Rowan University Seeks Public Art for Dance Studio

Rowan University is seeking to commission public artwork(s) that will be integrated into the design for Wilson Hall Dance Studio.

Budget: $35,000
Eligibility: Artists residing in the United States
Deadline: 05/28/2020

Project Description
Located at Rowan University’s Main Campus in Glassboro New Jersey, Wilson Hall is a brick and mortar academic building located on the North Campus. Wilson Hall houses Rowan University’s College of Performing Arts. This includes programs such as: Dance, Music Education & Performance, Music Industry, and Theatre, as well as the Rowan Music Group, a nonprofit professional recording label. The College of Performing Arts also contains the Rowan Community Music School, which provides a diverse community of students in the greater University Region with high quality music instruction and performance opportunities. The College of Performing Arts is a family of supportive artists, where world-class faculty guide students in developing their skills as performers, educators, directors, designers, collaborators, and entrepreneurs. Whether performing with the Metropolitan Opera, touring the country with Broadway shows, providing leadership in music education, or in one of countless other roles, College of Performing Arts alumni are serving and improving the world through the arts every day.

Wilson Hall currently houses many of Rowan’s performing arts theaters and venues, such as the Pflegger Concert Hall and Boyd Recital Hall. The Wilson Hall Dance Studio addition stems from the need and desire to centralize the University’s Dance program. The Dance program is currently located within multiple building locations throughout Rowan’s Main Campus. As an integral program to the College of Performing Arts, the College needs to centralize this program with the rest offered in Wilson Hall, fulfilling the mission of the College to provide excellence in arts education in a dynamic academic environment.

About Rowan University

Rowan University is located in the southern New Jersey town of Glassboro, 18 miles southeast of Philadelphia. The campus is easily reached from the N.J. Turnpike, the Atlantic City Expressway or any of the Delaware River Bridges.

Rowan University has evolved from its beginning in 1923 as a school with a mission to train teachers for South Jersey classrooms, to a comprehensive public research university with a strong regional presence and reputation. At Rowan, what underlies and drives every decision are four guiding principles that reflect what we value and how we perceive our obligation to serve and lead as a state university. Educational priorities, enrollment, outreach initiatives, finances and collaboration with partners are just a few of the concerns that benefit from the filter of the four pillars:

• Providing access to increase opportunities for students to benefit from higher education
• Improving affordability to help relieve the burden of student debt and maintain the highest standards of fiscal accountability
• Ensuring quality to deliver education, programs and services of superior quality
• Serving as an economic engine to lead the development of the region, collaborating with public and private partners to benefit all

Today, Rowan's 19,000+ students may select from 80 bachelors, 44 masters and 7 doctoral degree programs in colleges and schools across five campuses. The University is one of only 56 institutions in the country with accredited programs in business, education, engineering and medicine. From the modest normal school begun 90 years ago, Rowan University has become an extraordinary comprehensive institution that has improved the quality of life for the citizens of New Jersey and the surrounding states.

Situated along landscaped walkways, open green spaces, or within campus buildings, Rowan University’s public art beautifies our campus, enriches our community, and contributes to our cultural heritage while offering opportunities for fellowship and reflection. In addition to enhancing campus beauty and quality of life, public art encourages creative and critical thinking, expands appreciation for art, fosters a sense of place, affirms the University’s values and tradition, and extends the scholarly and creative culture beyond the classroom.

Artwork Goals

Finalists will be invited to submit a proposal for a permanent, site specific artwork(s) that considers the façade of the building, and/or the adjacent exterior areas to the building, and/or interior areas of the building. Artists may submit their interest for creating the artwork, or partner with other artists as a team to propose artwork(s) that represents the programs within the College of Performing Arts and the spirit of performing arts. Artists specializing in all forms of visual art are encouraged to apply.

Selection Process

Interested parties are required to submit a portfolio of their past-completed work, as well as profile and contact information. The University will shortlist a group of artists to receive a formal request for proposals from a pool of applicants. A stipend of $1000 will be provided to shortlisted artists to offset costs related to proposal preparation. The selected artists(s) will be responsible for all design, engineering, and installation of the artwork within an agreed-upon timeline.

What to Submit

1. Artists interested in participating in the project shall submit letters summarizing their interest and experience in the creation of public artworks via this EOI call posted on Call For Entry. The letter shall include a list of at least 3 references (name, contact information – phone number and e-mail address) for similar projects.
2. All applicants must upload up to 6 images of past works. The portfolio must include descriptions (i.e. location, materials, date of completion) of each work.
3. In addition to uploaded portfolio, the applicant must include contact information: (Phone number, email, mailing address, and website) with a brief bio.

How to Submit

Submit ONLINE ONLY using the CaFE system. Submit no later than May 28, 2020.

QUESTIONS? Email hunt@rowan.edu