TEMPE, ARIZONA.-New American City (working title) will explore the unique nature of the growth and vitality of metropolitan Phoenix through the work of area artists. No models exist for the future of Phoenix with the economic, social and cultural forces at play. What distinguishes Phoenix from other urban centers is its youth, its astronomical growth in a short period of time, social and ethnic stratifications, a technology-driven economy, and geographic and environmental challenges.

This exhibition is inspired in part by the current level of energy and experimentation in the visual arts community in Phoenix, and the active participation of artists in the growth and envisioning of the city. In addition, Arizona State University has committed itself to a new creative urbanism in Phoenix, embedding the arts into the planning process. The ASU Art Museum is known nationally as, "The single most impressive venue in the state for contemporary art..." (Raphael Rubenstein, Art in America magazine). This exhibition will explore the current role of visual art and artists in the Phoenix metropolitan area, and their insight into this New American City.

The Call: Arizona State University Art Museum announces a call for artists and proposals to raise our awareness of artists living in our community.

Phase I: The first phase of the exhibition's curatorial process will be the review and consideration of documentation and/or short proposals submitted by individual artists and collaborative teams to this open call. By submitting their work or proposal, artists ensure that it is reviewed by the curators. There is no inherent advantage to submitting a proposal over documentation. However, in selecting specific documentation for submission, we encourage artists to consider how their work engages with or parallels the complex issues surrounding the city.

The curators will also be soliciting and considering recommendations from artists, curators, gallerists and other community activists. The multiple approaches are an attempt to create a curatorial process that is open, flexible and based on discovery and experimentation.

Phase II: After reviewing all submitted proposals and documentation, the curators will select artists for short studio visits as the second phase of the curatorial process. A studio visit is not an invitation to participate in the exhibition, but is a further step in reviewing possible art and artists.

Phase III: After the studio visit and further dialogue with the curators, artists will be invited to participate in the exhibition, New American City (working title). We are interested in exhibiting work that has not been seen in the region and may request new work at this time.

Phase IV: Invited artists will engage in continued discussion with the curators throughout the development of the work, the installations and the exhibition.