Electric Picnic’s Trailer Park Competition: Grants for Interactive Caravan Creations

Electric Picnic’s Trailer Park is calling for artists, engineers and dreamers to submit proposals for interactive caravan installations. Up to 30 cash grants, ranging from €500 to €4,000, will be awarded to fund materials and expertise for projects that transform caravans into unique and engaging experiences. The competition prioritizes interactivity, artistic flair, and safety, with a deadline for submissions of April 10th at 11:59 PM.

Grant Details and Eligibility

The grants are intended to cover production costs, primarily materials, but not labor. Applicants are encouraged to explore additional funding sources and collaboration opportunities. Grant amounts vary depending on the project, with preference given to proposals requesting lower amounts, though ambitious ideas are also welcome. A payment schedule will be developed for each awarded project, typically involving an initial 50% payment followed by the remainder upon completion.

Submission Requirements and Timeline

• Deadline for Proposals: April 10th, 11:59 PM
• Notification of Awards: On or before May 28th
• Installation Deadline: Caravans must be in position by August 24th at Stradbally Hall.

Caravan Ownership and Logistics

Applicants are strongly encouraged to source their own caravans, as access to vehicles provided by Trailer Park is limited and ownership will remain with the organizers after the festival. Those providing their own caravan will retain ownership post-event. Creators are responsible for the safe removal of all materials and leaving the site in its original condition (“greenfield”) after the festival. Storage solutions can be discussed with the organizers.

Criteria for Awarding Grants

The selection criteria emphasize:

• Originality and Artistic Merit: The overall appeal of the idea.
• Interactivity: The extent to which the installation engages festival-goers, transforming them from observers into participants.
• Proposal Thoroughness: A detailed budget, construction schedule, and at least one visual representation (drawing).
• Relevance to the ‘Trailer Park’ Theme: How well the project aligns with the overall aesthetic and spirit of Trailer Park.

Safety and Security

Festival Security will provide anti-vandalism measures leading up to the event, but designers are responsible for ensuring their caravan is lockable and secure during the festival. Ensuring the installation does not pose a physical hazard to anyone is a primary responsibility of the designer.

Residential Caravans and Past Inspiration

Residential caravans (those providing bedding) are not eligible for funding, as the competition focuses on interactive art installations. Previous successful submissions have included a real estate agency selling a dilapidated caravan, a caravan transformed into a stage, a mock Garda (Irish police) checkpoint, and elaborate themed installations like Narnia and a Christmas-themed caravan.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How many grants are awarded? Up to 30, with some proposals potentially selected but not funded if deemed deliverable without financial assistance.
• What if I don’t have a caravan? A limited number of caravans are available from the organizers, but ownership will remain with them.
• Does ownership of the caravan remain with the designer? Yes, if the designer provides their own caravan.
• What happens to the installations after the festival? Creators must remove all materials and leave the site in its original condition.