Produced by the Office of Marketing and Communications
The Department of Transportation Services (DOTS) is turning unoccupied parking spaces on campus during the pandemic into a temporary outdoor home for the arts.
The DOTS Art Park initiative aims to foster creative expression by inviting UMD student artists and programs and departments to apply to create an installation or presentation that expresses their thoughts and feelings during this time.
The inspiration comes from DOTS’ annual celebration of Park(ing) Day, which re-imagines parking spaces as spaces for public use. The pandemic has prompted many employees and students to work and study from home, rather than commute by vehicle, increasing the number of open spaces available for this pilot initiative.
Applications are being taken until 9 a.m. Feb. 15. Accepted proposals will receive up to five parking spaces for their piece, which must be completed by April 12 and should expect to remain in place through the end of the Spring 2021 semester. Artists will also be invited to discuss their work in a live-streamed interview.
In addition to viewing the projects in person, the community can participate in remote viewing experiences through a story map, which will include pictures and a description of the project.
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