Request for Artists: $8500 public art grant from MPW

http://www.tempe.gov/arts/News/MPWNA.pdf connect to this URL for a copy of the request for artists' ideas which contains a picture of the installation site and a map of this proposed site and neighboring public art installations.



The Mitchell Park West Neighborhood Association (MPWNA) announces a public art opportunity for artists to design, fabricate and install an aesthetically and environmentally friendly art piece in the new traffic-calming roundabout at the intersection of 12th St. and Roosevelt in Tempe.

MITCHELL PARK WEST

Our neighborhood surrounds Tempe's Mitchell Park and Childsplay’s Campus for Imagination and Wonder at Mitchell Park. Mitchell Park West is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Tempe. It is a robust and bustling community of pedestrians, restaurants, and businesses with an eclectic mix of residents. Its history, location and community provide a unique opportunity to create an artistic enhancement for this unique neighborhood.

TRAFFIC CALMING

It is our belief that the addition of public art in this location will enhance the pedestrian experience and moderate motor vehicle traffic, thereby creating a more comfortable and vibrant place for residents.

SITELOCATION

The chosen site for this project will be the nine foot round, raised island in the center of the roundabout at the intersection of 12th Street and Roosevelt. Roundabouts create a calmed, steady traffic flow. The island is currently landscaped with a Palo Verde tree and Barrel cacti. Artists may choose to design within the existing landscaping, or remove all or part of it, costs for which must be included in the total fee.

ELIGIBILITY

This project is open to all artists, architects, designers and students. Collaborations are welcome.

DESIGN CRITERIA

Creativity and uniqueness of the proposal will be the primary criterion. We will also consider respect for the character and historic nature of the neighborhood, and artistic synergy with other public art installations in the adjoining Mitchell Park East neighborhood. Artists are encouraged to visit all of the public art sites in both neighborhoods as they design their proposal. This project will be the latest addition to the art collection of both neighborhoods.

AWARDS

Awards are all-inclusive and will not exceed $8,500 for the installation in the roundabout.

Award must cover all expenses including: design and preparation, supplies and materials necessary for the design, and fabrication and installation for completing the project. Costs associated with the collaborative process, taxes and insurance, and transportation of the artist and artwork are the responsibility of the artist. The installation must be fully completed before September 15, 2011.

DEADLINE

All submissions must be received no later than January 15, 2011.

Please send to:

MPWNA Public Art Project

618 West 11th Street

Tempe, Arizona 85281

CONTACT INFORMATION

For questions contact David Saar at 480-921-5701 or e-mail dsaar2@cox.net

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

- An artist’s statement of interest (not to exceed one page), qualifications, and ideas communicating your specific skills and interest in the project.

- A current resume and contact information (not to exceed two pages). Be sure to include mailing address, telephone and FAX numbers, e-mail and website addresses.

- From 5 to 15 images of past work. Images will be shown to the members of the selection panel for a limited amount of time, making it very important for the images to be of high quality. Images should be accompanied by an image list. The list should include the title of each work, its year of completion, location, commissioning agency, and budget. If new to public art, please include a list of references, including names of contacts, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses.

- Include a self-addressed return envelope with sufficient postage if you would like your materials returned to you.

SPONSORED BY

The City of Tempe’s Maryanne Corder Neighborhood Grant program provides funding for this public art project. This request does not commit MPWNA to enter an agreement to pay any costs incurred in the preparation of this request, or in any subsequent negotiations, or to produce a contract for the project. MPWNA reserves the right to reject any and all applications, or to reissue the Request for Qualifications. MPWNA is not responsible for loss of or damage to materials included with applications.