WASHINGTON
- The United States Mint is inviting artists from throughout the United
States to apply for participation in its Artistic Infusion Program
(AIP) to help enrich and invigorate the design of coins and medals.
The
new invitations seek up to six associate designers who will join the
current AIP designers under contract with the program. Applications
will be accepted on a rolling basis beginning September 1, 2009. There
will be three deadlines (November 9, 2009; March 8, 2010; and July 6,
2010), after which the artists who have applied will be evaluated for
selection to the AIP. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as
possible prior to the deadline for which they wish to be considered.
"We
are very excited about this unique program and its latest call to tap
into the best artistic talent in the country," said United States Mint
Director Ed Moy. "This is a tremendous opportunity for artists
representing all types of backgrounds to inspire and educate the entire
Nation."
The United States Mint encourages applications from
artists representing diverse backgrounds and a variety of interests
reflecting those of the American people. Applicants may apply online
by submitting five to 10 works from their portfolios, a resume and a
statement of intent. They will also complete a standard application
coin design exercise. Applicants must be professional artists who are
U.S. citizens. Those who wish to apply are invited to visit
www.usmint.gov/artists, where they will find program details,
eligibility requirements, artistic criteria and detailed application
guidelines. Submissions will be evaluated on several factors,
including drawing ability, compositional skills and the level to which
the design demonstrates research of the subject matter.
Artists
awarded contracts to participate in the program will be paid
established fees for their work, and those whose designs are selected
for coins and medals will be named as designer in historical documents,
Certificates of Authenticity and promotional materials.
In the
past, AIP artists have submitted successful designs for high-profile
coins, such as commemorative quarter-dollar coins, American Eagle
Platinum Coins, Presidential $1 Coins, First Spouse Gold Coins, 2009
Lincoln Bicentennial One-Cent Coins and commemorative coins.
There
are two levels of artists who may participate in the AIP - master
designers and associate designers. Master designers are those who have
proven themselves as valuable AIP artists for at least two years as an
associate designer. Associate designers are professional artists who
are new to the program. All AIP artists must attend an annual
orientation/designer symposium.
Master designers are awarded
contracts that pay $2,500 per task order, while associate designers are
awarded contracts that pay $2,000 per task order. All contracts
provide for an additional $5,000 for each design selected for a coin or
medal.
The United States Mint, created by Congress in 1792, is
the Nation's sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage. Its primary
mission is to produce an adequate volume of circulating coinage for the
Nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The United States Mint also
produces proof, uncirculated, and commemorative coins; Congressional
Gold Medals; and silver, gold and platinum bullion coins.
