Alaska State Council on the Arts: Johnson Youth Center Exterior Artwork Commission

The Alaska State Council on the Arts, on behalf of the State of Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, is requesting qualifications from artists for exterior artwork to be commissioned for the Johnson Youth Center (JYC) in Juneau, Alaska. This RFQ is open to all professional artists residing in the United States. Applicants must be practicing visual artists; applications from architects, landscape architects, or other design professionals will not be considered unless included as part of an artist-led team. Applications will be accepted online only through CaFÉ at www.callforentry.org. Submitted applications will be judged competitively, and up to three finalists may be selected. Finalists invited to propose may be interviewed and provided with plans. Finalists may be paid to develop detailed design proposals and meet with the art committee to discuss design ideas. The total art budget is $80,000 USD for exterior artwork at one location. Selected artists' budgets will include all costs of design, engineering, 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 % 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 art installation will be located prominently in front of the facility, acting to enhance the building's appearance and provide a secure screening element for an existing generator and electrical gear. The installation must act as a screening element, heavily obscuring vision of the gear. It is envisioned to occupy the space indicated by curving plane shown in attached drawings and must meet dimensional, structural, and security standards. The artwork must be self-supporting, firmly anchored to the ground with an embedded post and foundation system, and constructed of robust and enduring materials. Oversized galvanized steel fence posts and rails are provided to serve as a support armature. The art will be adjacent to a sidewalk and subject to casual contact with people, but the area is under video surveillance. Commissioned artwork will be visible from Hospital Road en route to Bartlett Regional Hospital.

The Art Selection Committee requests artwork that reflects the mission of the center, which is to provide detention requirements while offering guidance and rehabilitation through cultivating knowledge and personal growth. Artwork should convey JYC's support and mentorship for youth as well as positive relationships and interconnectedness within the community. Themes around socialization or leadership found in nature are of extreme interest. Artwork must be designed so that maintenance does not require special equipment or extra duties performed by staff. The installed artwork must be permanent and designed to last the life of the building. Artwork must be compatible with Juneau's climate conditions, including rainfall, Taku winds (extremely strong winds reaching hurricane force on average every two years), and snowfall/freezing conditions. Artwork of all durable media will be considered. Reflective material is acceptable. The JYC Art Selection Committee will review applications and contact finalists prior to February 28, 2013. Art should be installed before December 31, 2013 or as soon as artwork is complete and installation can be coordinated with the project manager and JYC staff.