Website: https://bloomington.in.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/TradesGarageDistrict_RFQ_FINAL.pdf
(812) 349-3534
Bloomington, IN, Unknown
The City of Bloomington, Indiana, through the Bloomington Arts Commission, seeks an artist or artist team to create a unique, durable, site-specific artwork at the Trades District Garage located near downtown Bloomington. Professional visual artists, designers, and architects, including artists new to the public art field, are invited to submit qualifications for consideration.
BUDGET: $75,000
ELIGIBILITY: Professional artists age 18 or over
DEADLINE: July 8, 2020
Project Description
The Trades District garage site is located just south of West Tenth Street between the Showers City Hall building and the B-Line Trail. The Trades District Garage and the City’s new Fourth Street Garage will be the first two garages in Indiana designed and built to achieve Parksmart-certification, based on compliance with guidelines that reduce environmental impact, increase energy efficiency and performance, and manage parking spaces efficiently. The Trades District Parking Garage will add 350 spaces to the inventory of parking spaces downtown upon completion in late 2020 or early 2021.
The garage will serve the 12-acre Trades District, the former site of Showers Brothers Furniture Company complex that has been re-envisioned as the city’s newest economic and cultural destination. In addition to the business incubator and co-workspace known as The Mill, the site will soon see the transformation of the original Showers Kiln building into a home for established companies and flourishing startups to expand, along with restaurant space. The City has made additional infrastructure improvements in the district in the form of new streets, walkways, and other environmentally friendly amenities.
There are key areas within the building for the artwork to be located – we are specifically seeking artwork for the interior stairwells of the parking garage.
Project Goals and Values
To commission a signature work of art which:
Fabrication Services
Artists, designers, and architects from all levels of public art experience are encouraged to contact the following vendors. Each has shown interest in
working with artists who respond to the City of Bloomington’s public art projects.
Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Financing
Artists who wish to respond but lack the capital for up-front expenses may be eligible to receive a CDFI business loan. If desired, the City will assist the selected artist/team to pursue funding through a CDFI.
Selection Process
Through review of work submitted, a selection panel shall choose up to three finalists to recommend for the Trades District Garage. The finalists will each be asked to provide further detailed drawings, renderings and or models of a proposed concept and will be compensated with an honorarium. The selected artist/artist team will be contracted to refine the project design. With final design approval the artwork will be installed in coordination with City staff.
Selection Criteria
Applicants must demonstrate the following qualifications and qualities:
What to Submit
How to Submit
QUESTIONS? Contact Sean Starowitz, starowis@bloomington.in.gov or (812) 349-3534