Texas A&M University is announcing an open competition for professional artists or artist teams to commission a site specific public art installation commemorating contributions made by Matthew Gaines, Washington County’s first African American state senator, and the 12th Texas Legislature.

BUDGET:  $150,000 (plus a $5,000 proposal stipend)

ELIGIBILITY: Professional sculptors over 18

DEADLINE:  August 30, 2020

Review full RFQ here.

Artists should consider figurative elements as part of their concept and the following inspirational words when coming up with ideas for the public art installation: Unity | Spirit | Diversity | Inviting | Nurturing

Matthew Gaines served in the 12th Texas Legislature. He was a vocal supporter of Senate Bill 276, which allowed the state to establish the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas under the Land-Grant College Act of 1862, also known as the Morrill Act. Learn more about Matthew Gaines and the 12th Texas legislature. The Matthew Gaines Initiative was formed in the fall of 2018 and is an organization made up of 15 students at Texas A&M University. Through their outreach and fundraising efforts, the Matthew Gaines Initiative works to raise awareness about Senator Matthew Gaines and his indisputable contributions to the establishment of Texas A&M. Several committees, such as outreach, programming, marketing, fundraising, and art commemoration, are led by these students to promote the erection of a statue commemorating the work of Matthew Gaines. The Initiative will remain active following the construction of the statue in order to sustain the legacy of Senator Gaines for generations to come.

WHAT TO SUBMIT

1. Artist information
2. Artist resume
3. Images of past work:  3 images, preferably of 3 different projects
4. URL of artist’s website

HOW TO SUBMIT:  Apply online only.

QUESTIONS? Email uartpr@uart.tamu.edu or call 979-845-8501.