Alaska State Council on the Arts - UAA Conoco Phillips Integrated Science Building Artist Qualifications

The Alaska State Council on the Arts on behalf of the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) is requesting qualifications from artists for interior and exterior artwork to be commissioned for the Conoco Phillips Integrated Science Building (CPISB) located in Anchorage, Alaska. This RFQ is open to all professional artists residing in the United States. Submitted applications will be judged on a competitive basis from which up to five finalists may be selected for each location. Finalists invited to propose may be interviewed and will be provided with plans and paid to develop detailed design proposals. Finalists may be considered for more than one location and/or site.

The total art budget is $600,000 USD, which may be divided to commission interior and exterior artworks. 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 UAA standards and specifications. State laws related to public construction, including licensing, insurance, bonding, and payment of prevailing wage rates, may apply. Expected art installation date is prior to August 31, 2012, with installation dates within one year from date of contract signing.

Artwork should portray integration of the sciences without an emphasis on symbols or icons associated with the various scientific fields. Serendipitous connections between the sciences in terms of themes or media are of interest. Artwork should address the relationship of this campus to a broader international scientific community. The committee is interested in kinetic artwork, though mechanics should be simple and function one hundred percent. Artwork must be visually appealing and engaging for those who work and study in the building, as well as intriguing for first-time visitors. The installed artwork must be permanent and designed to last the life of the building. Artwork of all media will be considered, including glass, metal, ceramic, or multi-media. Viewers may touch artwork if installed in an accessible location, so artwork must endure substantial public use. Routine maintenance and display considerations must be minimal.