Chattanooga Seeks Artist Team for Memorial Artwork

Chattanooga Seeks Artist Team for Memorial Artwork

Website: http://www.chattanooga.gov/public-art/about/opportunities

 Chattanooga, TN, Unknown

Public Art Chattanooga (TN) and the Steering Committee for the Fallen Five Memorial seek artist-led multi-disciplinary design teams’ artistic qualifications to commemorate the fatal shootings of five servicemen on July 16, 2015, through a permanent memorial in Chattanooga’s TN Riverpark. Up to three teams will be selected as semi-finalists. Each semi-finalist will be awarded a stipend to develop a site-specific proposal. The implemented design will transform an existing site in the popular TN Riverpark into a contemplative space for the community to mourn, reflect, and honor the lives of the fallen heroes.

Budget: $750,000 (fundraising goal), to include expenses related to the completed artwork/landscape, including (but not limited to) professional fees, site preparation and restoration, engineering and technical consultation, travel to the site, artwork fabrication, insurance, installation, permit fees, documentation, all applicable taxes, etc

Eligibility:  All members of the design team must be over 18 years old, and be practicing professionals residing in the United States. The artist member shall be the lead designer. Multi-disciplinary teams are encouraged to apply and should include at least, but not limited to, (1) artist and (1) landscape architect or architect. Other trades, such as multi-media, lighting, sound designers and/or engineers are encouraged to collaborate as well.

Project Description
The Fallen Five Memorial Steering Committee envisions a contemplative space for the community to mourn, reflect, and honor the lives of Chattanooga’s fallen heroes:

  • Marine Corps Sergeant Carson A. Holmquist, (Age 25)
  • Navy Logistics Specialist Second Class Randall Smith, (Age 26)
  • Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant Thomas J. Sullivan, (Age 40)
  • Marine Corps Lance Corporal Squire K. “Skip” Wells, (Age 21)
  • Marine Corps Staff Sergeant David A.Wyatt, (Age 35)

The Committee also hopes the memorial will celebrate the unique character of the Chattanooga community and provide a space to share stories and memories of the tremendous acts of kindness, support and strength that occurred following July 16th. Chattanooga Mayor, Andy Berke, commended the entire city for their response to the tragedy saying , “Moments of crisis reveal much about character. While we could have seen a city of hatred, anger or bitterness, we witnessed the opposite.”

Artwork Location Description
The memorial site is located in Chattanooga’s TN Riverpark, which has been recognized as one of the best in the nation. The Amnicola Marsh Park is located immediately adjacent to the US Navy Reserve Center (NOSC), the second site of the shootings. Two existing sites within the Amnicola Marsh Park have been identified as appropriate location options for the Fallen Five Memorial. Artists / Designers can consider one or both site locations in their submissions.

Artwork Goals
The artwork and/or landscape should respectfully acknowledge the sacrifice of the Fallen Five and their families and address both the tragic and heroic acts that occurred on July 16, 2015, at the US Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC). The Fallen Five Memorial should commemorate the lives of the (5) fallen heroes with a transformative public artwork and/or landscape design that:

  • Creates a serene setting where visitors can pause and reflect;
  • Considers the full experience of the space through an integrated design;
  • Considers appropriateness for the site, including scale and safety;
  • Ensures low maintenance through use of permanent materials; and
  • Promotes inclusivity through the adherence to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) guidelines as appropriate.

The following elements should be considered for inclusion: an appropriate marker at the entrance of the Memorial with information regarding the tragic and heroic events that took place on July 16; seating options; and appropriate lighting.

Selection Process
Up to three artist-led design teams may be selected from this phase, and an honorarium of five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) will be provided to each team for proposal development. Proposal development should include travel costs for at least one site visit, and all costs associated with developing a complete and thorough site specific proposal.

The Selection Committee may include, but is not limited to, one artist, one architect, one landscape architect, a Public Art Committee representative, staff members from City of Chattanooga Open Spaces & Public Works Department, Hamilton County Parks & Rec and representatives from the United States Marine Corps (USMC) and/or United States Navy, and the liaison representing the families of the Fallen Five.

Selection Criteria
The design team’s statement of interest, professional work history, and portfolio will be evaluated by the selection committee. The committee will review applicants on the basis of:

  • Artistic excellence and professional experience of the design team.
  • Expressed sensitivity to the site and context.
  • Consideration of the Fallen Five, their families and the Chattanooga community and a demonstrated desire to respectfully address both the tragic and heroic acts that
    occurred at the US Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC).
  • Ability to complete the project within the given timeframe.
  • Demonstrated ability of the team to work collaboratively with professionals.
  • Demonstrated ability to successfully execute a project of this scale under the criteria developed and within the budget set forth.
  • Experience with and expressed desire to work collaboratively with a team to create an integrated artwork/ landscape for and in the public realm.

Timeline

  • March 17, 2017: Solicitation – Call to Artists Issued
  • April 17, 2017, 4:00 pm EST: Deadline for questions
  • April 27, 2017 – 4:00 pm EST: Deadline for receipt of submissions
  • May 15 – May 19, 2017: Selection Committee selects semi-finalists for concept design proposals
  • June 12 – June 16, 2017: Semi-finalists visit site
  • June – September 2017: Semi-finalists develop proposals
  • September 2017: Semi-finalists present proposals to Selection Committee;
  • October 2017: Enter into contract with finalist
  • October – December 2017: Finalize design
  • January – June 2018: Fabrication
  • July 2018: Groundbreaking
  • August – December 2018: Construction & Installation
  • July 16, 2019: Formal Dedication

 

How to apply

Application packages must be submitted electronically (via Google drive folder), by mail, or hand delivered. If mailed, include two copies of all printed materials. Materials should be single-sided and must include the following:

1. Completed and signed cover page, completed and signed application form (included at the end of this RFP on page 10), AND completed and
signed any and all addenda pages (addenda pages are additional instructions that can be added to a solicitation until 48 hours before the due date).
2. Current Résumé for each team member (two-page limit).
3. Letter of Interest briefly addressing how your team would approach the project. This document should be no longer than one page (single-spaced, 1-inch margins, 12 pt.
font).
4. List of professional references (at least three): Please include name, address, phone number, and email address for each individual. If submitting as a team, please include at least one reference for each team member.
5. Past work samples: Teams may submit a maximum of ten images, JPEG files at 100 DPI (minimum 800 x 600; maximum 1600 x 1200) for review by the
selection panel.  Every image file must be titled first with the number of the image in the order to be viewed (use “0” in front of single-digit numbers), followed by the artist’s last name [for example: 01_Smith; 02_Smith]. The numbers must correspond to the annotated image list.  Files must be PC-compatible and loaded on a flash drive. All flash drives must be labeled with the applicant’s name.
8. Annotated Image List: Please include the artist/team name as a heading, and a brief description of each image, including title and original medium.
9. Please do not submit paper materials in plastic covers, binders, or folders. Use only paper clips to bind your materials.
10. Please write “ REQUISITION# 151211 ” on the outside lower left-hand corner of the envelope before mailing application materials.
11. Please write your name on the outside of the envelope.

Mail or hand-deliver to:

Katelyn Kirnie, Director
Public Art Chattanooga

101 E 11th Street
Chattanooga, TN 37402 United States
kkirnie@chattanooga.gov

ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION:
If you plan to submit your submission electronically, you must follow these instructions:

1. Email Deidre Keylon at dmkeylon@chattanooga.gov stating that you would like to submit your submission electronically. Include your return email address. DO NOT INCLUDE ANY PART OF YOUR PROPOSAL IN ANY E-MAIL.
2. You will receive a responding email from Deidre Keylon (via Google Drive). This email will contain a link to a unique folder in the City of Chattanooga Google Drive.
3. Click on the Folder Link in the email to be taken to the Drive (you may be required to open a Google account to use the folder. A Google account is free of charge. If you are not willing to open a Google account, you must mail or hand deliver your application).
4. When prompted, “drop” your file into your Google folder.
5. Your Google folder will remain available to you but, for purposes of the RFP, sealed and secure until the stated deadline. After the deadline, it will be opened and your access will be removed. Until the deadline, you can add, remove, edit, and check contents.
6. If you have any questions about submitting electronically, please call 423-643-7231 or email dmkeylon@chattanooga.gov .

 

QUESTIONS?  Contact Katelyn Kirnie, Director, Public Art Chattanooga, kkirnie@chattanooga.gov