Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Take the ArtSpace Memphis Survey!

Kerry Hayes from the Mayor's office, the Hyde Foundation, and ArtsMemphis are hosting ArtSpace from Minneapolis to conduct a study of Memphis artists' housing and work space needs.

The results will fuel further initiatives designed to make ideas for cultivating a community in which its artists are able to thrive into reality.

Take the survey HERE!

Friday, November 5, 2010

RFQ for Plough Blvd. Sculpture - Design Phase

Request for Qualifications for Plough Blvd. Sculpture - Design Phase

Site and Project Descriptions:
UrbanArt and the City of Memphis are commissioning an artist or artist team to design a single sculptural art piece or series of sculptural works to be installed along Plough Boulevard between Winchester and Democrat Road.  The first phase of the commission will be for the design phase of the project.

Artists will be selected based on previous experience with the production of exterior public art sculptures. Artists are also expected to have the technical capabilities to design and install such projects, including providing maintenance instructions. The finished project must require little to no regular maintenance. The selection committee is also interested in artists who have experience with vandalism deterring methods and applications. Final artwork should compliment the characteristics and identity of the site. The selection committee is interested in submissions that propose works of art that will function as an iconic gateway for visitors and citizens, alike, as they enter and leave Memphis. The artist selected shall be expected to conduct community workshops with the general public for education purposes.

The selection committee will select 3 finalists based on their qualifications, and interview each individually before selecting 1 artist (or artist team). Finalists will receive $1,500 for a design proposal, which will be discussed in the interview.  The selected artist will design the public art plan for this site in coordination with UrbanArt Commission staff and project Landscape Architect, including budget remit for production.  The production budget will be proposed to City Council for funding.

Budget:               $65,500 for design phase only
Deadline:             4:00 PM, Friday, 3 December 2010
Eligibility:             Local, Regional, National, and International Artists

Guidelines:
Please see http://www.urbanartcommission.org/sampledocuments.html, particularly the UrbanArt Artist Handbook, for more information about applying to UrbanArt projects and how the selection process works.

Please submit the following:
  • Typed, one-page letter of interest noting the project for which you are applying.  Explain you interest and your general approach to its design and production.  Note: this should not take the form of a formal design proposal, but rather a description of your methods for producing a design and finished project if selected.
  • A sketch is not required, but may be included. Sketches must be no larger than 8.5 x 11 inches. Please do not send original artwork.
  • Résumé, not to exceed 2 pages.
  • Recent DIGITAL images of your work that are relevant to this project and are good representations of your style of work. Send up to 10 digital images in JPEG format, 1920 pixels maximum on the longest side, 72 dpi, with compression settings resulting in the best image quality under 2MB file size.
  • Image identification sheet with location, brief description, and budget of each project
  • List of three professional references, including current phone numbers and email addresses
  • Self-addressed, stamped envelope with postage sufficient for the return of your materials. Materials will not be returned without one.Materials may also be submitted in PDF format via email to: info@urbanartcommission.org

Send applications to: 
UrbanArt Commission
Attn: Plough Boulevard - Design Phase
2549 Broad Avenue
Memphis, TN 38112

For more information contact:

Rodney Coleman, Projects Manager
(901) 454-0472 / rcoleman@urbanartcommission.org

All proposals must be received by 4:00 PM, Friday, 03 December 2010.

To ensure fairness to all, there are no extensions or waivers of deadlines.

Applicants will be notified by letter as to the status of their application.

Commissioning of artists by UrbanArt and the pursuit of all UrbanArt activities are
implemented without preference to racial or ethnic origins, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, disability or age.

UrbanArt reserves the right to modify this solicitation and to request additional information or proposals from any or all participating artists.

UrbanArt reserves the right to accept or reject, at any time prior to the commissioning of a work, any or all proposals when the acceptance, rejection, waiver or advertisement would be in the best interest of the project. In addition, UrbanArt may solicit proposals from artists not responding to this call and reserves the right to select an artist outside of the pool of artists responding to this call.

The staff of UrbanArt shall be responsible for all correspondence and communication by and between applicants and members of selection panels. Discussion regarding these projects by and between any applicant and any member of a selection panel outside of regularly scheduled meetings during the selection process may be grounds for the disqualification of the applicant. Such determination shall be in the sole discretion of UrbanArt.

UrbanArt's mission is to enhance the cultural vibrancy of our community through the development of public art.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

UrbanArt RFQ for Direct Purchase Program

UrbanArt Request for Qualifications for Direct Purchase Program

Direct Purchase Program Descriptions:
UrbanArt and the City of Memphis are seeking to purchase works by local artists for the City of Memphis Direct Purchase Program. The Direct Purchase shall be comprised of a collection of artworks by local artists and shall represent a diverse range of medium, style, subject matter and scale.

Artists will be selected based on the content of their portfolio and previous experience as a practicing artist. Artists are also expected to have the technical capabilities to advise the selection committee on the installation and maintenance of the proposed works. The work must require little to no regular maintenance.  Two-dimensional works suitable for wall installation will be given preference.  Submitted artwork should be installation-ready and should not require framing.  Three-dimensional artwork will only be considered if the artist also proposes a way to secure and protect the artwork in a public space.

Purpose of the Direct Purchase Program:
  • To acquire and display of a collection of moveable artworks by the Memphis artists in public venues throughout the City of Memphis, as well as:
  • Provide community members with aesthetic and educational experiences from artworks in public places.
  • Stimulate broader interest in artworks created by artists working and living in the City of Memphis.
  • Provide greater opportunities for local artists to participate in the City of Memphis Percent for Art Program.
  • Provide a cultural archive for future generations of citizens.

The selection committee will select artworks based on their quality.

Budget:      Works between $500 and $2,500     
Deadline:    4:00 PM, Friday 3 December 2010
Eligibility:    Artists living in Memphis or Shelby County for 2 years   

Guidelines:
Please see http://www.urbanartcommission.org/sampledocuments.html, particularly the UrbanArt Artist Handbook, for more information about applying to UrbanArt projects and how the selection process works.

Please submit the following:
  • Typed, one-page letter of interest that notes your interest in applying to the City of Memphis Direct Purchase Program.
  • Resumé, not to exceed 2 pages.
  • Recent DIGITAL images of your work that are suitable for installation in high traffic interior settings and are good representations of your style of work. Send up to 10 digital images in JPEG format, 1920 pixels maximum on the longest side, 72 dpi, with compression settings resulting in the best image quality under 2MB file size.
  • Image identification sheet with title, medium, date, and price information
  • List of three professional references, including current phone numbers and email addresses
  • Self-addressed, stamped envelope with postage sufficient for the return of your materials. Materials will not be returned without one.
  • Materials may also be submitted electronically in PDF format via email to: info@urbanartcommission.org

Send applications to: 
UrbanArt Commission
Attn: Direct Purchase Program
2549 Broad Avenue
Memphis, TN 38112

For more information contact:

Whitney Ranson, Projects Manager
(901) 454-0475 / wranson@urbanartcommission.org

All proposals must be received by 4:00 PM, Friday 3 December 2010.

To ensure fairness to all, there are no extensions or waivers of deadlines.

Applicants will be notified by letter as to the status of their application.

Commissioning of artists by UrbanArt and the pursuit of all UrbanArt activities are
implemented without preference to racial or ethnic origins, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, disability or age.

UrbanArt reserves the right to modify this solicitation and to request additional information or proposals from any or all participating artists.

UrbanArt reserves the right to accept or reject, at any time prior to the commissioning of a work, any or all proposals when the acceptance, rejection, waiver or advertisement would be in the best interest of the project. In addition, UrbanArt may solicit proposals from artists not responding to this call and reserves the right to select an artist outside of the pool of artists responding to this call.

The staff of UrbanArt shall be responsible for all correspondence and communication by and between applicants and members of selection panels. Discussion regarding these projects by and between any applicant and any member of a selection panel outside of regularly scheduled meetings during the selection process may be grounds for the disqualification of the applicant. Such determination shall be in the sole discretion of UrbanArt.

UrbanArt's mission is to enhance the cultural vibrancy of our community through the development of public art.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

UrbanArt RFQ for Mural Program

Site and Project Descriptions:
UrbanArt and the City of Memphis seek seven local artists for participation in the inaugural UrbanArt Mural Program, which shall result in the production of seven murals.

Artists will be selected based on previous experience with the design and production of public art murals. Artists are also expected to have the technical capabilities to design and install such projects, including providing maintenance instructions. The finished project must require little to no regular maintenance.

Scope of Work:
The selection committee is aiming to select seven local artists with design or painting experience. Strongly encouraging recent art school graduates to apply. The murals will be designed in such a way that commissioned artists are groomed in the process of mural making. The mural sites will be determined within each of the seven city council districts through a collaborative process between the selected artists, community groups, and UrbanArt staff. The estimated completion date will be within a year of selection of artists. The artists selected shall be expected to conduct community workshops with the general public for education purposes, as well as collaborate closely with site architects and controlling authorities.

The selection committee will select 3 finalists for each district (21 total finalists) based on their qualifications, and interviews of each individually before selecting 7 artists (or artist teams).

Budget:     $26,642 per selected artist
Deadline:   4P Friday 03 December 2010
Eligibility:   Local: Artists living in Memphis Statistical Area for 2 years.  

NOTE: Artists are allowed a maximum of 2 City of Memphis Percent for Art Program commissions within any 5 year period.

Guidelines:
Please see http://www.urbanartcommission.org/sampledocuments.html, particularly the UrbanArt Artist Handbook, for more information about applying to UrbanArt projects and how the selection process works.

Please submit the following:

  •  Typed, one-page letter of interest noting the project for which you are applying. Explain your interest and your general approach to its design and production. Note: this should not take the form of a formal design proposal, but rather a description of your methods for producing a design and finished project if selected.
  • Résumé, not to exceed 2 pages.
  • Recent DIGITAL images of your work that are relevant to this project and are good representations of your style of work. Send up to 10 digital images in JPEG format, 1920 pixels maximum on the longest side, 72 dpi, with compression settings resulting in the best image quality under 2MB file size.
  • Image identification sheet with location, brief description, and project budget.
  • List of three professional references, including current phone and email.
  • Optional: Self-addressed, stamped envelope with postage sufficient for the return of your materials. Materials will not be returned without one.
  • Materials may also be submitted as PDF files via email to info@urbanartcommission.org.

Send applications to: 
UrbanArt Commission
Attn: Mural Program
2549 Broad Avenue
Memphis, TN 38112

For more information contact:

Siphne Sylve, Mural Program Coordinator
(901) 454-0474 / ssylve@urbanartcommission.org

All proposals must be received by 4P Friday 03 December 2010.

To ensure fairness to all, there are no extensions or waivers of deadlines.

Applicants will be notified by letter as to the status of their application.

Commissioning of artists by UrbanArt and the pursuit of all UrbanArt activities are
implemented without preference to racial or ethnic origins, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, disability or age.

UrbanArt reserves the right to modify this solicitation and to request additional information or proposals from any or all participating artists.

UrbanArt reserves the right to accept or reject, at any time prior to the commissioning of a work, any or all proposals when the acceptance, rejection, waiver or advertisement would be in the best interest of the project. In addition, UrbanArt may solicit proposals from artists not responding to this call and reserves the right to select an artist outside of the pool of artists responding to this call.

The staff of UrbanArt shall be responsible for all correspondence and communication by and between applicants and members of selection panels. Discussion regarding these projects by and between any applicant and any member of a selection panel outside of regularly scheduled meetings during the selection process may be grounds for the disqualification of the applicant. Such determination shall be in the sole discretion of UrbanArt.