CHRIS FREMANTLE

Image thanks to Coral Lambert

DEADLINE MARCH 15th 2012

The 13th USUK International Cast Iron Sculpture Symposium

To be hosted at Salem Art Works, Salem, New York and Scottish Sculpture Workshop, Lumsden, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, UK.

US Component: Friday 15th June – Sunday 1st July 2012

UK Component: Friday 7th July – Sunday 22nd July 2012

The 13th USUK Iron Symposium will take place for the first time at two venues: Salem Art Works (SAW), USA and Scottish Sculpture Workshop (SSW), UK. During each 15 day symposium, internationally selected artists will produce work in cast iron with experimental and traditional sand molds using a coke fired iron cupola furnace. In addition to artists’ presentations, panels and technical demonstrations, artists learn from each other by working together in the critically engaged environment created by the symposium and its unique sites. Highlights of the 13th USUK Iron Symposium include a public iron pour and sculpture exhibitions at Salem Art Works, in Upstate New York and an iron pour with live fire performances at Scottish Sculpture Workshop, in the UK.

Founded in 1996 by sculptor, Coral Lambert, the focus of the USUK Iron Symposium is to provide a platform for artists to explore and push the boundaries of the cast iron medium in contemporary sculpture. No previous casting experience is necessary; artists from different disciplines are encouraged to apply. Past participants and collaborators include land artists, paper makers, biologists, archeologists and architects.

Over the past 16 years, the USUK Iron Symposium has been hosted by the US and UK in alternating years including venues in New Orleans, Minnesota, Suffolk and Wales. In 2012 this symposium will take place in both the US and UK for the first time. Salem Art Works and Scottish Sculpture Workshop both offer unique settings and facilities to host this year’s symposium. For more information please visit their respective websites at http://www.salemartworks.org and http://www.ssw.org.uk

Both SAW and SSW will provide accommodations, studio space, equipment usage, technical guidance, consumables and equipment for the iron pour at the following rates:

SSW: £350* + materials

£206 + materials for students and up to one year after graduation

SAW: $700** + materials (food included)

*Internships also available for the UK component, please contact the SSW office for more information.

**Scholarships may be available for the US component, please contact the SAW office for more information.

Mold Materials will be charged per amount of individual usage. Travel to and from USUK Iron Symposium is the responsibility of the artist. Limited group transportation will be available from the nearest train, bus or airport.

Artists may apply to either the US component at SAW, the UK component at SSW or both, please specify your interest. Digital applications will be accepted via email. Please email USUK Director, Coral Lambert at lambertc@alfred.edu by the March 15, 2012 deadline with the following:

Name, Address, Resume, Statement of Intent/Proposed Project, 4 jpeg images of your work

Please note: All previous USUK Iron Symposium participants are invited to exhibit work for the USUK Iron Olympic Show to be held at Salem Art Works in June 2012. Please send an image of your work to the above email by the March 15th deadline. Thank you, we look forward to receiving your applications.