5-Way Intersection Public Art Commission, Jackson Hole, Wyoming

The Town of Jackson and Jackson Hole Public Art announce a request for qualifications for the fabrication and installation of a site-specific work or series of works for the 5-Way intersection. Qualification packages are due February 6, 2014. One to three artists will be selected to visit the site, interview with the Selection Panel, and receive a $1,200 stipend to prepare a site-specific conceptual design. From the group of finalists, one artist or artist team will be awarded $1,400 to refine their conceptual design, conduct a feasibility study that includes a detailed budget, realistic timeline, and initial engineering review. Once the Mayor and Town Council approve the refined concept, budget, and timeline, the artist will be awarded $190,000 to install the public art program at the earliest by October 2014 and the latest by May 2015. Jackson Hole Public Art will oversee the artist selection, design, and fabrication process.

The 5-Way intersection is a gateway to the downtown-commercial district on Highway 89, with an average of over 30,000 vehicles per day flowing through it. The intersection is congested and non-conducive for pedestrians. The Wyoming Department of Transportation has recently completed a remodel of the intersection, and the Town of Jackson is building new sidewalks connecting east and west portions of downtown with new separated bike lanes. Public art in this location should reflect a poignant aspect of Jackson Hole that contributes to community identity and creates a memorable landmark. The art should help slow traffic, increase pedestrian safety, and support alternative transportation.

Artists should be aware that the Wyoming Department of Transportation right-of-way extends into pedestrian spaces throughout most of the project. Artwork that impedes traffic sight lines, decreases sidewalk width, reduces parking, or is not ADA accessible will not be permitted. Artwork within WyDOT right-of-way cannot include commercial advertising, animation, flashing lights, or devices that distract motorists. If illuminated, artwork shall cause no glare for motorists and cannot resemble official highway signs. Subsurface infrastructure including electrical, water, and other utility facilities exists under many of these locations.