Alaska State Council on the Arts - Denali State Park Ranger Station Public Art Commission

The Alaska State Council on the Arts, on behalf of the State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, is requesting qualifications from Alaska artists for exterior artwork to be commissioned for the new Ranger Station and Interpretive Center in Denali State Park. This RFQ is open to all professional artists residing in Alaska. The deadline for entries is March 18, 2016 at 9:59 p.m. Daylight Saving Time. Applications will be accepted online only through CaFE at www.callforentry.org. Submitted applications will be judged on a competitive basis from which one to five finalists may be selected for the final project. Finalists may be interviewed, and the art selection committee will choose the final site and artwork.

The total art budget is $30,000 USD for one commissioned artwork. The selected artist's budget will include all costs of design, framing, fabrication, installation, artwork transportation, special handling fees, special lighting (if any), photographic documentation, liability and automobile insurance, and an identifying plaque made to State of Alaska Percent for Art Program standards and specifications. State laws related to public construction, including licensing, insurance, bonding, and payment of prevailing wage rates, may apply. The expected installation date is on or by May 15, 2017.

The K'esugi Ken Interpretive Center will be a primarily open air structure with an approximate footprint of 3,300 sq ft encompassing a covered multi-purpose area, two fireplace areas, and exterior patio spaces. The intended aesthetic is a simple composition of natural durable materials (stone, wood, metal, and concrete). The theme for the artwork must be related to the region and to the meaning of Denali. "K'esugi" is a Dena'ina word meaning "The Ancient One" and complements the Koyukon word "Denali" that means "The High One." Artwork should be designed to withstand exterior conditions and vandalism although it will be installed in a covered area or outdoors. The installed artwork must be permanent and designed to last the life of the building. Artwork of all media will be considered. Maintenance must not require special equipment or extra duties performed by staff, and replacement features, if required, must be commercially available in Alaska.