This Saturday, Sept. 15, marks the deadline for submission to a local art competition held by Artspace New Haven. Artspace is seeking a “designer/architect or artist to propose an installation and design for a mobile studio, housed within an empty New Haven Register delivery truck.” The nonprofit gallery and organization will be occupying the New Haven Register’s printing and distribution plant this October, as part of its annual visual arts festival.

According to Helen Kauder, an executive director of the organization, Artspace hopes “to give the artists a chance to draw inspiration” from the business of print. The winner of this contest will be awarded a travel stipend, the cost of materials, and a $1,000 artist fee, along with the chance to present their work as part of the festival’s Alternative Space weekend, which runs Oct. 20-21.

Drawing from similar installation projects involving U-Haul trucks, shipping containers, and even ex-FEMA trailers, Artspace jumped at the opportunity to allow art to be seen in the novel light of such a small, concentrated space as the New Haven Register truck.

“We’ve also been on the lookout for a way to make our exhibitions more transportable and modular,” wrote Kauder in an email. “This would allow us to bring our work on the road and reach many more people.”

The process of submitting for this exhibition includes an online application through www.entrythingy.com. Those interested in entering should submit a drawing or sketch of their plans for the truck, a short explanation of their deign, a list of materials, a resume, three slides of past work and three references. Other than these requirements and the physical constraints of the truck, there are virtually no limitations to what the artist can or cannot do to turn the gutted, barren truck into a magnificent spectacle. The dimensions of the interior of the decommissioned truck are: 12 feet 6 inches in length by 6 feet 6 inches in width by 6 feet 9 inches in height.

“We’re looking at this as research and development for something that might actually encompass a small fleet of vehicles,” Kauder added.

Until then, all we can do is hope.