Phoenix from the Ashes gives artists and artisans the opportunity to demonstrate a variety of ways that our urban canopy can be used as a resource within our city. The Madison Community Foundation has created a unique partnership between Madison Parks, Wisconsin Urban Wood, and the Madison Arts Commission (MAC) to reclaim ash trees decimated by emerald ash borer infestation. Through Phoenix from the Ashes, Madison trees, which are no longer infected once felled, will be milled and made available to the artists to be transformed into decorative or functional art.

The Madison Arts Commission will identify ten local artists to create decorative or functional artwork from the wood. The ten selected artists who participate will all receive a $1500 grant and will have their work exhibited in a final exhibition at the Overture Center in September of 2019. We may help connect selected artists with public art or infrastructure projects that support a greater need in the community if they are interested.

Emerging and established Dane County artists are welcome to apply. MAC will select artists based on the quality of artwork/artistic excellence, creativity, originality, and technical skill. We aim to select a dynamic and exciting group of artists whose work will showcase a broad range of projects that represent a diversity of creative voices, while expressing a high standard of artistic excellence.

Anticipated Timeline:
Call released May 1. 2018
Deadline to apply June 1, 2018
Winners announced July 1, 2018
Design Proposals due Sept 1, 2018
Exhibition at Ovrture Center for the Arts Sept 1, 2019