Request for Artwork: "Monument Reflections: The Center" Exhibition

Posted by Indy Arts Council ; Posted on 
Public Art; Visual - DEADLINE :  
Request for Artwork: "Monument Reflections: The Center" Exhibition
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Summary of Opportunity

The Arts Council of Indianapolis, in partnership with the Indianapolis Airport Authority (IAA), invites central Indiana artists to submit pre-existing two- or three-dimensional artwork for a temporary (5 months) group exhibition in the Concourse exhibition cases inside the Col. H. Weir Cook Memorial Terminal at Indianapolis International Airport (IND). Preference will be given to Indianapolis-based artists.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: November 30, 2020

EXHIBITION DATES: February 14 – July 18, 2021

A full description of the opportunity is attached.

Apply here.

Historical Background

Two hundred years ago, in the summer of 1820, commissioners hand-picked by the Indiana legislature were mandated to locate a new state capital as near as possible to the center of the state, to take advantage of western migration. In 1821 the legislature approved an existing, small settlement called Fall Creek as the capital site, and the name Indianapolis was chosen as a combination of Indiana, plus the Greek word “polis” for city. When the city was platted later that year a central, circular space known as Governor’s Circle was drawn as the point from which the entire 1-square-mile city radiated. It was intended as the hub of the city and the location for the Governor’s residence—until a structure was built there in 1827, the space hosted a weekly market and religious services until churches were built.  Ironically, the governor never lived in the Governor’s Residence—the building was used for community meetings, civic events, and celebrations in a continually deteriorating condition before it was finally demolished in 1857.

The vacant Governor’s Circle was used casually as a public gathering space for rallies and civic celebrations until 1867, when it was cleaned up, enclosed with a fence, and renamed Circle Park. In 1884 veterans of the Grand Army of the Republic commissioned a portrait sculpture of former Indiana governor Oliver Morton for the center of the park, to commemorate his leadership of the state during the Civil War.

In March 1887 the Indiana General Assembly appointed a Monuments Commission to organize the state’s official Civil War remembrance artwork, using seed money from the same G.A.R. veterans who had erected the Morton sculpture in Circle Park.  The legislation also identified Circle Park as the site of the monument. An international design competition was launched and construction officially began in 1888.  Circle Park was renamed Monument Place in 1893, and after a number of fits, starts, delays, and concept and design changes, the Soldier’s and Sailor’s Monument was finally dedicated on May 15, 1902.

This grand monument—incorporating sculpture, lighting, and water features—has served as the geographical and emotional center of Indianapolis civic life for nearly 120 years.  A museum dedicated to the Civil War opened in its base in 1918, and since 1962, it has been decorated every year to form “the world’s largest Christmas tree.” It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, and in 2019 the monument became the center of a nightly patriotic sound and light show. Festivals and events take place at its foot nearly every week in good weather, and even city addresses are calculated with the Monument as the center point.

Project Description

In recognition of the central role the Monument has played in our history, Indianapolis International Airport will help celebrate the city’s bicentennial year (June 1, 2020-May 31, 2021) by dedicating time and space to honor the Monument through art.

Artists are invited to submit images of pre-existing artwork(s) that reflect on the nature, history, and meaning of the Soldiers and Sailors monument, for exhibition at Indianapolis International Airport from February 14 to July 18, 2021.  Artwork can be two-dimensional or three-dimensional, and of any size that fits inside the airport’s exhibition cases (see attached diagrams). Any interpretation, aesthetic, or approach may be submitted as long as it is suitable for viewing by members of the general public, which may include young children.  Additional criteria are outlined below (“Artwork Criteria”).

Approximately 15-20 artworks will be selected for exhibition. Artists should submit images of artworks that are available during the entire exhibition period. Each artist may suggest up to 5 possible artworks for exhibition. Artworks must be in good repair and able to withstand the rigors of public exhibition for the agreed-upon display period.

Eligibility

Artists wishing to exhibit work at the Indianapolis International Airport must be at least 18 years of age. All other factors being equal, preference will be given to artists physically located in Indianapolis/Marion County at the time of display. The Arts Council values cultural diversity and encourages artists of varying backgrounds and experiences to submit artwork.

Compensation

No compensation is provided to artists exhibiting in this group show. Accordingly, we are not encouraging artists to create new work for this project: please suggest pre-existing work only.

The artist is responsible for all costs relating to preparing their work for display.  Costs that the artist may incur include, but are not limited to, photographing their work for the application; framing two-dimensional works WITHOUT GLASS OR PLEXIGLAS for exhibition; and labor and expenses of transporting their work for exhibition.

Timeline

  • Call released:  October 31, 2020
  • Applications due:  November 30, 2020 (5:00 p.m. local time)
  • Notification of results:  by December 25, 2020
  • Delivery of artworks:  February 10-14, 2021 (delivery instructions will be provided to selected artists)
  • Exhibition on view:  February 14-July 18, 2021
  • Deinstallation of artworks:  July 18-19, 2021
  • Pickup of artworks:  July 20-23, 2021 (pickup instructions will be provided to selected artists)

Display Policies

Display conditions: Closed display cases provided by the IAA are well-lit and securely locked, but are not climate-, dust-, or UV-controlled. Please keep this in mind when selecting the artwork you are suggesting, as the IAA will not be responsible for any damages or claims in connection to damages. By submitting the artwork, artists certify that the artwork is able to withstand the exhibition conditions without damage should it be selected for display.

Insurance: Displays are mounted entirely at the artist’s own risk. The Indianapolis Airport Authority will not insure, or be responsible or liable for, artwork displayed on its premises or installation assistance provided by IAA or the Arts Council of Indianapolis, or for other loaned non-art objects (such as pedestals and hanging equipment) related to the exhibition or display. For artworks of extraordinary monetary value, the IAA reserves the right to request an itemized list of the value of each display item and/or a certificate of insurance from the display author citing the total value of the display contents.

Installation:  This exhibition will be installed by Arts Council and airport staff.  Artists are not required to assist in installing their work unless it is particularly specialized or complicated.

Alteration: After installation of a display, the IAA reserves the right, at all times, to request removal or alteration prior to the end of the scheduled exhibition period. The reasons for this may range from community discomfort with the contents of the display to a condition problem with the display contents or display furnishings.

Cancellation of exhibition before installation: The IAA reserves the right to cancel a scheduled exhibition at any time prior to the designated installation date should unforeseen conditions or situations arise. All attempts will be made to reschedule the exhibition, but we make no guarantees that rescheduling will be possible.

Artwork Criteria

Medium: Artists may submit artwork in any medium that is safe for a public area and is within the dimensions and weight capacity of the exhibition cases to accommodate. Please contact Lindsey Lord, llord@indyarts.org to discuss concerns.

Subject Matter Restrictions:  Artwork placed in airports must take into consideration the sensitivities of the majority of the traveling public and common stresses about air travel. In addition, the nude human figure or sexually suggestive imagery will never be displayed at the Indianapolis International Airport. Also unacceptable are images or the suggestion of images depicting firearms, explosives, terrorism, blood or gore, aviation accidents, or any other images or statements that, in the public’s view, could negatively reflect on the perceived safety of air travel. Electioneering, partisan, or other overtly political statements are not appropriate, nor are commercial messages or images that could be perceived by the public as a commercial message or endorsement of a business or commercial product. Images or statements that may be interpreted by the public as promoting a specific, identifiable religion or spiritual tradition are not appropriate unless it is in the context of documenting historic or contemporary landmark structures or individuals, or referencing well-known works of art of a religious nature. Finally, statements or images that, in the opinion of the IAA, may offend potential viewers if placed in a public setting (such as an airport) are not appropriate.

Selection Criteria

Artwork submitted under this RFP will be evaluated by the Arts Council and approved by the IAA on the following criteria, listed in order of priority:

  • Artistic Merit: the aesthetics, concept, content, craftsmanship, and approach of the artwork and the desirability of the artwork for the context of the exhibition, the Indianapolis International Airport, the City of Indianapolis and the State of Indiana.
  • Feasibility: the technical feasibility of displaying the artwork.
  • Process: the likelihood of a smooth and pleasant collaboration between the artist(s) and the airport staff.

Selection Process

Arts Council staff will review all submitted artworks and select the artworks to be included in the exhibition.  Staff may confer with selected members of the Indianapolis Airport Authority staff and/or board as needed.  Upon recommendation by the Arts Council, the IAA has the final say on whether an artwork will be accepted for the exhibition.

What to Provide

All of the following information is required:

  1. ARTIST CONTACT INFORMATION: name, mailing address, email address, phone number, URL of website if one exists, preferred social media contacts
  2. ARTIST BACKGROUND INFORMATION:  brief narrative bio. You may type it into the form or provide a link to an online bio; maximum 2000 characters for typed bios
  3. CONTEXT OF THE SUBMITTED ARTWORK:  brief description of the inspiration or message behind the submitted artwork(s); no longer than one typed page / 750 words
  4. UP TO 5 IMAGES of artworks:  all artworks suggested must be available for exhibition during the indicated timeframe. Provide images as individual JPEG files (preferred) or as a single PDF document with one image per page (up to 5 pages total). There is a 25MB total limit for uploaded items!
  5. ARTWORK INFORMATION:  Provide the title, date, medium, and finished size (as framed) for each artwork submitted. If submitting JPEGs add the information to the form; if submitting a PDF document with the images, include the information on the page with the image.

How to Apply

Artists must submit their materials online through this form. The form need not be completed in one sitting: you will be able to save the in-progress submission and return later. Files you have attached for upload will not be saved: to avoid frustration we recommend that you fill in all of the information and only attach files when you are ready to submit the form.

Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 30, 2020. The form will close automatically at that time.  Applications in process but not submitted by 5:00 will not be accepted.

Neither the Arts Council nor the IAA will be responsible for any costs or expenses associated with applying for this opportunity.

QUESTIONS?  Contact Lindsey Lord, Director of Artist Services, Arts Council of Indianapolis: llord@indyarts.org or (317)631-3301 x214.

Notices and Disclaimers

Be advised that materials contained in submissions responsive to this request may be subject to disclosure under the Indiana Public Records Act, IC 5-14-3 et. seq. (the “Act”).  Potential display authors claiming a statutory exception to disclosure of information under the Act must place all such information in a separate sealed envelope, clearly marked “Confidential” and must indicate on the outside of the envelope that confidential materials are included and specify which statutory exception provision applies. IAA reserves the right to make its own determination of confidentiality. If the IAA does not agree that the information designated as confidential should be withheld from public access under the Act, it will so advise the artist and may thereafter disclose the materials as required by law. The IAA expects that submissions in response to this request will contain sufficient non-restricted data to permit the review to proceed without delay for consideration of extensive claims of confidentiality. A claim of confidentiality that is strictly limited to the time period of the procurement action will not be a cause for rejection. Overly burdensome claims for exemptions from public access may cause the IAA to view the submission with disfavor.

The Arts Council of Indianapolis will make every effort to ensure the safe handling of submitted materials; however, it will not be responsible or liable for any loss or damage. Neither the Arts Council, the IAA, nor any person or entity, creates any obligation, expressed or implied, by issuance of this announcement or by receipt and consideration of any responses/proposals. The Arts Council and the IAA reserve the right to reject any applicant, or to terminate the selection process, at any time for any reason without prior notice. The Arts Council and the IAA also reserve the right to directly solicit submissions from individual artists or community groups or to invite artists to exhibit without submitting.

All decisions made during the selection process are final, with disputes subject to review only by the IAA’s Board of Directors.

By applying to this opportunity I/we agree to adhere to all the policies, procedures, rules and guidelines that have been, or will be, disclosed to me/us by representatives of the Arts Council and/or the IAA. I/we understand that if I/we am/are selected to participate in the exhibition, all artwork is installed at my/our own risk, and I/we agree to release, indemnify and hold harmless the Arts Council of Indianapolis, the IAA, and their directors, employees and representatives, for any and all claims and damage to the displayed items and for any injuries to artist, artist personnel, or the public or property during the installation period(s), removal period(s), and while on display. I/we also agree to indemnify the Arts Council and the IAA for any claims and damage or injuries to third parties caused by the display; such indemnification shall not be limited by any insurance policies I/we may hold. Any damages that I or my representatives may cause to IAA premises or property shall be my/our responsibility to repair or replace, at my/our sole expense.

 

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