REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR Public Art on Quaker Street between the AT&T Building and Cascade Parking Garage and on Ash Street alter the State Route 59 Bridge.

Send to: 

Selection Committee at
Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition
Chelsea Skiba
47 West Exchange Street
Akron, OH 44308
(330) 374-5657 (phone)
(330) 374-5688 (fax)
cskiba@ohioeriecanal.org

Deadline for Submission of Artist(s) Proposal: February 1, 2016 by 5:00 p.m.

Project Overview

The Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition seeks to engage an artist to design and create a minimal of one of the two following projects.

The first project consists of public art on the Cascade Parking Garage wall located on Quaker Street in Downtown Akron, across from the AT&T Building. The wall is around 30 feet by 70 feet.

The second project consists of a constructed archway located on Ash Street, coming off of the State Route 59 Bridge, going towards Downtown. The area serves as a significant entryway into Downtown Akron. Artists interested may choose to apply for one or both of the aforementioned projects.

The iTowpath Initiative

The Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition was awarded a $249,900 grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation in January of 2015 to implement what is now called the iTowpath project. The iTowpath project is designed to enhance the Towpath Trail in Downtown Akron and connect with surrounding businesses, neighborhoods, and communities.

Project Theme and Description

The Committee seeks to provide the selected artist with the freedom to create an original and innovative work that will enhance the vibrancy of this location in Downtown Akron, subject to the following parameters:

• The project should be an original work, provide excitement and interest and be appropriate for an outdoor installation.
• The project budget is not to exceed $15,000 for the mural, which will include the artist fee, supplies, preparing and power washing the wall as needed, and priming and is not to exceed $40,000 for the archway, which will include the artist fee, materials, equipment, and construction.
• The design should make good use of the entire space, both positive and negative, in an appropriate manner.
• The artist is encouraged to create a dynamic space with the use of color, light, and design.
• The design will be suitable and acceptable for public viewing of all ages.
• The artist’s design will be printed onto a canvas that will be mounted to the main surface of the wall. The design will be painted on to the upper and lower bleeds of the wall.
• The project must be completely installed by June 1, 2016.

Submission Requirements

To be considered for this work, interested artists must submit a proposal that will include:

1. A narrative and drawing illustrating the concept at or near to scale, including supplemental information such as approximate dimensions of the proposed work. The narrative should convey the artistic intent, colors, style of work, construction, installation method, etc.
2. An itemized budget and cost proposal.
3. A timetable for completing the Project (with completion date being June 1, 2016).
4. A maintenance plan describing the materials, processes and equipment anticipated and a schedule of required maintenance, including a suggested method.
5. A detailed resume, contact information and artist statement.
6. Supporting material such as examples of other works and/or reviews of similar work.
7. At least two recent references with telephone numbers.

Selection Criteria

The following criteria will be used in the selection process:

• The aesthetic quality of the proposed work. Artwork examples submitted must represent the artist’s own original creative work. The artist’s work should reflect artistic excellence, innovation and originality.
• The artist’s work will be judged on design, feasibility and durability.
• The artist’s availability to participate in the design, approval and implementation of the project as required.
• Results of reference checks.
• Willingness to participate in promotion of the project.
• Willingness to participate in events to allow the public to view the work in progress.
• Selection committee may include representativeves from The Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition, The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Downtown Akron Partnership, the City of Akron, and any potential sponsor.

Artists may be asked to appear for an interview after receipt and review of the written submissions.
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A Note from Benjamin, the SummitLive365 Coordinator

I had someone ask about what, exactly, was meant by “3-D.” I called the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition and here is what I found out:

To clarify… There are two projects. Artists may submit for either or both.

One is a mural.

The second is an archway that doesn’t exist yet. The artist would design it and work with a construction company to BUILD the archway. The 3-D component is because it’s an actual object to be built and not a pre-existing object that needs “arted” upon.