Beam Camp 2027 Project Call: Open Call for Ambitious Design Proposals

Beam Center seeks ambitious proposals for a large-scale public art installation at Beam Camp in Strafford, New Hampshire, for the July 2027 camp session. The selected designer or team will collaborate with camp staff and over 100 youth campers to realize the project through approximately 50 hours of hands-on building. Eligible approaches include architecture, environmental art, sculpture, interactive systems, sound, kinetic art, textiles, and interdisciplinary design. The selected designer or team receives a $5,000 USD personal award, with an approximately $15,000 USD fabrication budget managed by the Beam project team and reimbursed travel for a camp visit during the build phase.

Ambitious large-scale public art, collaborative building, and worldbuilding in a rural camp setting.

Open worldwide to individuals and collaborative teams of any age and nationality, including artists, architects, engineers, builders, designers, filmmakers, technologists, musicians, and multidisciplinary makers. Proposers must have a foundational understanding of the materials, techniques, and structural processes involved in their design. Sparse use of generative AI tools is requested; the committee strongly prefers authentic human storytelling and original design ideation. Submit a SINGLE PDF through the official Beam Center event portal containing: (1) a project title and detailed rationale explaining the concept, worldbuilding elements, and how 100 campers and staff will engage in building it over approximately 50 hours; (2) conceptual sketches, architectural diagrams, 3D renderings, or video links; and (3) names, emails, phone numbers, and professional dossiers (CV, resume, or portfolio) for every co-designer. Development and prototyping run February–June 2027 with bi-weekly virtual planning meetings; on-site construction and completion take place during the July 2027 camp session. Beam Center staff provide collaborative prototyping, engineering development, and fabrication execution starting six months before camp. The source states an Artist Honorarium of $5,000 USD for the selected designer or team, not a separate payment to each team member. An approximately $15,000 USD fabrication and materials budget is managed by the Beam project team. Winning proposer(s) receive reimbursed travel expenses to visit the camp during the build phase, connect with campers, and see the finished installation. Proposal submission is free.