Alaska State Council on the Arts: Douglas Island Building Public Art Commission

The Alaska State Council on the Arts is requesting qualifications from professional artists residing in Alaska for exterior and interior artwork to be commissioned for the renovated Douglas Island Building in Douglas, Alaska. The Douglas Island Building is located at 802 Third St., Douglas, AK 99824, and will provide work space for approximately 200 employees from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and the Alaska Department of Corrections. The 40,000 square foot two-story structure was constructed in the early 1960s.

Exterior artwork may be located in the courtyard space facing southwest, while two-dimensional artwork is best suited for interior hallway locations. The Art Selection Committee is requesting contemporary artwork related or connected to the culture, tradition, and art of the region. Artwork incorporating lighting is desirable for the exterior. The total art budget is $122,445 USD, divided among commissioned artwork. Selected artists' budgets 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. State laws related to public construction, including licensing, insurance, bonding, and payment of prevailing wage rates, may apply. The expected installation date is before December 30, 2016.

Artwork must be designed so that maintenance and cleaning does not require special equipment or extra duties. Materials must be lightfast and not prone to fading. Artwork may not have loose or dangling parts, and if installed in an accessible location, artwork within reach must endure substantial public use. Replacement features, if required, must be commercially available in Alaska. Applications must include a one-page letter of interest, 10 digital images of past work created in the past 10-15 years, a resume no more than two pages, and names and contact information for three professional references. One to five finalists may be selected for the final project and may be interviewed. For additional information, contact Andrea Noble-Pelant at [email protected] or 907-269-6610.