Request for Public Art Proposals

Downtown Totem Project

Postmark Deadline for Application: - October 8, 2007

Contact Person:
Mick Mather, Cultural Resources Council                                   
John H. Mulroy Civic Center
411 Montgomery Street
Syracuse , NY 13202                                                                      
mickmather@yahoo.com

40Below, Downtown TNT, and the Cultural Resources Council seek to commission three (3) artworks that will be sited over defunct parking meter posts in Downtown, Syracuse.

BACKGROUND

In 2006, Downtown TNT community members partnered with the Cultural Resources Council, the Downtown Committee, Syracuse University, and the Armory Square Association to commission ten new pieces of public art called Totems.  These unique sculptures sleeve over defunct parking meter posts on blocks where the City replaced meters with Parking Pay Stations.  All ten have been selected and one has been donated; they can be seen on the Public Art page of the Downtown Committee’s website www.downtownsyracuse.com

In support of Phase I and the burgeoning art scene in Syracuse, the 40 Below Public Arts Task Force received funding for five more Totems.  Two Totems were selected this summer and we are now commissioning the last three (3).

DESIGN

Sculptures must be VERY DURABLE, appropriate for public display, and in no way a hindrance to foot traffic along sidewalks. When designing the artwork, the artist should take into consideration the high amount of interaction with the piece by the public, the Department of Public Works, and/or construction projects.  Additionally, lighting (both natural and electric) and a variety of weather conditions should strongly be considered. Deterioration over time is expected and at some point works may need to be repaired by the artist or removed if they become unsightly or a hazard.

 Art in a variety of media and form will be considered. Examples of media include, but are not limited t wood, metal, ceramics, cast concrete, fiber (i.e.: resin-impregnated paper) and any material that will remain VERY DURABLE under extremes of weather and citizen interaction.

Although 40 Below does not endorse any restrictions on any particular artistic content, in making decisions the project’s Review Panel will consider the fact that children and adults from many cultures and sectarian backgrounds will see and interact with this artwork. The artist may take into account the theme of the project: Totems.

Totems are common worldwide to numerous indigenous, native cultures.

INSTALLATION

The artist will be asked to submit anticipated installation needs and site requirements for the art prior to commencing. The artist will be required to coordinate installation needs with 40 Below, the CRC, and the City of Syracuse. 40 Below reserves the right to cancel or amend any or all of the scopes referenced in this document.

ELIGIBILITY

This request for proposals is open to all artists, age 18 and over, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, or handicapped status. Artist teams are eligible to apply, including teams of artists from multiple disciplines.

BUDGET FOR PROJECT

40 Below will award $400 per Totem, all inclusive. 

SELECTION PROCESS

The Review Panel will evaluate artists’ submissions and either select an artist based on preliminary submission materials, interview short-listed applicants, or seek more detailed proposals. Selection criteria include: the applicant’s professional qualifications, ability to undertake the project, durability, and artist merit as evidenced by the submitted materials.

The project will also serve as an opportunity for artists with no previous experience with public art projects to demonstrate their ability to work with community groups and government agencies in the creation of an art project.

 The contracts and project plan are to be negotiated with 40 Below and/or the Cultural Resources Council.

TIMELINE

October 8, 2007: Postmark deadline for application materials.
October 2007: Review Panel meets to review materials and choose finalists       
October 2007: Three projects awarded                                                                 
November 2007: Installation of artwork

APPLICATION CONTENT

APPLICATION DELIVERY

Deliver 1 original + 6 copies (7 copies total) of completed application packages t

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TOTEM PROJECT – Phase II

APPLICATION COVER SHEET

Please Type or Print Clearly

First Name_______________________________________________________________

Last Name_______________________________________________________________

Street___________________________________________________________________

City _________________________State_____________________Zip_______________

Day Phone (       ) __________________________

Eve Phone (       ) __________________________

Cell Phone (       ) __________________________

Email ____________________________________

URL ____________________________________

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APPLICATION CHECKLIST

Organize your application in this order & submit 1 original + 4 copies (5 copies total)

1. Application Cover Sheet

2. Letter of Interest

3. Illustrations of Proposal

4. Additional Visual Support Material and/or Illustrations

5. Artistic and/or Professional Resume (Teams - submit a resume for each member)

6. Proposal

7. Fabrication & Installation Details

8. Preliminary Budget

9. List three references: include name and phone number

To check out a complete list of our Public Art Committees and projects go t
http://www.40belowsummit.com/taskforces/publicarts.php