Alaska State Council on the Arts: Bethel Readiness Center Commission

The Alaska State Council on the Arts (ASCA) on behalf of the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities is requesting qualifications from artists for interior artwork to be commissioned for a new Alaska Army National Guard (AKARNG) Readiness Center located in Bethel, Alaska. This RFP is open to Alaska artists and/or teams of Alaska artists. The total art budget is $40,000 USD, with the art committee intending to acquire more than one artwork. Individual art project budgets will cover a wide range depending on size and materials of proposed artwork. Pieces that require on-site installation include all costs of design, engineering, fabrication, installation, artwork transportation, special handling fees, special lighting (if any), and photographic documentation.

The new 22,760 square foot Readiness Center is currently under construction with substantial completion expected by August 1, 2011. The building includes areas for assembly, warm storage, kitchen, administrative space, library and classrooms, distance learning center, physical fitness area, locker room, and toilets and showers. Two primary artwork locations are available: Site #1 is the Entry Lobby, an interior space along the east side with a 10 ft. high acoustical panel ceiling and a 4 foot by 6 foot semi-recessed display case; Site #2 is the Assembly Hall, the main interior space approximately 30 ft wide by 56 ft long and approximately 35 ft tall at its highest point. Wall supported art and ceiling supported art are options for both locations.

The Art Selection Committee is seeking artwork that relates to the history of the Guard in Western Alaska, starting with the Territorial Guard, the Alaska Army National Guard Eskimo Scouts, and evolving to the modern Airborne Infantry unit of today. Artwork should reflect the local culture with relevance to the community and surrounding area of Bethel and be compatible with the architectural design. Artwork should not be fragile or made of materials that fade, or have parts that cannot be easily replaced by facility maintenance. Permanently installed artwork must be designed to last the life of the building (30-50 years) and must endure substantial public use. Application letters, resumes and images will be accepted online through CaFÉ at www.callforentry.org on or before 9:59 pm November 30, 2010. Proposal sketches must be mailed or delivered and received in the ASCA office during business hours on or before 4:30pm November 30, 2010. Completed applications will be judged on a competitive basis from which up to three finalists may be selected. Artist notification is scheduled for December 30, 2010, with artwork delivery and installation by August 30, 2011, and dedication in December 2011.