515 DSM Public Art Commission

The 515 DSM Public Art Commission seeks to commission a major public art work on private property in the central business and financial district of downtown Des Moines, Iowa. The Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation is looking for professional artists to submit their ideas and qualifications for this innovative public art opportunity. The Foundation encourages artists from all cultural and political backgrounds who have had experience working in the public sector. The estimated budget for the artistic design, fabrication and installation is not to exceed $5 million.

This RFQ is open to experienced professional public artists, including sculptors or other visual art professionals, qualified in the design, implementation, and management of installation costs for public art projects. Artists must be at least 18 years of age. The selected work should be visible and appealing for both drive-by and pedestrian viewing, take into consideration the safety of the public, and be suitable for an outdoor environment able to withstand local climate extremes. The material and structure must require no more than minimal maintenance.

Phase 1 (Request for Qualifications) deadline is July 31, 2014. Submissions must include a current resume/CV, brief statement of availability, three professional references, and six to eight digital images of recent work with title, media, dimensions, project budget, completion date, and description. All submissions must be submitted virtually through www.callforentry.org. In Phase 2, two or more finalists will be selected by August 29, 2014, and each finalist will receive an honorarium of $5,000 upon submission of a concept design proposal (due November 3-7, 2014). In Phase 3, a selected artist/team will be commissioned to develop their concept with stakeholder input. Phase 4 involves fabrication and installation in 2015-16.