Artist Sought for University of Nebraska Monumental Campus Artwork

The University of Nebraska Kearney (UNK) seeks qualifications from artists able to create monumental-scale sculptural/architectural work for their new UNK University Village.

Budget: $480,000
Eligibility: Professional artists or teams living in the U.S.
Deadline: 06/24/2019 11:00 PM Central Time

PLEASE NOTE:  This process requires a $10 application fee.  It is up to the applicant artists to determine whether this condition is acceptable.

Download full RFQ document here.

Project Description
The University of Nebraska Kearney (UNK) is the higher-education center for central and western Nebraska, a regional epicenter for education, culture, health care and economy. This university – community integration is a unique urban locale in a rural setting.

A new housing complex is underway to attract advanced students to live on campus in addition to faculty and staff housing options. University Village adds a “sense of place” within Kearney, with its convergence of striking green spaces, trails and walkways, education, retails, recreational venues, and public art.

Artwork Goals
The committee envisions a significant, timeless, and distinctive artwork that acts as a beacon to draw people in and invite them to stay and interact. The committee would like to consider artists who can design a large-scale structure vertically, and potentially work with light and color options. The artist will be responsible for designing the footing or pedestal for the artwork within the greenspace. Artwork must be suitable for long-term outdoor display, including durability and minimal routine maintenance.

Artwork Location Description
The site is at the heart of the greenspace in the center of the new UNK University Village. The green space is roughly 1.7 acres and will be landscaped and designed for pedestrian activities as well as performances and events. The artwork will serve a focal point for a diverse community and as a backdrop to many activities.

Timeline

• RFQ Open: May 3, 2019
• Submission Deadline: June 24, 2019
• Proposal Presentations: Oct 18, 2019
• Artwork Installed: December, 2020

Selection Process
The University Village Public Art Selection Committee, in consultation with the Nebraska Arts Council, has full oversight for the selection of an artist for this project. The committee reviews RFQ submissions on SlideRoom. Two to four finalists will present proposals in Kearney, NE, and will receive travel and proposal stipends. For presentations, proposals include concept, design, and budget.

Selection Criteria

• Letter of Interest
• Clarity of conceptual approach
• Evidence of ability to complete projects based on prior work samples.
• Quality of work samples submitted

What to Submit

Visual Support Materials

1. Image Descriptions: Include relevant descriptions with each corresponding image on SlideRoom and include project budgets where applicable.
2. Images: Ten digital images of relevant completed artwork. Upload images as jpg files, no larger than 1220px @ 72dpi.
3. Video: Optional video file may demonstrate moving parts, time-based work, functionality, etc. Upload as mov, wmv, of flv files, no larger than 60MB each, nor longer than five minutes each.

Required Materials

1. CV/Resume: Limit to three pages.
2. Three Professional References: Complete contact information for references with a deep knowledge of your artwork and work methods. Ex: Commissioning organization, architect, etc.
3. Statement of Interest: How do your personal style and past projects relate to this project. Describe briefly your interest and concept for this project. Use 500 words or less.
4. Application Fee: $10 via the secure payment system on SlideRoom.

How to Submit
Submit only through http://nebraska.slideroom.com, the online review system used in this process. For technical assistance, visit https://slideroom.com/support.html

QUESTIONS?  Contact Meagan Dion, Public Art and Artist Programs Specialist, meagan.dion@nebraska.gov