Call for Artists RFQ + RFP Meridian Split Corridor Phase 2 Public Art Project OVERVIEW: The Meridian Split Corridor Phase 2 Public Art Project intends to create vitality and a sense of place by placing engaging works of art on two parcels bookending the City of Meridian downtown core, in conjunction with the Ada County Highway District (ACHD) s Meridian Split Corridor Phase 2 (MSC2) roadway project. This Call for Artists is a two stage process. The first stage is a request for qualifications (RFQ), in which the Meridian Arts Commission (MAC) invites artists to submit general qualifications for the design, fabrication, and installation of public art. The second stage is a request for proposals (RFP), in which up to three (3) qualified finalists will be invited to submit proposals for the MSC2 Public Art Project. LOCATIONS: There are two locations designated for public art the first on the southwest corner of Ada and Main Streets, and the second on the southeast corner of Main Street and Fairview Avenue. The attached schematics illustrate parcel locations and dimensions. PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The artwork must promote environmental responsibility and sustainability, particularly as to recycling efforts and wise use of energy and other resources, and should incorporate recycled, reused or repurposed materials. The artwork should also take into account Meridian s history, character, and values. The artwork must be appropriate for the project site, and its design, regardless of material or medium, may not create an unsafe distraction to vehicular traffic. The artwork must be located a safe distance from curbs and roadways and must conform to all applicable City and ACHD ordinances and policies, including building and sign codes. Please note that while the north site may be accessed by pedestrians, the south site has no sidewalks, and is not intended to be accessed by pedestrians. Minimal landscaping and limited water and electrical utilities are planned for both sites. ELIGIBILITY: Artists who are eighteen (18) years or older and living full time in Idaho are eligible to respond. This project is open to applicants regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, or disability. Teams of artists and/or engineers are welcome to apply. Incomplete, ineligible, or late submissions will be deemed ineligible and will not be considered. BUDGET: A budgeted amount of $75,000 is currently available for the selected artist s commission, including materials, fabrication, and installation. The final budget may be higher. ARTIST WORKSHOP: An artist workshop will be conducted on Wednesday, August 8, 2012, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., in Conference Room A, on the first floor of Meridian City Hall, 33 E. Broadway Avenue, Meridian, Idaho. Attendance is optional but all artists or teams interested in applying for this project are welcome. Public Art Consultant Mark Johnstone will talk about and answer questions regarding the Call for Artists Meridian Split Corridor Phase 2 Public Art Project Page 1 of 6
process for responding to this Call for Artists/RFQ + RFP. Please submit questions at any time via e-mail to Emily Kane, ekane@meridiancity.org. PROCESS: 1. RFQ open. To be considered for this project, eligible artists must submit the following materials to MAC by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, September 10, 2012: a. One-page cover letter including current contact information and references; b. Resume, no more than two pages in length; c. Ten (10) digital images (200 dpi;.jpg format) representative of artist s work on CD, DVD, or thumb drive; and d. Image list, including titles, dimensions, media, and dates of originals. Materials submitted will not be returned; do NOT submit original artwork. The City of Meridian is a public agency: any information submitted is subject to release to the public as required by Idaho Public Records Law. 2. Finalists selected. By Friday, September 14, 2012, the Selection Panel will convene and evaluate all responses to the RFQ. Following evaluation, the Selection Panel may select up to three finalists, or may re-open the RFQ. Selection criteria will include: a. Artistic quality of work represented in images; b. Appropriateness of experience/expertise for proposed project sites; and c. Professionalism and artistic experience represented in resume. The Selection Panel will include representatives from MAC, ACHD, City elected officials and staff, Meridian Development Corporation, and business and residential communities, as well as arts professionals. 3. RFP open to finalists. The selected finalists will be invited to prepare proposals in response to this RFP. A stipend of $1,500 for preparation of the proposal will be available to each finalist upon execution of a written agreement with the City and submission of a completed W-9 form. To respond to the RFP, finalists must submit all of the following materials to MAC by 5:00 on Monday, October 12, 2012: a. Narrative; b. Budget; c. Drawing, computer rendering, or model; and d. Material samples. 4. Public input collected. Finalists proposals will be put on public view and comments will be collected at locations throughout the community from October 15 to November 2, 2012. 5. Artist selected. By November 16, 2012, the Selection Panel will convene to review and evaluate all responses to the RFP. Following evaluation, the Selection Panel may select one proposal, or may re-open the RFQ or RFP. Selection criteria will include: a. Public input regarding the proposals; b. Quality of proposal; c. Appropriateness and safety of proposed artwork for project site(s); d. Reflection of Meridian s commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability; e. Consistency with Meridian s history, character, and values; and f. Contribution to aesthetic and cultural vitality and sense of place. Call for Artists Meridian Split Corridor Phase 2 Public Art Project Page 2 of 6
The Selection Panel will forward its selection to MAC for consideration. MAC may endorse such selection for recommendation to City Council. Meridian City Council and the Mayor may consider such recommendations in making the final decision. The selected artist and finalists not selected will be notified of the decision on Wednesday, November 28, 2012. 6. Selected proposal implemented. Following selection, the selected Artist will fabricate and install the artwork, in accordance with a written agreement with the City, and with the project s final budget and timeline. A budgeted amount of $75,000 is currently available for the selected artist s commission, including materials, fabrication, and installation. The final budget may be higher. PROJECT TIMELINE: July 30, 2012 Call to Artists (RFQ/RFP) issued August 8, 2012, 5:00 p.m. Artist workshop at Meridian City Hall, 33 E. Broadway Ave. September 10, 2012, 5:00 p.m. Deadline for submission of responses to RFQ By September 14, 2012 Selection Panel evaluates RFQ responses, selects finalists September 17, 2012 Finalists notified, invited to respond to RFP September 19, 2012, 5:00 p.m. Deadline for finalists signed agreement with City and W-9 form October 15, 2012, 5:00 p.m. Deadline for submission of finalists proposals October 16 November 2, 2012 Public input regarding finalists proposals By November 7, 2012 Selection Panel evaluates finalists proposals November 8, 2012 Selection Panel report to MAC; MAC adopts recommendation November 13, 2012 MAC recommendation to City Council; final decision By November 16, 2012 Selected artist and not-selected finalists notified of decision November 28, 2012, 5:00 p.m. Deadline for selected artist s signed agreement with City December 2012 August 2013 Fabrication September 2013 (approx.) Installation Timeline is subject to change to accommodate unforeseen circumstances. Submitted materials must be physically received by MAC, at the address below, by 5:00 p.m., on specified deadlines. Responses that are postmarked, but not received, by specified deadlines will be considered late and will not be considered. Please do not call or e-mail to ask about the Selection Panel s recommendations; artists will receive all notification by letter sent via U.S. Mail. CONTACT: Mail or deliver applications to: Meridian Arts Commission Attn: Emily Kane 33 E. Broadway Avenue, Suite 308 Meridian, Idaho 83462 Questions, via e-mail: Emily Kane ekane@meridiancity.org Thank you for your interest! Call for Artists Meridian Split Corridor Phase 2 Public Art Project Page 3 of 6
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