The Architectural League and Socrates Sculpture Park invite you to an information session for Folly/Function 2018, a competition for emerging architects and designers to design and fabricate public seating for the Park.

The Information Session will include a presentation by John Hatfield, Executive Director at Socrates, who will discuss the park’s history, studio residency, resources, and how the seating will be used within the park. Hatfield will also talk about past winning entries and the teams’ experiences in previous years. Jess Wilcox, Director of Exhibitions at Socrates, will talk about the history of artist seating projects at the Park. Anne Rieselbach, Program Director at the League, will outline the competition and selection process. There will be additional time for questions.

Socrates Sculpture Park, located in Long Island City, Queens, is one of the most distinct cultural organizations in the country with its combination of waterfront setting, accessibility, and community-based programming. As a venue for the presentation of public art, a New York City park, and an active social space, Socrates harnesses the power of creative minds to transform the urban landscape.

In earlier years the Folly competition investigated the intersection between sculpture and architecture with temporary structures that intentionally served no utilitarian purpose. For the third year in a row, the competition has shifted to challenge entrants to fuse form with utility, creating designs that explore the intersection of art and architecture while also addressing and improving the conditions of the Park.

The submission deadline for this year’s Folly competition is Monday, January 8, 2018 11:59 p.m. For more information on the competition, click here.