The Arts and Science Council of Charlotte-Mecklenburg County, on behalf of Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation, is accepting qualifications from artists/artist teams for a public art opportunity at Torrence Creek Tributary #2, Huntersville, NC. The opportunity is a light-based artwork in a 300-ft-long pedestrian tunnel on the Torrence Creek Greenway.
Project Budget: $255,000 USD
Eligibility: Professional artists residing in the United States who have completed artwork with over $75,000 budget in the last 10 years
Deadline: January 20, 2020 at 11:59 EDT
Project Background
Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation is completing an under-the-interstate greenway passage as part of the NCDOT I-77 express lanes project. The concrete tunnel will provide passage for pedestrians and bicyclists from one side of the interstate to the other, linking greenway segments on both sides of I-77. The interstate has previously been a barrier to connectivity, however this greenway project will align with 3 continuous miles of existing trail, creating a 4-mile trail that runs through woods and behind neighborhoods off Gilead Road in Huntersville. The western section of the greenway runs through a meadow where neighbors often see deer,and the eastern section passes by a series of large rock formations. Short sections of the greenway are boardwalks that meander through wetlands. It's a great place to hike or ride a bike, especially with children.
The 300-foot-long, 12-foot-tall, 16 foot-wide subterranean passageway is finished. The tunnel is sited 30-feet below the interstate, and the lower east-end of the tunnel is located in the 100-year flood plain. It is near the Charlotte Area Transit System’s park-and-ride lot in the Gateway commercial development that includes, among other businesses, a Hampton Inn & Suites, Bojangles’ and Cook Out. The western end of the tunnel will end near a utility line easement and low-lying area behind the Bexley Commons apartment complex in the Rosedale development near Exit 23.
Project Overview
The selected artist will work with the ASC, Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation, Dewberry DesignBuilders, Inc., and the local community to create an impactful artwork that responds to the parameters of the site and the themes identified by the project team.
The programmable, permanent light installation should increase visibility and improve pedestrian security throughout the 300-foot tunnel. The minimum light level requirement is 200 lumens. The design should transform the underpass into a dramatic and lively suburban experience through the use of interactive and animated colors or patterns of varying intensity throughout the tunnel. The artwork should encourage the use of the Torrence Creek Greenway by those who live, work and play and in area.
Artwork Goals and Criteria
This opportunity should achieve a cohesive and unique aesthetic experience that is distinguished from, yet sensitive to, the site and the surrounding area.
Projected Timeline
Selection Process
This solicitation process is being undertaken to enable the Public Art Commission to identify the most highly qualified artist(s) for this opportunity. An artist selection panel of local and national arts professionals and community stakeholders appointed by the Public Art Commission will review eligible artists’ applications, determine a shortlist of finalists, interview three finalists, and select one artist or team of artists. The selected artist or team of artists will be recommended to the Public Art Commission and the Board of the Arts & Science Council for final approval and to enter into a contractual agreement for this project.
Selection Criteria
The artist will be selected based on the following criteria, as evidenced in application materials and conversations with listed references:
What to Submit
How to Submit
Applications must be received via SlideRoom (https://asc.slideroom.com) by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on January 20, 2020. There is no application fee to apply or use the SlideRoom online application system. SlideRoom technical support is available Monday – Saturday by email until 8 p.m. (CDT) at support@slideroom.com.
QUESTIONS? Contact: Randella Foster, Project Manager, Public Art, (704) 335-3262 or email Randella.Foster@ArtsandScience.org.
About the Arts and Science Council
Since 1995, the Arts and Science Council has managed the public art programs for the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. The Public Art Commission is responsible for the community-based artist selection and design review process for each public artwork. The commission is an appointed board of volunteer citizens from the arts, education and business sectors. In 2003, Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners and the Charlotte City Council adopted ordinances that appropriate one percent of eligible capital improvement project funds for public art. The ordinance helps ensure that artworks enhance our public spaces and become an integral part of urban and economic development efforts. See more at: http://www.artsandscience.org/ The Arts & Science Council (ASC) is committed to serving a diverse range of individuals and organizations
through its programs and services and does not discriminate based on race, color, sex, religion, age, national
origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or any characteristic protected by law.
About Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation
The Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation Department is home to 210 parks and facilities located on more than 21,000+ acres of parkland throughout Mecklenburg County. Parks in Mecklenburg County come in all shapes and sizes ranging from small neighborhood parks to large district parks. Many parks have open space amidst shade trees and unique facilities. The aquatics division offers indoor and outdoor swimming, adult/youth programs, swim lessons, special events, fitness classes and water exercise for all ages. For more information, please visit: https://www.mecknc.gov/ParkandRec/Pages/Home.asp
