Thank you for your interest in Eastern State Penitentiary's art proposal process!
Click here to download the proposal guidelines.
Art Orientations
We strongly recommend that artists begin the proposal process by attending an artist orientation. These informal tours/conversations give the artists a chance to experience the space, discuss what makes a successful proposal, ask questions, and observe visitors interacting with the current artist installations.
Please sign up for an artist orientation at least 48 hours in advance. Space is limited. If you have questions or cannot access the link to make a reservation, please contact Damon McCool at (215) 236-5111 x227 or [email protected].
2020 Orientation Dates and Times:
Friday, December 27, 2019, 11:00 am
Sunday, March 15, 11:30 am
Saturday, April 18, 11:30 am
Friday, May 1, 4:00 pm
Saturday, May 16, 11:30 am
Proposal Deadline (for all funding and approvals):
Wednesday, June 17, 2020, 11:59 pm
Proposals can be submitted electronically. A link to the submission portal will be available here by April 1, 2020.
If it is difficult or impossible to access the Internet or submit a proposal online, please write, call, or email us at the address below. Exceptions are possible, evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Annie Anderson
Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
Artist Proposals – 2020 Season
2027 Fairmount Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19130
215-236-5111 x227
[email protected]
Grace Period:
There is a 1-day grace period for all proposals. The online submission portal will close at 11:59 pm on Thursday, June 18, 2020, and no further submissions will be possible.
Additional Resources:
Sample Proposals
- Linda Brenner’s proposal for The Ghost Cats, 2004.
- Dayton Castleman’s proposal for The End of the Tunnel, 2005.
- Ruth Scott Blackson's proposal for No Trace Without Resistance, 2015.
- Emily Waters' proposal for America's Ten Worst Prisons: The Plate Collection, 2015.
- Jesse Krimes' proposal for Apokaluptein16389067:II, 2015
Past Installations
Virtual Art Orientation
