you are interested in offering a workshop, please register it by emailing . Apogaea will work with you on coordinating, scheduling, and finding a suitable location to hold your workshop.

We will post information about 2010 Workshops as they become available. Stay tuned!

WHAT IS THE CREATIVE GRANT PROGRAM?

Apogaea, the Colorado Regional Burn, is a place to share radical self-expression and artistic creativity with one another. While currency is removed from the event itself, the reality remains that it takes cash to help creativity happen. Apogaea realizes this and helps seed the event with artistic expression through the fair distribution of Creativity Grants. We want to encourage your creativity, even if you don't think of yourself as an "artist". So if you need some financial assistance to make your creative idea become reality, we are here to help.

Here's how our 2010 granting process works: We'll receive applications through 11:59 p.m. Friday February 21, 2010. All forms of creativity may apply. When applications are received, the artist will be assigned a Creative Committee liaison who will work with the artist if there are questions about the project or if the application seems incomplete.

Applications will be reviewed and scored by the judges of the Creative Committee. All judges will all vote on applications, though certain members may be required to abstain from voting on certain applications.

The judges will decide on the final dollar amounts each grant winner will receive, which all together will total the amount that the Apogaea Board has designated as creative grant funding. Contracts will be sent to each grant recipient; when that contract is signed and returned to the Apogaea Treasurer, he will send out the grant money in the form of a check. Please remember that we can fund only a portion of those who apply, and each individual Creativity Grant is not limited to a maximum or minimum distribution. We do not fund artists' time, labor, or transportation costs, but will consider funding raw materials and material transportation costs (outside of artists' existing travel expenses). Other things for which Apogaea grants cannot be used: art that's already been built or previously funded; art not being shown at Apogaea (e.g. going to Burning Man or another festival); payment for artists or performers to appear or perform; tickets to Apogaea.

The criteria our judges will be using to judge the applications are based on concepts such as: a) does the jury like the ideas presented? b) does this project fall in line with our Leave No Trace ethics and will it work well within the pristine venue we call home? c) do the artists' ideas seem realistic and well-thought-out enough for a volunteer crew to fully realize?

We encourage freedom of expression in how you present your creativity to the Committee, but each Creativity Grant application must answer the Grant Application Questions.

The Apogaea Creative Committee believes that:

• Creative projects are a demonstration of radical self-expression.
• Creative projects inspire reflection upon self, community and environment.
• Creative projects challenge traditional perspectives, methods and applications.
• Creative projects do not intentionally harm citizens or the environment.
• Creative projects do not have Matter Out Of Place (MOOP).

All creative projects, including but not limited to: visual art, performing art, installations and workshops will be considered for creative grants. Fire art will be considered for a grant but, is subject to fire bans and other special requirements made by the county, local authorities, the landowner, or Apogaea. Mutant vehicles (motorized artistically-modified vehicles) have an additional regulatory process; mutant vehicles and theme camps and fire art have an additional registration process.

As in 2009, Apogaea will have two grant cycles. The first cycle, with an application deadline of February 21, is for projects with budget requests higher than $200. The second cycle, with an application deadline of March 21 and a maximum grant amount of $200, is for smaller projects that do not require as much time or money to complete. Apogaea 2010 will be held Thursday June 10 to Sunday June 13.

Because of the number of applications received every year, the Creative Committee must be strict with application deadlines. To be safe, do not wait until the last minute to submit your application. You may also request a confirmation of receipt to be sure it's been received. An advantage to early application is that your Creative Committee liaison can work with you to resolve any questions about your application before the judging.

Per the signed contract, artists will be expected to set up or perform their art projects at the start of the festival. The land may be available the weekend before for early set up or drop-off of materials. Artists that do not fulfill their obligations will be asked to return their grant funds to Apogaea. The Creative Committee requires artists save and submit all receipts to provide proof of proper spending of grant funds.

Please complete all sections of the Grant Application by 11:59 p.m. February 21, 2010 for the first-round grant cycle (no grant maximum) or by 11:59 p.m. March 21, 2010 for the second-round grant-cycle (grant maximum: $200).

Grant Application Timeline:

• Grant cycle opens February 1, 2010
• Grant cycle closed at midnight February 21, 2010
• Grants awarded and checks sent NLT than Friday March 5, 2010
• Event Dates: June 10-13, 2010

2nd Round Grant Application Timeline:

• 2nd Round Grant cycle opens March 1, 2010
• Grant cycle closed at midnight March 21, 2010
• Grants awarded and checks sent NLT than April 2, 2010
• Event Dates: June 10-13, 2010

Questions: see the FAQ below or contact

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the Apogaea grant money come from?
Each year's grant funds are a portion of the previous year's ticket income. Apogaea's grant funds are a significant percentage of the Apogaea budget.

What types of projects are or aren't funded?
All creative projects, including but not limited to: visual art, performing art, installations, vehicles, theme camps, and workshops will be considered for creative grants. However, certain restrictions on what the grants can be used for are listed below.

What things are or aren't funded within a grant application?
We do not fund artists' time or labor costs--Apogaea would like its artists to create for the love of the art and the joy of sharing with the community--not for profit. Generally, raw materials costs are covered; the purchase of tools, the rental of equipment, and transportation expenses are not. Other things for which Apogaea grants cannot be used: art that's already been built or previously funded; art not being shown at Apogaea (e.g. going to Burning Man or another festival); payment for artists or performers to appear or perform; tickets to Apogaea.

How exact does my budget need to be?
A more complete and exact budget shows the judges that your project is well-thought through and researched. You might want to visit the arts supply or hardware store to estimate your costs. The budget does not need to be exact to the penny, but a budget asking for $500 for "general materials" will be less competitive than one that shows careful consideration and research.

I've never done an art project before--can I still get a grant?
Of course! While the application asks for a description of "accomplishments" having done a project before is not a requirement. We'd just like assurance that you'll be capable of delivering your project as described. List your skills and tell us why you'll be able to complete your project.

I've never been to Apogaea before--can I still get a grant?
Of course--we welcome new members and artists to the Apogaea community.

I'm doing a performance piece--can I still get funding?
Grant funds are generally used for materials, and cannot be used to pay salaries or personal funding. We can offer grant funds to purchase materials that would be necessary to put on your performance, but not money to pay your rent while you develop your awesome play. The Creative Committee requires artists save and submit all receipts to provide proof of proper spending of grant funds.

How much can I get?
In the past, artists have been awarded grants between $50 and $1,500. The exact amount depends on your budget, the scope of your project, and how the Creative Committee feels about the feasibility of your project.

Will I get all the funding I ask for?
While we try to fund as many qualified applications as we can, every year the total budgets requested outnumber the funds available. Some applications may be denied, while most will not receive everything they ask for. The Creative Committee also feels that artists paying a portion of the project's budget with their own funds means they have more of a stake in completing the project.

What if I get my application in late?
Because of the number of applications received every year, the Creative Committee must be strict with application deadlines. To be safe, do not wait until the last minute to submit your application. You may also request a confirmation of receipt to be sure it's been received. An advantage to early application is that your Creative Committee liaison can work with you to resolve any questions about your application before the judging.

What can the Creative Committee liaison do for me?
Artists' liaisons are there to answer questions, give advice, and serve as a link between the artist and Apogaea and the Apogaea community. When you first apply, they can review your application and offer suggestions if any area seems unclear.

How are the applications judged?
When applications are received, the artist will be assigned a Creative Committee liaison who will work with the artist if there are questions about the project or if the application seems incomplete. Applications received by the deadline will be reviewed and scored by the members of the Creative Committee. Members of the committee with distinct connections to projects or applying artists will abstain from voting on those applications.

Applications will be judged based on several criteria, including how the project fits with the Apogaea festival, will it leave no trace and be safe for participants, is the project feasible and the budget realistic, and how well-realized is the application. Aspects such as interactivity, community inspiration, and relation to the Apogaea 2010 theme (Artropolis) are attractive features but not mandatory.

The judges will decide on if the project will be funded, and secondly, what dollar amounts each grant winner will receive. The total amount given in the two grant cycles is set by the Apogaea Board--for 2010, this amount is $15,000.

How will I get my art piece to Apogaea?
Artists are encouraged to organize their own transportation of their project to the festival. There are many options: renting a vehicle, cooperating with other artists to jointly share a vehicle, asking the community for help in moving your piece, etc.. Apogaea may or may not have space for art projects in a truck carrying infrastructure, but this is not guaranteed. It's better to be sure of your transportation yourself rather than hoping Apo will transport it for you.

What if my grant-funded project can't make it to Apogaea?
The contract that each artist signs says that if the project does not substantially make it to Apogaea, the artist must return the funds.

Can I bring artwork to Apogaea even if I don't get a grant?Oh, hell yes! Apogaea is a participatory environment--participate, don't spectate. Whether it's spontaneous haiku readings, an incredible costume you've put together, bringing your artwork for others to see, or any other creative endeavor, Apogaea is all about creativity, art, and participation. Creative grants are just Apogaea's way of encouraging and assisting artists to bring ideas to fruition that they otherwise couldn't.

FYI...

In 2009:

• There were 19 grant applications in the first round and 14 in the second round, with requests totaling $20,885.
• There were 32 granted recipients.
• A total of $9,932 was granted to completed art projects

In 2008:

• There were 34 grant applications totaling $24,000.
• There were 24 granted recipients.
• A total of $9,500 was granted.

In 2007:

• There were 31 grant applications totaling $22,285.
• There were 21 granted recipients.
• A total of $7,500 was granted.

In 2006:

• Grants ranged from $40 - $500.
• There were a total of 15 applications of which 14 were granted funds.
• A total of $4000 was granted.

THE APOGAEA ARCHIVES

To help get your creative juices flowing, here are the full lists of all registered Theme Camps, Creative Installations, Performances and more from past Apogaea events.

Apogaea 2009 - 2009 Placement Map (PDF)
Apogaea 2008 - 2008 Placement Map (PDF)
Apogaea 2007 - 2007 Placement Map (PDF)
Apogaea 2006
Apogaea 2005