Request for Qualifications: West Park, Ann Arbor, Michigan
The City of Ann Arbor Public Art Commission (AAPAC) and the Park Advisory Commission are seeking a Michigan artist or artist collaborators to create artwork(s) for permanent inclusion in a renovation project in West Park.
West Park is a 23 acre park located close to downtown Ann Arbor, Michigan and one of the gems of the City. It consists of open playing fields, a historic bandshell and pergola, tennis courts, basketball, pathways, picnic areas, a playground, and a baseball field.
Vistas through the park to the downtown are an important feature of the park. A master plan was recently completed that addresses storm water issues, and will result in the creation of bioswales, created wetlands, naturalized plantings, new pathways, improved access to the park, a renovated parking area, and concrete seat walls built in to the hillside to accommodate better viewing of events at the bandshell.
These concrete seat walls will be the canvas upon which we desire to install artwork. There will be three curving walls that are 120′, 90′ and 60′ in length with approximately 15 feet between of grass between as they step down the hillside terminating at a small plaza to be constructed with concrete pavers and field stone. Both the top and the front face of the walls will be 18 inches, designed for seating.
The extent of the artwork and specific location on the walls is not predetermined, however, the construction includes an allowance for custom forms for the face of the concrete walls, which may be designed by the artist, or may consist of shapes with a reveal that can accommodate mosaics or other durable exterior materials.
Work needs to be highly vandal resistant and be applied in a way that does not interfere with seating.
The theme of the park is one of creating a more natural environment, with extensive use of native plants, the creation of an intermittent stream and wildlife habitat. The artwork should complement this in some way, to be defined by the artist.
Budget: The total budget for this art project is up to $10,000, dependent upon the proposal and selection committee’s final decision. This budget includes all costs related to the project such as artist design fees; any artist model and renderings, artist travel; and artwork fabrication, transportation, any required insurance, and final installation.
Timeline:
Friday, January 22, 2010: RFQ out to Michigan artists.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010: 2 pm @ West Park: Walk through highly recommended for respondents with Amy Kuras
Friday, February 12, 2010: RFQ response due.
Week of February 16 -25, 2010: review panel meets to pick artist(s).
Monday, March 1, 2010: choose / contact artist(s) for the project.
March 4, 2010: Selection panel will interview artists.
March 5, 2010: Final artist selection.
Monday, March 15, 2010: artist(s) meet with panel to initiate project and discuss approach with panel. Project timeline to be set at this time.
Monday, May 3, 2010: Design complete by artist along with budget.
April-August 2010: Construction on park. Artist piece to be installed after May 2010. TB
Application requirements:
Letter of Interest, with address, phone, and e-mail
Resume
(20) images of (past) artwork
Three (3) References
Selection Requirements:
Finalists will be selected on the following criteria:
Quality of presentation and artistic merit
Strength of past artworks
Experience working in public settings.
Experience fabricating and installing artwork
Proven ability to work effectively as a team member
Selection Process:
The selection process will occur in two (2) phases:
1.A selection panel consisting of arts professionals, Ann Arbor Public Art Commission staff, Park Commission staff, and community members will review all applications and select a finalist. The selection panel will meet again to interview the finalist or finalist team and select the artist or artist team to be awarded the project.
Notification of Results:
The artist selected will be notified at the conclusion of interviews and panel deliberations.
Please do not call the City of Ann Arbor Public Art Commission or the Park Advisory Commission. Applicants will receive notification of the panel’s decision by e-mail. The City of Ann Arbor Public Art Commission and Park Advisory Commission reserve the right not to select any of the applicants.
Contact Information:
Amy Kuras Parks and Recreation Services
Phone: 734.794.6230 ext. 42590
e-mail: akuras@a2gov.org
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