Artist Sought for Law Enforcement Training Center Public Art

The City of Raleigh invites artists and artist teams to submit qualifications to work as a public art consultant for the upcoming Law Enforcement Training Center.

Budget: $130,000 ($30K for design/research and $100K for fabrication/installation)
Eligibility: Artists over 18 who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents and have been working professionally for at least 3 years
Deadline: 09/16/2019 10:59 PM Central Time

Full RFQ with site images is available here.

Site History
The Raleigh Police Department, for the first time in over 30 years, has been presented with the approval to construct a state-of-the art training facility that will serve to train and develop members of the Raleigh Police Department and training guests for the next 30 years.

This facility was designed with intentionality and a vision that is premised on community, collaboration and partnership, building community trust and the belief that in 30 years, the Raleigh Police Department can and will continue to make a difference in the communities it serves. This facility began with the vision that serving the community was bigger than the Raleigh Police Department. An emphasis on the core values of the Raleigh Police Department are more important today than ever: Integrity / Fairness / Compassion / Courage / Service.

For the last two years, the RPD has had the opportunity to showcase memorabilia, artifacts and archival treasures at the City of Raleigh Museum. This new facility will offer the unique opportunity to incorporate those artifacts into artworks or exhibitions that can assist in engaging the public and inspiring the trainees who will serve our community.

Project Description
In Phase I of the project, the artist or artist team will receive $30,000 to collaborate with the project design team and develop conceptual designs and related budget. During this phase, the artist/artist team will have access to objects that have been donated to the City of Raleigh Police Department archive as well as research and historical information from the City of Raleigh History Museum. There is potential for public art concepts to be integrated as a part of the lobby and gallery area, created as a stand alone artwork(s), or created as an entire exhibit installation within the space.

In Phase II of the project, pending final approval by the Public Art and Design Board of the public art concept designs, the artist or artist team will then work with the design team to determine what components will be fabricated and installed by the artist or the construction contractor.

The artist or artist team will be under a separate subsequent contract for elements fabricated and installed by the artist or artist team. Phase II of the project is for up to $100,000 for the fabrication and installation of the team’s final designs into the gallery space.

The selected artist / artist team will be expected to engage with both police department staff and community residents to develop the concept for their work, with special consideration of objects and memorabilia that is being submitted to the department for archive and exhibition.

Artwork Goals
Key to the successful integration of public art into the LETC is the desire to address how new trainees and visitors to the facility will engage with the multiple historic, cultural and social stories that emanate from the rich legacy of policing in Raleigh. The art installation or exhibition requires creative and respectful storytelling and should seek to inspire police staff and new trainees as they serve the community.

Artwork Location Description
The main area for public art in the building is the 2000 sq.ft. public lobby space envisioned as an Arts and Educational engagement and connection opportunity.

Timeline

• RFQ Application Deadline: September 16th, 11:59 PM
• Finalists Selected and Notified: October 14th
• Finalists Interviewed: November 2019
• Project Awarded: December 2019

Selection Process
Applications submitted in response to this RFQ will be reviewed by the City of Raleigh Public Art Director, who will then forward all complete and eligible applications received by the deadline to the Artist Selection Panel, appointed by the Public Art and Design Board. The Panel may include: a member of the Public Art and Design Board, professional artists and arts professionals, Historical Commission Members, stakeholders from community groups, and representatives from the Raleigh Police Department.

The selection process will consist of two stages. During the first stage, based on the criteria outlined below, the Artist Selection Panel will identify up to three finalists to invite to Raleigh for interviews.

Finalists selected for the Stage 2 interviews will receive a $1,000 stipend to cover travel and related expenses associated with the interview. In addition to reviewing qualifications, panelists will discuss with finalists their prospective approaches to the project. They will also respond to questions. NOTE: A specific proposal is not expected at this interview.

The Artist Selection Panel will choose the artist for the project and forward that recommendation to the Public Art and Design Board. Upon approval by the Public Art and Design Board, a scope of services and budget will be developed based on the artist’s or artist team’s approach to the project.

Selection Criteria
During the first stage, the Artist Selection Panel will evaluate qualifications of artists based on five criteria: artistic merit; ability to collaborate with design teams / archivists and historians / community stakeholders; creative placemaking experience; project management experience; and technical expertise.

What to Submit
Artists wishing to be considered must submit the following materials:

1. Statement of interest. The statement of interest should be one-page in length, outlining your interest in this project and your experience working on public art projects or other relevant art experience. Include how your work and experience will complement this project. (File titled: "Lastname firstname_statement").
2. Professional résumé, 2 pages maximum. Include information regarding public art commissions, exhibits, and installations, awards, special projects, community engagement, grants, and education. If applying as a team, submit a separate résumé for each team member. (File titled: "Lastname firstname_résumé").
3. Three professional references. Contact information submitted should include name, title and affiliation, phone number, and email address. References should be able to speak to your ability to provide services for a public art project or artwork of a similar scope. (File titled: "Lastname firstname_references).
4. Previous work (created within the past 10 years), submitted as 10 digital images in JPG format. 150 dpi; at minimum size 5.5" x 7"; maximum size 11 x 14”. All images must be saved using a file name and number that corresponds to the image identification list. (File titled: "Lastname firstname_image##").
5. Image Identification List, which corresponds to the submitted digital images. Each image should include: image number, artist's name, title, year, media, location, project budget, dimensions, commissioning agency, and collaborators or design professionals (if applicable). (File titled: "Lastname firstname_list").

NOTE: Do not provide or submit any other materials with your application. They will not be reviewed by the panel and will not be returned. Incomplete or late submittals will not be considered.

How to Submit
The online form is the preferred method of submission. However, if you have trouble with the online form, you may email your documents to this email address.

QUESTIONS? Contact Kelly McChesney, 919-996-5657 or kelly.mcchesney@raleighnc.gov