Request for Proposal for Small Scale Sculptures for an Art Hunt 2021
Theme: Fish Out of Water
Click this Link to Be Taken to the Application: https://forms.gle/rgco4Wj4U1RG6AqW7
Overview | Vision
The Jeffersonville Public Arts Commission (JPAC) seeks proposals from artists and/or artist teams to design, execute, and install original outdoor small-scale sculptures to be displayed in various locations in our historic downtown and NoCo Arts and Cultural District. This sculpture series will be marketed and treated as a scavenger hunt through these districts for the public. The objective is for the series of sculptures to be small in scale but easily viewable to an adult 2 pedestrian (approximately 4-6 inches in scale). The preferred mediums for this project are welded metals/cast metals/other suitable outdoor sculpture materials. The theme for the series that has been set forth by JPAC is “Fish Out of Water.” As a historic river town, we feel that an aquatic theme for this project is appropriate, with additional hopes that these sculptures will support the imagery of our Water Tank murals in the NoCo Arts and Cultural District. 1 series of sculptures will be accepted for this commission; the series should contain 6-10 pieces in the series. Sculptures will be selected as permanent pieces, and specific locations will be determined based upon submissions. The stipend for this project will be 6,500 dollars for the chosen artist.
Program Goals include:
● Enhance Jeffersonville’s historic downtown and arts district with an exhibit showcasing unique pieces of art.
● Stimulate interest in Jeffersonville’s public art efforts and add cultural value to the area.
● Serve as economic development and community engagement tool by attracting visitors, residents, and businesses to the area.
● Provide a method of using artwork as wayfinding to drive engagement and visitation of the arts and cultural district. Project Requirements and Information Structure and Design
● The total number of sculptures in the series should be between 6-10.
● Pieces may vary in size but must remain small in scale, approximately 4-6 inches at the most significant point.
● Potential sites are suited for durable sculptures that will be often interacted with the public. Sites could include on the ground of a sidewalk, a railing, a window ledge, etc. Therefore all sculptures need to be made of durable materials appropriate for outdoor display and adverse weather conditions (high winds, low temperatures, high temperatures, snowstorms, high traffic areas).
● Sculpture content should match the theme of Fish Out of Water--Actual fish, graphic fish, fish with anthropomorphized features, fish that have been abstracted, fish with character (interpret this as you will).
● The sculptures may include color, but colorful sculptures will not be favored injury.
● Each sculpture in the series should be unique in design but should have enough unifying elements that there is little doubt in a community member’s mind they have found one of the sculptures in the hunt.
● All entries must be original works submitted by an artist or team of artists. However, they do not need to have been created specifically for this exhibit.
● Pieces should be constructed with audience safety in mind, understanding that they will be displayed in a public setting. Fabrication, Display, and Installation
● All sculptures will need to be able to be displayed without a pedestal. As the sculptures are meant to be a scavenger hunt. Therefore sculptures should be either able to be welded to a surface or welded to a metal plate in order to be installed.
● Accepted artist(s) will receive an agreement (that will need to be signed before fabrication) outlining further information, including details, delivery, and installation.
● Artists will be responsible for the timely delivery and assistance with the installation of their sculptures.
● The artist is liable for pieces during their construction. Upon installation, the pieces will become the responsibility and property of the JPAC.
Award – Artist Stipend
The artist whose concept is selected will receive an honorarium of $6,500 for the permanent finished pieces. $500 will be awarded immediately to assist with material expenses with the final payment of $6,000 given upon successful completion/installation of the pieces. Artist Benefits: 4 1. Artist will be cited on Jeffersonville Public Art Collection and the City of Jeffersonville’s Social Media sites
2. Artist will be cited in the press materials regarding this project.
3. A plaque will be installed crediting the artwork to the artist. Selection
Process and Criteria
The selection committee is composed of the Jeffersonville Public Art Commission, a representative from the City Engineering Department, and representatives from the historic downtown district. RFP submissions will be evaluated on the following:
● Originality/creativity
● Quality of Art Hunt the sculptures would provide- preference will be given to sculptures that provide community programming opportunities in the future (such as sculptures that could inspire a story writing competition, etc)
● Quality of materials and execution
● Appropriateness (fit to the theme – Fish out of Water), the City of Jeffersonville, aesthetics of the NoCo Arts and Cultural District etc. ● General community appeal
● Durability/Safety of the artwork; preference may be given to pieces requiring less maintenance, can relocated in necessary, and better sustainability of materials
● Ease of installation
● Other evaluation criteria not outlined above may be considered if necessary
Project Timeline
March 19th: Call for Entry is Opened for Submission
May 7th, 4:00 p.m.: Call for Entry is Closed
May 21st: Notification of Selection of Artist
August 2021: Artwork to be installed
Eligibility
The RFP for Small Scale Sculptural Art Hunt is open to artists eighteen or older (or teams) who apply on time, can meet the various project requirements, and are selected to participate. Prior experience in public art is not required.
Submissions Complete Entries are due to Jeffersonville Public Art Commission (care of Public Art Administrator) no later than 4:00 p.m. Friday, May 7th, 2021. All entries must be submitted online through the online portal.
Click this link to be taken to the application: https://forms.gle/rgco4Wj4U1RG6AqW7
Questions about this RFP or request accommodations in the application process can be directed to Emily Dippie, the Jeffersonville Public Art Administrator. 502-558-5500 or edippie@cityofjeff.net
