Public art grant Request for proposals
Main Street Paris seeks proposals for a site-specific public art installation on the road at the intersection of Main Street and Express Street in Paris, Arkansas that will soothe traffic in a creative way. The project will be funded in part by the Division of Arkansas Heritage.
Of particular interest are projects that represent the history and community of the City of Paris.
OVERVIEW
Artist proposals will be reviewed based on the following criteria:
Artist Eligibility
Applicant must be an experienced visual artist that can provide evidence of producing a large-scale project within the past ten years. Staff and board members are ineligible
Selection Process Overview
The Selection Committee will review applications and select a finalist to execute their design for the site contingent on approval of the committee’s recommendation by (applicant organization) and acceptance of subsequent design development deliverables. Execution of project is dependent on award by Division of Arkansas Heritage to (applicant organization).
In addition to meeting eligibility requirements selection of finalists will be based on the following criteria:
Audience
Selected work must meet safety requirements and be able to withstand the effects of weather and public use for a minimum of two years. Prior to preparing proposals, applicants are encouraged to visit the location, both during the day and at night. Applicants are also encouraged to learn about the history and context of the location and neighborhood. Artworks will be on display free of charge to passersby 24/7 while invigorating the site as a destination for the community and tourists.
Site Information
The site is located at the intersection of Main Street and Express Street in Paris, Arkansas. Proposed designs may include one or more crosswalks and/or space within the crosswalks.
Of particular interest are projects that represent the history and community of the City of Paris.
OVERVIEW
Artist proposals will be reviewed based on the following criteria:
- Site specificity: ability of the work to engage art audiences and the general public with the location using elements of surprise, humor, imagery, design, etc.
- Quality of the proposal and prior work
- Fit for the Paris community and our neighbors
- Feasibility of the proposal
- Originality and timeliness
- Safety of visitors and passersby
Artist Eligibility
Applicant must be an experienced visual artist that can provide evidence of producing a large-scale project within the past ten years. Staff and board members are ineligible
Selection Process Overview
The Selection Committee will review applications and select a finalist to execute their design for the site contingent on approval of the committee’s recommendation by (applicant organization) and acceptance of subsequent design development deliverables. Execution of project is dependent on award by Division of Arkansas Heritage to (applicant organization).
In addition to meeting eligibility requirements selection of finalists will be based on the following criteria:
- Quality of letter and quality of work samples
- Ability of artist or team to successfully design, produce and install project, based on application materials provided. Design concepts must meet the following criteria:
- Conveys artistic excellence and supports goals of the project including:
- honoring past
- honoring current community
- Considers ways to creatively and meaningfully engage community (during design phase and as part of interactive engagement with audiences)
- Flexibility in design after engaging with local business owners
- Has a broad appeal, and considers diverse audiences
- Is durable, relative to the environment, vandalism, and changing seasons
- Is considered safe and low-maintenance (The artwork must be freely visible and accessible to the public for at least two years.)
Audience
Selected work must meet safety requirements and be able to withstand the effects of weather and public use for a minimum of two years. Prior to preparing proposals, applicants are encouraged to visit the location, both during the day and at night. Applicants are also encouraged to learn about the history and context of the location and neighborhood. Artworks will be on display free of charge to passersby 24/7 while invigorating the site as a destination for the community and tourists.
Site Information
The site is located at the intersection of Main Street and Express Street in Paris, Arkansas. Proposed designs may include one or more crosswalks and/or space within the crosswalks.
Timeline
Deadline for RFP submission; all required materials must be received by September 15, 2023. A confirmation email will be sent to applicants once materials are received.
How to Apply
The following should be sent to Heather Mayes at mainstreetparis@gmail.com by September 15, 2023.
1. COVER SHEET
Applicants must include a cover sheet with their name, mailing address, telephone number, email, project title, and a single paragraph of up to 150 words summarizing the proposed project. If applying as a team, please include the names and emails for each team member and identify one team member as the lead contact.
2. PROJECT PROPOSAL AND BUDGET
Applicants must submit a project proposal of up to 1,000 words that clearly describes the project and its relationship to the specific site. Applicants must submit renderings and sketches of the proposed project. Audio or video artists should include sound or video files. Proposals must demonstrate feasibility within the budget.
3. CURRENT RESUME OR CV
Resume or CV should include information about education; work and teaching experience; exhibition history, if applicable; awards, grants, and residencies; and other relevant information.
4. RECENT WORK WITH IMAGES AND SCRIPT
Applicants must include (up to ten) digital images of recent works. These images are in addition to images submitted as part of the project proposal. Art concepts and/or recent works may be in any medium. An image script with a numbered list that corresponds to the submitted images should also be included. For each image, include the title, date, and a brief description of the work.
Applications should be sent to mainstreetparis@gmail.com
Questions can be directed to Heather Mayes at (479)213-3881 or mainstreetparis@gmail.com.
Deadline for RFP submission; all required materials must be received by September 15, 2023. A confirmation email will be sent to applicants once materials are received.
- Committee review and selection of design - October 4, 2023
- Artists notified of final selection - On or before January 4, 2024
- Deadline for completion - May 31, 2024
How to Apply
The following should be sent to Heather Mayes at mainstreetparis@gmail.com by September 15, 2023.
1. COVER SHEET
Applicants must include a cover sheet with their name, mailing address, telephone number, email, project title, and a single paragraph of up to 150 words summarizing the proposed project. If applying as a team, please include the names and emails for each team member and identify one team member as the lead contact.
2. PROJECT PROPOSAL AND BUDGET
Applicants must submit a project proposal of up to 1,000 words that clearly describes the project and its relationship to the specific site. Applicants must submit renderings and sketches of the proposed project. Audio or video artists should include sound or video files. Proposals must demonstrate feasibility within the budget.
3. CURRENT RESUME OR CV
Resume or CV should include information about education; work and teaching experience; exhibition history, if applicable; awards, grants, and residencies; and other relevant information.
4. RECENT WORK WITH IMAGES AND SCRIPT
Applicants must include (up to ten) digital images of recent works. These images are in addition to images submitted as part of the project proposal. Art concepts and/or recent works may be in any medium. An image script with a numbered list that corresponds to the submitted images should also be included. For each image, include the title, date, and a brief description of the work.
Applications should be sent to mainstreetparis@gmail.com
Questions can be directed to Heather Mayes at (479)213-3881 or mainstreetparis@gmail.com.
