The Arts & Science Council is accepting qualifications from artists/artist teams for a public art opportunity at Charlotte Mecklenburg New Main Library in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Budget: $460,700
Eligibility: Professional artists over 18 based in the United States
Deadline: 07/31/2020
Review full RFQ here.
Project Description
The selected artist will work with the ASC, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library, Mecklenburg County Asset and Facilities Management, architects Clark Nexsen and Snøhetta and the local community to create an impactful artwork that responds to the parameters of the site, the aesthetics of the architecture, and the themes identified by the project team. The artwork should prioritize the importance of books and literacy while highlighting the library’s mission to improve lives and build a stronger community.
The Grand Lobby Wall has been identified as a possible opportunity for artwork placement, and the artist/s will be active in directing the design and preparation of the site. The Grand Lobby Wall measures 14’-3” from ground lobby floor to ceiling, is 55’-8” long, and measures 10’ high from the upper lobby floor to the ceiling. The artwork should be visually impactful while working cohesively with the architecture of the New Main Library interior. Special consideration should be given to the artwork’s proximity to the immersive theater wall on the upper lobby. Artists are encouraged to consider a variety of approaches including, but not limited to, artist designed wall finishes, lighting, relief sculpture, and sculpture. Artists with experience working in a broad range of materials and processes will be considered for this opportunity.
Direct coordination with the County, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library, and the Clark Nexsen and Snøhetta teams will be required. The artwork must comply with ADA and North Carolina building codes.
Artwork Goals
This opportunity should achieve a cohesive and unique aesthetic experience that is distinguished from, yet sensitive to, the site and the architecture of the New Main Library and the surrounding area.
Artwork should take inspiration from and potentially reference:
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 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
Submit ONLINE ONLY via Submittable.
QUESTIONS? Contact Todd Stewart, (704) 335-3273 or todd.stewart@artsandscience.org