Item 14 - RBB_recall RFQ - 20240618.pdf — original pdf

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CALL TO ARTISTS Public Art Opportunity Red Bud Isle, Districts 8 and 10 City of Austin (Texas): Art in Public Places (AIPP) Call open – Tuesday, September 24, 2024 Deadline for Submissions – 7:00 PM CST, Tuesday, October 22, 2024 Submit all information via https://www.publicartist.org/austinaipp Request for Qualifications The City of Austin Art in Public Places program (AIPP) of the Cultural Arts Division, Economic Develop- ment Department (EDD) seeks to commission one professional visual artist or artist-led team to design, fabricate and install an exterior artwork at Red Bud Isle at 3401 Redbud Trail, Austin, TX 78746. Public Artwork Goals • A work of art of redeeming quality that advances public understanding of visual art and enhanc- • es the aesthetic quality of public places Links together the varied historical stories about the island including the nearby dam, the flood- ing, and the current use of the site as a dog park • Creates a peaceful, calm and serene setting for visitors of all ages and species • Integrates with surrounding rocks, trees, water, foliage, fish, biodiversity and all the beautiful natural surroundings Is accessible physically and conceptually by visitors of all ages and abilities to the park Is easily maintained and vandal resistant in an exterior environment Is permanent with an expected life span of at least 20 years • • • Project Background Red Bud Isle is located off Redbud Trail between Lake Austin Blvd. and Stratford Dr. Red Bud Isle was formed in 1900 by the catastrophic collapse of the Great Granite Dam that contained Lake McDonald (now known as Lake Austin), killing several doz- en people. Nearby is Tom Miller Dam that forms Lake Austin, the city’s primary source for drinking water. In 1940, the LCRA completed the dam as part of the High- land Lakes system, designed to manage floodwaters and bring electricity to the Tex- as Hill Country. Previous attempts to control the extreme flows of the Colorado had failed. In both 1900 and 1915 previous dams were devastated by floods. Granite boulders from those structures can still be found on Red Bud Isle. Bridge Replacement Project The Redbud Trail Bridge Project has been years in the making and is the result of increasing strains on the bridge due to flooding, population growth, the number of vehicles on the road and heightened use. The bridge, built in 1948, does not meet current roadway standards for traffic volume, bicycle and pe- destrian amenities. The bridge is also nearing the end of its operational life. The new bridge will handle  current traffic requirements, and provide enhanced multi-modal transportation options such as bicycle and pedestrian access. Construction of the new bridge is designed to handle current-day loading conditions, increasing vehicu- lar traffic, and increased safety and multi-modal transportation options for bicyclists and pedestrians. Artwork Budget: $625,000 Funded by 2018 voter-approved bonds, the Capital Improvement Project features the replacement of the existing bridge at Redbud Trail over Lady Bird Lake. As per City of Austin Ordinance 2% of the esti- mated construction budget is set aside for the commissioning of public art though the AIPP Program. The total award for the artist contract is $625,000, and is paid over the course of the commission with milestones at community engagement, design, fabrication, installation, and closing. AIPP recommends that selected artists or artist-led teams budget 20% for their artist design fee, 10% for contingency, and budget the remainder for all other project expenses including but not limited to: insurance, promotion, community engagement, design, all engineering, fabrication, materials, subcontractors, travel, transpor- tation, shipping, permits and installation. Possible Artwork Siting The community stated a preference for artwork inspired by the history and nature of the site. Artists familiar with local ecology and/or the Red Bud Isle user community are highly encouraged to apply. Potential artwork locations are designated below, as well as other possible locations. Artwork may be considered for the bridge itself, however artwork may not pose any obstructions that block views of the water, impacts sight distance, interferes with pedestrian and vehicle activity, or the utility grate. The final artwork site will be determined in collaboration between the selected artist, City staff, and the community. Eligibility The City of Austin AIPP program strives to commission a broad range of artworks which contribute to the current dialogue in the field of visual art. AIPP defines artist as an individual recognized by critics and  peers as a professional practitioner of serious intent and substantial ability. • Experience creating 3-dimensional permanent artwork in materials suitable for exterior envi- • Austin-based visual artists who reside in the seven counties bounding the Austin metro area (Travis, Hays, Williamson, Bastrop, Caldwell, Burnet, and Blanco counties) ronments • at least 18 years of age Ineligibility Design professionals, including architects, who do not have a consistent visual art practice are ineligible to apply as team leads, but may be a part of an artist-led team. Artists who have more than three permanent artworks represented in the AIPP public art collection; art- ists who currently are under an active contract for a permanent AIPP project; and artists who have com- pleted an AIPP project within the past year are ineligible to apply. City of Austin full-time employees, or contractors hired by the sponsor project, are ineligible. Submission Requirements 1. Credentials: CV/Resume (limit 3 pages) 2. Short responses to the following questions (100-300 words per question): a. Describe your artistic practice and how you are a good candidate for this particular op- b. As an artist approaching public art, how do you design works that respond to a particu- c. How do you collaborate or engage with community in your art practice? Please give an example of a successful public artwork with elements informed by community feedback. d. Do you have a personal connection to Red Bud Isle or nearby communities? If so, please portunity. lar site? describe. 3. Ten images of previous work (only one image per page). a. Label each image with: title, date of completion, location, materials, art budget. b. For team applications, please indicate the lead artist for each project; or provide an an- notated image list. IMAGES OF INCOMPLETE PROJECTS OR PROPOSAL IDEAS WILL NOT BE REVIEWED c. 4. Three Professional references: (names, phone numbers and email addresses) 5. Demographic Survey Selection Criteria • Technical quality and aesthetic appeal of past work • Dedicated and consistent artistic practice • Authenticity, creativity, and innovation of work as presented • Communication of ideas and intentions • Ability and enthusiasm to engage the community in which the artwork will be installed • Experience with public art projects of a relatively similar size and scope Selection Process A five-member selection panel composed of visual arts professionals and community representatives will review all eligible submissions. Three artists or artist-led teams will be shortlisted, invited to inter-  Winter 2025 Fall 2025 Summer 2026 Fall 2029 view and present a preliminary design concept for a fee of $2,000. Only one artist or artist-led team and one alternate will be recommended for the commission. Project Schedule (Subject to Change) Selected Artist under contract Sponsor Project Design Phase end Construction begins Target Installation Artist Information Meeting DATE; TIME (CST) TBD AIPP staff will present information on the project and answer questions from interested artists. AIPP staff will also review the application procedures. The presented materials, along with Q&A, will be post- ed to City’s website after the meeting: www.austintexas.gov/department/aipp-opportunities. Questions regarding this solicitation must be directed in writing to: Art in Public Places Coordinator – Lindsay Hutchens, lindsay.hutchens@austintexas.gov