The Arts & Science Council (ASC) of Charlotte-Mecklenburg County is accepting qualifications from professional artists or teams of artists in response to a public art opportunity for the City of Charlotte’s Berryhill Roundabout.

In 2007 the Charlotte City Council approved a Business Corridor Revitalization Strategic Plan and identified five priority corridors which included the intersection of Tuckaseegee, Berryhill, and Thrift Road located in the Bryant Park neighborhood.

A high percentage of the area surrounding the proposed Tuckaseegee/Berryhill/Thrift Rd roundabout contains industrial, warehouse, and distribution spaces along with residential single family and multi-family homes. The vision for Bryant Park is to build upon the area’s historic character and surroundings, economic opportunities, and proximity to Uptown Charlotte to create a thriving pedestrian-oriented mixed use village.  The Tuckaseegee/Berryhill/Thrift Rd. roundabout will be instrumental to ensure traffic calming and pedestrian safety while serving as a gateway to both the Enderly Park and Bryant Park neighborhoods.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

This public art opportunity will have a significant impact on the surrounding neighborhoods, businesses, as well as vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The selected artist or team of artists will be invited to create a gateway monument located at the Tuckaseegee/Berryhill/Thrift roundabout. The artwork should respond to the history of Bryant Park and the surrounding neighborhoods, such as Enderly Park, while showcasing innovation both in terms of concept and approach to design.

Artists working in a broad range of materials are encouraged to submit materials for this opportunity.  The selected artist/artist team(s) must take into consideration specific site conditions including but not limited to security and traffic sight lines. All considered media must be durable, low maintenance, and of a permanent nature.

BUDGET

An amount not to exceed $85,000 is allocated to include all artists’ fees, design, fabrication and installation.  Engineering fees and all requirements for code shall be included in this amount.

ELIGIBILITY

Professional artists residing in the United States who have experience managing, designing and completing public art project commissions over $50,000 within the past five (5) years are eligible. Artists, contractors, designers or architects who are currently under contract with the Arts & Science Council of Charlotte-Mecklenburg, the City of Charlotte or Mecklenburg County or who have completed contracts within the past three (3) years with any of the above listed agencies are not eligible to apply.  Architects interested in applying must have successfully completed at least three (3) public art projects (that are distinguished from infrastructure design) within the last five (5) years.

SUBMISSION MATERIALS

• Credentials:  a Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)demonstrating professional history and skills or experience as a professional artist (maximum two pages)
• Statement of Interest:  a brief introductory narrative that also provides insight about your interest in the project
• Images: up to ten (10) images or three (3) digital video or movie files limited to two minutes each – of recent work completed within the past five (5) years
• Annotation: titles, date, media and dimensions of artwork

HOW TO APPLY

Participants must submit all required materials ONLY through SlideRoom (https://asc.slideroom.com), an online application system. Please be sure to allow adequate time to submit your application as technical difficulties can occur. Applications that are mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand-delivered will not be considered.  SlideRoom technical support is available Monday – Saturday by email until 8 p.m. (CDT) at support@slideroom.com.

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.  A 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 to five finalists and select one (1) artist or team of artists.  The selected artist or team of artists will be recommended to the ASC Board of Directors to enter into agreement for this project.

DEADLINE:  September 23, 2016 – 11:59 p.m. EDT.  LATE AND INCOMPLETE SUBMISSIONS WILL NOT BE REVIEWED.

QUESTIONS?  Contact Randella Foster, randella.foster@artsandscience.org