Public Art Sought for Charlotte Main Library

Posted by City of Charlotte-Mecklenburg County ; Posted on 
Public Art; Visual - DEADLINE :  
Public Art Sought for Charlotte Main Library
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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:

  • The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s mission to improve lives and build a stronger community
  • The core values of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library – Learning, Openness, Respect, Inclusion, and Leadership
  • The importance of books, reading, and literacy - https://foundation.cmlibrary.org/news/why-i-invest-charles-bowman/
  • The art inside should pay homage to our diverse community and history. We want to hit home libraries are the most democratic and welcoming places in our country, a place where everyone has an opportunity to become the best versions of themselves.
  • Other components that may need to be considered, or be near, the artwork could include donor recognition, special display shelving (not part of the open collection), and signage, including wayfinding
  • Artwork should emphasize equity and be inclusive of Charlotte’s diverse communities and shared history.
  • Artwork should be sited within the area designated for the opportunity – The Grand Lobby Wall
  • Artwork should be constructed of durable materials and permanent in nature

Timeline

  • June 30, 2020 - Request for Qualifications open
  • July 31, 2020 - Artist application submission deadline
  • August 2020 - Artist selection panel reviews applications and selects 3 finalists
  • September 2020 - Artist selection panel interviews finalists and selects one artist/team
  • October 2020 - Begin artwork design development
  • Winter 2022 - New Main Library Construction begins (expected timeframe)
  • Spring 2024 - New Main Library Construction complete (expected timeframe)

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:

  • artist meets all eligibility requirements
  • artistic merit in concept and fabrication
  • experience incorporating artwork into the architectural elements of a construction project
  • demonstrated ability to collaborate in the early phases of a project with design teams and community stakeholders
  • demonstrated ability to complete projects on time and within budget

What to Submit

  1. A Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV) demonstrating professional history and skills or experience as a professional artist (maximum two (2) pages). For artist teams, each team member must submit an individual resume (two (2) pages maximum each).
  2. Statement of Interest: A brief introductory narrative that also provides insight about your interest in the project (one (1) page maximum).
  3. Annotation: Titles, date, budget, client, media, and dimensions of artwork images included in application
  4. References: Three (3) professional references who can speak to the artist's ability to meet deadlines, work with the community, and create innovative work as part of a design team. Include name, organization, phone number, and email.
  5. Images: up to eight (8) images or three (3) digital video or movie files limited to two minutes each – of recent work completed within the past ten (10) years

How to Submit

Submit ONLINE ONLY via Submittable.

QUESTIONS?  Contact Todd Stewart, (704) 335-3273 or todd.stewart@artsandscience.org

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