The Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) and Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) are currently seeking the qualifications of artists for purchase and/or commission opportunities associated with the Williard & DiLoreto Hall renovation and expansion project. CCSU is considering both interior and exterior locations for acquisition of existing artwork and/or the commissioning of site-specific pieces by one or more artists.

Budget: approximately $345,000 (total)

Eligiblity:  Open to both in-state and out-of-state artists.

Deadline:  December 30, 2016

About CCSU and Willard & DiLoreto Halls:

Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) was founded in 1849 and is the oldest publicly supported institution of higher education in Connecticut. Enrollment at CCSU is over 12,000 students, the largest of the four universities within the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system. CCSU offers extensive programs and plays a significant role in educating Connecticut’s workforce as more than 85 percent of CCSU graduates remain in Connecticut, contributing to the intellectual, cultural, and economic health of the state.

The construction project consists of significant renovations of two existing CCSU structures with new construction connecting the two buildings, resulting in an expansion of space for CCSU’s growing needs. The two Georgian style brick buildings will be reskinned and renovated, thus repurposing the two and giving them a rebirth. Expansion will take place through the construction of a 35,300 gross square foot “in-fill” structure connecting the two buildings. The “in-fill” will provide additional space to meet programmatic needs of the university.

Various CCSU programs, administrative functions, and departments will occupy Willard and DiLoreto Halls following the completion of the construction project and include the following: Financial Aid, Registrar, English Department, Modern Languages, Continuing Education Offices, Prevention and Counseling Services, Career Services and Cooperative Education, Pre-Collegiate Access Services/The Learning Center, the Advising Center, Veteran’s Center, Cultural Center, LBBT Center, Women’s Center, Student Conduct, Wellness Center, and other University Departments. All students will pass through these buildings at some point during their time at CCSU.

The new addition celebrates light, openness, and transparency and creates a common area for students that will serve as lounge and study space. Outdoor terraces for student gathering will be included at both the first floor East Entry (facing the campus) and the second floor West Entry (facing Stanley Street).

About the Art Project(s):

Locations and type of artwork appropriate for this project has not been defined at this time. The artwork may serve as interior wayfinding installed throughout the building, or may be a single large-scale signature piece located in a prominent exterior location. The committee may consider multiple pieces by several artists or a single commission that speaks to the greater campus community.

Selection Process:

Interested artists MUST register a portfolio in the Art in Public Spaces Registry. Submit a new registration or update an existing profile by the deadline of December 30, 2016. Review the registry webpage for more information about the registration process and a link to the registration tool. It is free to register a portfolio.

Portfolios of artists already registered in the Art in Public Spaces Registry will automatically be reviewed. The registry is designed as a one-time registration process, allowing artists to be considered for multiple projects; therefore, portfolios should indicate a range of work samples.