University of Nebraska Medical Center Seeks Public Art

Posted by Nebraska Arts Council ; Posted on 
Public Art; Visual - DEADLINE :  
University of Nebraska Medical Center Seeks Public Art
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The University of Nebraska Medical Center wishes to commission a new, freestanding sculpture for its Wittson Hall Renovation and Wigton Heritage Center building project.

BUDGET: $163,750

ELIGIBILITY: Professional artists over 18 working in the United States

DEADLINE: June 1, 2020

NOTE:  There is a $10 application fee required in order to submit for this opportunity.

Project Overview
The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) is a thriving, vibrant academic health sciences center with a rich heritage of excellence dating back to 1882. The people who have walked through these doors for generations — faculty, preceptors, students, researchers, administrators and community champions — have left their mark and defined UNMC's past, present and future.

The Wittson Hall and Wigton Heritage Center – named after notable UNMC Faculty member, Dr. Wigton - will be a catalyst for understanding and experiencing UNMC’s unique story and heritage through gallery and digital exhibit space, specifically, through McGoogan Library’s vast special collections, artifacts, archives and rare books. An atrium exposing University Hospital’s historic façade and columns provides comfortable space for alumni gatherings, visiting lecturers, delegations of visitors, students and prospective students.

Artwork Location: Northwall Garden Plaza
The UNMC Wittson/Wigton Heritage Center Committee seeks a large 3D sculpture for the central circle of the Northwall Plaza. The Northwall Plaza is a beautifully manicured space located on the north side of Wittson Hall/Wigton Heritage Center. It serves as the outdoor threshold to the buildings and the campus welcome center. It is the ideal setting for conversations, fellowship and engagement by students and faculty. Flexible seating allows for casual or formal gatherings, as well as everyday use for informal meetings of faculty, staff, students and others.

The Northwall Plaza should provide a contemplative location for students to expand their learning and leadership. It is an inspirational space with natural elements including flowering dogwood and eastern redbud trees, regional perennials, and annual plantings within a raised
planter surrounding the artwork.

The Northwall Plaza is 8,855 square feet. Dimensions are roughly 77’ x 115’. The site for the featured artwork is approximately 348 square feet within a 22’ diameter circle. The maximum diameter of the base of the sculpture is 6’. The maximum height of the sculpture is 20‘, including the base. Surrounding the artwork site, there are brick pavers in UNMC red and architecturally cast surfaces for seating.

Artwork Goals
The UNMC Wittson/Wigton Heritage Center Selection Committee envisions artwork that adds to the contemplative and inspirational goals for the Northwall Plaza. The committee is not interested in specific or literal artwork of the Wigton Heritage Center or its use. The artwork should be sculptural and invite contemplation from any angle it is viewed. The Committee will accept submissions from artists working in
any sculptural medium. The committee will give preference to work that is easy to maintain and that does not include technological elements.

Timeline (subject to change)

  • June 1, 2020: Submission deadline
  • June 18, 2020: Finalists notified
  • July 30, 2020: Proposal presentations in Omaha
  • April 2021: Installation

Selection Process
The UNMC Wittson/Wigton Heritage Center Committee in consultation with the Nebraska Arts Council, has full oversight for the selection of an artist for this project. The committee may give preference to an artist who has previous experience with large scale projects. Professional public artists or artist teams throughout the United States are eligible. The committee reviews RFQ submissions on SlideRoom. Three finalists will present proposals in Omaha, NE, and will receive travel and proposal stipends. The proposal presentation should include completed concept, design, budget.

Selection Criteria

  • History of large-scale public artwork project experience
  • Personal connection to project
  • Clarity of conceptual approach
  • Evidence of ability to complete quality projects, based on work samples and references.

What to Submit

  1. Image descriptions: Include date, budget, dimensions, medium with each corresponding image on SlideRoom.
  2. Images: Ten digital images of relevant completed artwork. Upload images as jpg files, < 1220px @ 72dpi.
  3. Video: Optional video file may demonstrate interaction or functionality. Upload as mov, wmv, of flv, < 5 minutes each.
  4. CV/Resume: Limit to three pages.
  5. Three Professional References: Complete contact information for relevant references with a knowledge of your artwork, timeliness and methodology. Ex: Commissioning organization, architect, etc.
  6. Statement of Interest: Describe how your personal style or story and past projects relate to this project; describe concept for this project. Use 500 words or less.
  7. Application Fee: $10 via secure payment system on SlideRoom.

How to Submit

Submit materials online only, via SlideRoom. You will need a free Slideroom account in order to submit.  For technical assistance: visit http://www.slideroom.com/support.html

QUESTIONS?  Contact Meagan Dion, Public Art and Artist Programs Specialist, Nebraska Arts Council, meagan.dion@nebraska.gov

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