ArtWorks and Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library have opened a call to artists for an outdoor public art installation at the Price Hill public library branch. This commission opportunity begins with a combined Request for Qualifications (RFQ) & Proposal(s) (RFP). Both organizations will lead the overall strategic input process for artist/artist team selection to ensure the final artwork appeals to audiences of all ages and meets the design criteria. This committee will review artist submissions and interview finalists prior to being invited to move forward in the design process.
As part of the planned renovations for the Price Hill Library located at 970 Purcell Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45205, dedicated space has been identified on the front lawn for new and unique public art. This is an exciting opportunity to transform the exterior of the Price Hill branch and engage public residents and visitors of all ages. Successful art will be welcoming, inclusive, intriguing, engaging to individuals of all abilities, and attractive to diverse and multi-generational audiences, speaking to “Minds of All Kinds.”
The piece itself should be durable and easy to maintain over many years to come, and the material(s) used should be suitable and appropriate for a permanent public art piece. Artwork may not impede surrounding sidewalks and will leave all right-of-ways clear and accessible for pedestrians. Additionally, while the artwork should be engaging and interactive for visitors, it is important to note that the piece should not be climbable, and it should not require electricity.
The artist/artist team should have experience with and demonstrate a willingness to take community and partner committee feedback into consideration as part of the design development phase. The artist/artist team should conduct independent research about the history and current community of Price Hill, and the artist(s) should consider the following keywords and phrases as inspiration for proposal development.
Key Words & Phrases
Inclusive
Equitable
Accessible
Iconic
Intrigue
Delight/Fun
Whimsy
Next Generation
Minds of all Kinds
Community Roots
Interactive/Engaging
Budget/Funding:
- The budget for the artwork is $40,000 to be paid to the selected artist(s) for the successful completion of the artwork including all expenses such as but not limited to design fee, materials, labor, fabrication, shipping, installation costs, etc.
- The selected artist(s) will be asked to submit a detailed budget following confirmation and selection for the opportunity. The artist(s) should work closely with the Library to determine and approve all costs, including installation expenses, prior to the start of fabrication to ensure a feasible project plan.
Timeline:
- Launch of Combined RFQ/RFP: August 5, 2022
- RFQ/RFP Closed: October 23, 2022
- Initial Review of Application by ArtWorks; Up to 5 Applications are Advanced to the Library for Review: Week of October 24, 2022
- Library & ArtWorks Review “Finalists:” Week of October 31, 2022
- Selected Artist/Artist Team Contracted: November 11, 2022
- Fabrication/Production Begins: December 2022
- Fabrication/Production: December 2022 – May 2023
- Site Preparations: May 2023
- Sculpture Installed (by): May 31, 2023
Qualifications:
- Artist(s) must be based in or have direct ties to the Midwest region.
- Artist(s) who have experience managing, designing, and completing site-specific public art commissions with budgets over $25,000 within the past ten (10) years are eligible; or those who can demonstrate equivalent skills and experience.
- Artist(s) of backgrounds are encouraged to participate in the RFQ/RFP process.
Selection Criteria:
- (RFQ) Demonstrates prior experience with:
- designing large-scale, site-specific, permanent public sculpture
- creating sculpture that is engaging, exciting, and thought-provocing
- incorporating community and/or committee feedback on design development
- (RFQ) Quality samples of past work
- (RFQ/RFP) Artistic aesthetic
- (RFP) Unique and clear vision for Price Hill Library sculpture
NOTE: Selected artist(s) may be asked to attend an in-person (if local) or remote interview with the selection committee to further discuss the artist/artist team’s application materials, qualifications, interest, and vision for this opportunity.
The deadline to apply is October 23, 2022.
Learn more and apply at callforentry.org.
About ArtWorks
ArtWorks is an award-winning Greater Cincinnati nonprofit that transforms people and places through investments in creativity. The organization collaborates with community organizations and residents, businesses, governments, foundations and nonprofits to build creative works of art that bolster the region’s global reputation as an arts destination. ArtWorks employs professional artists who inspire and mentor diverse teams of youth, ages 14-21, helping them build 21st century career-readiness skills. These teams have completed more than 14,000 public and private art projects in its 26 years, including more than 200 permanent outdoor murals.
Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library
Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library has been cultivating curiosity from the moment we first opened our doors in 1853. Since then, we have evolved into one of the biggest and busiest libraries in the country: supporting minds of all kinds who seek to unlock their full potential. With 41 neighborhood branches, a vast range of programming and ever-growing collection of virtual resources, we’re proud to be a place where everyone can learn without limits. To learn more, visit CHPL.org or call 513-369-6900.
