Alaska State Council on the Arts: Fairbanks Airport Public Art Commission

This Public Art RFQ is open to all Alaska and Interior Alaska artists and/or teams of Alaska artists. Artists may apply for only one commission.

Budget: Up to $40,000 is allocated for interior artwork. Actual price paid to artist(s) will be negotiated. Each price negotiation includes all costs of design, engineering, artist travel costs, fabrication, installation, custom lighting, photographic documentation and description. State laws related to public construction, licensing, insurance, bonding and prevailing wage rates will apply. Installations are to begin as early as January 30, 2010, and be complete by March 31, 2010.

The Fairbanks International Airport terminal building totals 156,000 sq. ft. with six jet gates plus ground loading for regional airlines, ticketing lobby, bag claim, mezzanine level security, gate lounges, concessions, and international processing. Much of the ticketing and bag claim areas offer full height glass with views to Chena Ridge. The gate lounges have views to Mt. McKinley and the Alaska Range. The terminal building has interior finishes of wood, textured concrete and steel to reflect a Fairbanks aesthetic.

A total of sixteen possible sites for wall hung art and one possible site for suspended art have been identified. Nine sites are located on the first level in non-secure public circulation areas which will be viewed by passengers and non-traveling public alike. Eight sites are located on the second level in the secure airside gate concourse area which will be viewed by the travelling public only. The art selection committee will determine the final location for each commissioned artwork.

Thematic artwork should incorporate Fairbanks and Gateway to the Arctic representation, including: how we work, patterns in nature relative to migration, seasons, rivers, trees, birds, fish, natural light characteristics of northern locations, northern lifestyles and cultures. The committee would like travelers to recognize they have arrived at a unique geographical destination.

Selection criteria include: quality, appropriateness and originality of artist's past work as evidenced by images, letter of intent and resume; durability, maintenance requirements and safety considerations related to past commissions; references that attest to qualifications and ability to complete the work accordingly; quality of artist's past public art work and ability to successfully complete projects; and cost.

Work sample requirements: 10 images. For additional building project information or to schedule an opportunity to view technical drawings on-site, contact Jennifer Pyecha at 907-455-8105 or [email protected]. For assistance with the application process, contact Andrea Noble at ASCA 907-269-6605 or [email protected].