The developer of a luxury residential community in Avenel, NJ is seeking an iconic outdoor sculpture. Artwork will be located at the corner of the Station Village development, near the entrance of the Avenel rail station. Public art is a key part of the developer’s commitment to provide “the best of all worlds” to its residents.

BUDGET: up to $75,000

ELIGIBILITY:  U.S.-based professional artists who have completed commissioned public art in excess of $30,000 in the past 5 years

DEADLINE: May 15, 2020

Download full RFQ here.

• Artists may submit existing work for this project.
• Artists not submitting existing work must provide a detailed design proposal and budget; applicants will not be compensated for this up-front design work

Project Background

Station Village at Avenel offers brand‐new, luxury rental apartments and townhomes designed to create balance between work and fun, commuting and creativity, and life’s demands and rewards. In addition to being the future home of the Avenel Performing Arts Center, Station Village showcases The Club, featuring a clubroom, workout and yoga studios, private meeting suites and more; planned on-site retail; and the Village Green. There is direct access to Avenel rail station with NJ Transit service to New York City and shore points via the North Jersey Coast Line.

Project Description

Station Village residents have their own access point to Avenel rail station. Placing a significant sculpture at this rail entrance will make artwork the focal point for residents as they pass in and out of the community. The sculpture will also be visible to daily train commuters who use the New Jersey Transit line. There is a great opportunity for selected artwork to become a landmark for residents of Station Village and commuters who pass by Avenel rail station.

The Avenel Performing Arts Center (APAC) is also located at Station Village, just a short walk away from the rail station. A new, celebrated hub for the arts, APAC draws visitors from Avenel and surrounding communities with a robust schedule of live performances.

Artwork Description

Existing work and new concept designs will be considered. Artists are asked to provide a detailed proposal at the time of application if they have a concept design for a new work. Evaluations will be based on composition, impact, creativity, and technical execution.

Keywords of interest include:

• ICONIC
• MOTION
• LANDMARK
• COMMUNITY
• INDUSTRIAL
• ABSTRACT
• VISUAL IMPACT

Artists should consider what the visual impact of the sculpture will be from multiple viewer perspectives. Artwork should be accessible and appreciable when seen in motion by rail commuters in addition to viewers passing by on foot. The developer is drawn to simple, iconic artworks such as “The Bean” in Chicago, IL; “World’s Largest Fork” in Springfield, MO; and “The Big Fiddle” in Sydney, Australia.

Artwork may reflect the spirit and culture of Avenel. It may be a tribute to the community of Station Village. Artwork may reflect themes such as transportation, railroad, or industrial art in an abstract execution.

Sculpture must fit within an area measuring 10 feet by 10 feet. There is no height limit for the sculpture, but it should be a minimum of 15 feet to 20 feet in height. Artists should indicate in their proposal if they are including a raised platform for the sculpture (not provided by developer).

The sculpture should be fabricated of highly durable, low-maintenance materials that are suitable for outdoor display in all media. The sculpture will be located in the public realm and will be exposed to weather and physical stresses.

Timeline

• Applications accepted: March 20, 2020
• Deadline to apply: May 15, 2020
• Semi-finalist selection: June 1, 2020
• Interviews: June 3-5, 2020
• Final artist selected: June 8, 2020
• Project installation: TBD

What to Submit

1. Résumé/CV, including contact information, website URL, previous relevant art commissions, design team experience, exhibitions, awards, grants, education
2. References. Please include at least three (3) art and/or design professionals who have detailed knowledge of the artist’s work and working methods, including fulfilling deadlines, working with the community, etc. Include contact name, organization, address, telephone, and email for each reference.
3. Letter of Interest, including: name, address, telephone, email, and website for all artist/design team members; description of your interest in this project and your experience working on comparable projects; your philosophy on public art, its integration into surrounding environment and
   how your work and experience will complement this project; your eligibility with the multiple criteria for this project.
4. Your concept design for a new commissioned work, if applicable. (Not required for artists submitting existing work for consideration.)
5. Artwork Images: at least three (3) and up to five (5) different completed artworks or past commissions. For each completed artwork, you will be prompted to upload a single, main image and specify the title of the artwork, location, budget (USD), year completed, medium, and dimensions. Images must be JPEG or PNG file format with a minimum of 620px width, a maximum of 1500px, and maximum file size of 5MB. You have the option to provide more images and information for your completed artwork by publishing a CODAworx “project.” With a CODAworx “project” you can include additional images and more information about your project or artwork. Follow the link to publish the additional images and information for your application: https://www.codaworx.com/account/project

How to Submit

Applications are accepted through the CODAworx RFP Portal. CODAworx is a global online platform to showcase design projects that feature commissioned artwork in interior, architectural, and public spaces. Slides, prints or any physical submissions of artwork will not be accepted.

• Sign up for a free account at www.codaworx.com/registration to submit your application.
• You may save and return to your application before submitting it by logging into CODAworx, clicking your name in the top right, and selecting “RFP Dashboard.”

QUESTIONS? Contact Lee Wilson-Hayes, RFP Specialist, at team@codaworx-rfp.com or (608) 467-3040.