New Orleans Public Library Branches
Requests for Qualifications
Eligibility: This project is open to all qualified, professional artists living in the United States. Budget per branch: $40,000 Application Deadline: Nov. 26, 2010 More information available at: percent.artscouncilofneworleans.org
The Arts Council of New Orleans’ Percent For Art Program in partnership with the New Orleans Public Library [NOPL] announces a group of artist opportunities for four new Branch Libraries scheduled to open in 2011.
The Percent For Art Program, administered by the Arts Council of New Orleans, is supported through funds generated by 1% of City of New Orleans’ eligible municipal capital bonds. The Percent For Art Program has evolved over the past 20+ years into one that includes commissioned work, purchase of existing artwork, community outreach and education initiatives.
NOPL leads in the City's recovery with the construction of four new libraries beginning this year. These locations are part of the Design Build process, an accelerated architectural and construction project producing new state-of-the-art facilities in 2011. The NOPL, neighborhood groups, and the Design Build team have identified unique themes for each branch location. The Percent For Art Program will commission Signature Artwork related to these themes. Artists are encouraged to consider any site inside or outside the buildings, and any media – for ex. everything from window treatments, functional elements, ceiling hung pieces, interactive or digital art, to traditional sculptural work could all be accepted. The goal is to create an iconic piece that represents the theme of the branch library and identifies the building as a unique location within the library system and the City of New Orleans. All projects will be expected to meet safety and durability standards and require minimal maintenance. In addition to these four Signature Artwork commissions, there will also be a call to local artists for the purchase of existing work to enhance the entire Library system.
Please review the design plans and construction progress for each branch location online here: http://neworleanspubliclibrary.org/~nopl/recovery/recovery.htm (be sure to click LINK HERE to see the designs). You may apply once to be considered for every location, but no artist will be awarded more than one commission. You must complete the application form.
LIBRARY LOCATION-NAME THEME POSSIBLE ARTWORK TYPE/LOCATION
1. Gentilly - Norman Mayer Library Music/Jazz Ceiling suspension, windows, walls 2. Lakeview – Smith Library no theme Courtyard, children’s room 3. East New Orleans Branch Technology/Nature Front lawn, New Media, Digital, Solar 4. West Bank - Algiers Regional Health & Wellness Courtyard, children’s room, walls
PRELIMINARY PROJECT TIMELINE
Nov. 26 2010 Dec 2010 Jan 2011 March 2011 Aug. 2011 App. Deadline 1st Jury Meeting 2nd Jury Meeting Projects Approved Dedication
TO APPLY
ELIGIBILITY: Professional Artists must have previously completed a public art project, or have gallery representation or have exhibited in a museum in the last five years.
At this time, the Call for Artists is a Request for Qualifications only. You do not need to submit proposals, sketches or maquettes to be considered. Please submit the following:
a) Brief letter of interest with the artist[s]’ reaction to the project site and theme, and why their work is appropriate for the location. Artist[s] should also include any relevant experience with public art installations and budget management; b) Current resume describing any public art experience, community engagement experience, large-scale installations, or other experience relevant to this project, including project budget sizes. All members on artists’ team must submit a resume. c) Up to 8 images of artwork [completed in the past five years] representative of the artist[s] work – if a team submission, submit up to 12. Create a folder named “lastname^firstname” (ex. Doe^John), and in it save each image labeled Number 1-8. Formatting images (same as on callforentry.org): Dimensions: 1920 x 1920 pixels (either create black borders to make it square, or just make the largest side 1920) File Format: Save all images as BASELINE Standard JPEG. File Size: JPEGs must be under 1.8 MB. Color space: Save images in an RGB color space, preferably sRGB Make sure they are PC Compatible d) Create a corresponding image list with size, medium, location, and date completed. No computer renderings or proposal images should be submitted.
Email, mail or deliver submission packets by Nov. 26, 2010: Morgana King, Public Art Manager Arts Council of New Orleans 818 Howard Ave., Suite 300 New Orleans, LA 70117 mking@artscouncilofneworleans.org