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Deadline Draws Near for Artists to Apply to Design Nation’s Coins

December 29, 2003

Chance for College Students and Professionals to Join United States Mint’s Artistic Infusion Program


Washington — The United States Mint is encouraging the Nation's artists not to miss the deadline of January 9, 2004 to participate in the new, innovative Artistic Infusion Program to design U.S. coins and medals. The program will provide an opportunity for artists to be part of the rich history of United States coinage. The United States Mint has notified colleges, art publications and art associations of its "Call for Artists."

The National Endowment for the Arts has partnered with the United States Mint to evaluate artists' applications. Applications must be postmarked no later than January 9, 2004.

"We are calling for the best artists in America to be a part of this historic new program," said United States Mint Director Henrietta Holsman Fore. "We hope that both professional artists and aspiring artists enrolled in the nation's universities will use this holiday period to submit their applications."

The program will establish a pool of up to 20 professional artists, "Master Designers." For purposes of the Artistic Infusion Program, professional or established artists are those who have received specialized training in their art form, have derived their principal income from their art for at least five years and have publicly presented their art in a professional context. The program will also include up to 20 college and graduate–level students, "Associate Designers," who are currently enrolled in a visual arts program.

Artists who specialize in graphic design, sculpture, engraving, drawing, painting, printmaking and other visual arts are encouraged to apply. Master and Associate Designers selected for the program will enter into one–year renewable agreements with the United States Mint. They will be invited to create and submit at least one new design annually for a coin or medal program. Each Master Designer submitting a design will receive an honorarium of $1000. Associate Designers will receive $500. United States Mint sculptor/engravers will model the designs submitted by the Artistic Infusion Program artists.

Selected artists will attend a Mint–sponsored orientation program at the Mint facility in Philadelphia, PA to learn about the history of coin and medal design, the coin–making process and upcoming design opportunities.

Artists who are U.S. citizens should submit a completed application that will include samples of their work. A design exercise for applicants will also be required. Interested artists are required to use the "Call for Artists Application Packet," which includes program details, eligibility requirements, artistic criteria and detailed application guidelines. The packet is available on the United States Mint's website at www.usmint.gov or by contacting the United States Mint at (202) 354–7727 or art@usmint.treas.gov. Submissions will be evaluated on artistic excellence and merit.

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