Nakoma Sky Seeks Artists for Indoor, Outdoor Public Art

Nakoma Sky Seeks Artists for Indoor, Outdoor Public Art

Website: http://www.tucsonpimaartscouncil.org/public-art/opportunities/call-to-artiststeams-for-public-art/

 (520) 624-0595 ext. 12

 Unknown, Arizona, Unknown

Posada Life is seeking multiple artists or artist teams to create public art for Nakoma Sky, an innovative, 80-acre retirement community currently in the planning stages for Oro Valley, Arizona. Posada Life is creating Nakoma Sky–which means  “I do as I promise”–to provide high-quality, living-well retirement for seniors. Nakoma Sky continues the mission of La Posada in Green Valley to provide resort-style living with amenities that enhance seniors’ well-being.

The artwork for Nakoma Sky will strongly contribute to the immediate community’s sense of place. The exterior artwork for the entries and public park could take the form of free-standing sculptures, landform artworks, interactive/sound, and/or ground plane features. The character of the artwork must respond to the site(s) and community context in addition to being made from materials appropriate to the specific placement. Exterior artworks must withstand the desert’s summer temperatures and be readily maintained. Lighting integrated into the artwork must conform to Oro Valley requirements. Interior artworks must be made of durable materials but the interior locations offer an opportunity for a variety of media.

The residents of Nakoma Sky will represent a diverse set of seniors from a variety of backgrounds who will appreciate a diverse array of aesthetics and styles. The artwork should appeal to this variety of individuals who are choosing to make the attractive, welcoming, and supportive Nakoma Sky campus their home.

The Town of Oro Valley’s goals for public art require that artwork demonstrate originality, artistic quality, and excellence in design and craftsmanship.

Artwork Opportunities and Associated Budgets:  The art budget must cover all costs related to design, materials, production, transportation and installation of the artwork, as well as costs for taxes and insurance that may be required by Oro Valley and La Posada Life.

Exterior:

  • Entry Gates (2) (Metal):  $75,000
  • Sculpture at Portico of Lobby, Restaurant, and Lounge: $100,000
  • Sculpture in Community Park (Durable Materials): $50,000

Interior:

  • Tile Mural (porcelain, ceramic and/or other): $125,000
  • Vertical Floor to Ceiling Sculpture/Wall Divider (Metal): $25,000
  • Wall Mounted Sculpture (Materials to be determined): $35,000

Selection Criteria

Artists working in abstract and representational styles of artwork will be considered as the multiple locations potentially allow for multiple interpretations.

Values that will guide the initial applicant review, final artist selection, and subsequent design process include:

  • Artistic excellence
  • Craftsmanship
  • Studio Capacity
  • Can meet project schedule
  • Design Team experience
  • Ability to design, fabricate and install artwork of the scale specific to each opportunity
  • Maintenance considerations of anticipated materials

Qualities demonstrated by previous artworks from applicants that will guide the initial applicant review, final artist selection, and subsequent design process include:

  • Whimsy
  • Sophistication
  • Playful
  • Repeat viewings
  • Inspirational
  • Nature
  • Life affirming
  • Vitality
  • Elegance
  • Compatibility/contrast with desert environment

Timeline

(the schedule below is tentative; project schedules have many variables)

  • Call to Artists Issue Date…..Friday, April 22, 2016
  • Application Deadline……Thursday, May 26, 2016 Midnight, Mountain Standard Time
  • Selection Process …… June – July 2016
  • Contracting and Design ….. August – December 2016
  • Artwork Production/Installation:  Installation is anticipated for late 2018/early 2019

To apply for this project, complete the Submittable online application form.  A free user account is required, and there is no charge to apply.