The Dunlap Institute for Astronomy & Astrophysics at the University of Toronto, as part of a public outreach effort of the David Dunlap Observatory in Ontario, will be awarding its inaugural Dunlap Prize to Neil deGrasse Tyson on March 21st, 2014 in recognition of his magnanimous efforts in public education, science engagement, and science advocacy.The Dunlap Institute has announced a call for expressions of interest in crafting the award component of the prize. Glass artists are sought out in particular for their choice of media, which evokes imagery of stars and starlight due to its refractive qualities. “A glass object reflects and refracts; it can act as a lens, a mirror, and a prism—all critical components in the telescopes and instruments astronomers use to study the Universe,” the announcement states.
The recently-established Dunlap Prize will be presented internationally to honor individuals that carry out the mission of the Institute which, inter alia, is to ignite interest and passion for science, train the next generation of astronomers, and share in scientific discovery.
Although not a requirement, artists are encouraged to use components of astronomical instruments and technologies in their concepts. For instance, diffraction gratings (used to diffuse light into spectra, which is integral to the discovery of astral bodies) and holograms (which are not technically used in astronomical research) can both be utilized in the design.
The Institute has budgeted $2,000 for each of the two parts of the crafting process: design and fabrication. All forms are accepted as entries, including the initial idea of a medallion approximately 4 inches in diameter, and should include the following text: “2014 DUNLAP PRIZE- Dr. Neil de Grasse Tyson.” The final form of the prize will “reflect the brand design system of the Dunlap Institute,” reminiscent of astral concepts such as planets, light waves, orbits, etc.
Interested artists should submit expressions of interest by January 10th, 2014 via e-mail in PDF form (no longer than two pages), and should include an artist’s statement (no more than 300 words). Providing existing photographs of your work, a link to your website or online portfolio, or sketches showing design direction will also be beneficial. A brand design system guide is available upon request by e-mailing csasaki@dunlap.utoronto.ca.
Those interested should note that university offices will be closed Dec.21st through Jan. 5th, although e-mail inquiries will be answered during this time.