Alaska State Council on the Arts - University of Alaska Anchorage, Kenai Peninsula College

The Alaska State Council on the Arts on behalf of the University of Alaska Anchorage, Kenai Peninsula College is requesting qualifications from professional visual artists for interior and exterior artwork commissions for two new buildings at the Kenai River Campus: the Career & Technical Education Center (CTEC) and a Residence Hall (student housing).

For exterior sites, professional artists residing in the U.S. and Alaska may apply. For interior sites, only Alaska artists are eligible. Applications from architects, landscape architects, or other design professionals will not be considered unless included as part of an artist-led team. Up to five finalists may be selected for each location. Finalists will be provided with detailed plans and paid to develop design proposals. Total art budget is $210,000 USD: $75,000 for Student Housing Complex Exterior, $40,000 for Student Housing Complex Interior, and $95,000 for CTEC Exterior. Selected artists' budgets include all costs of design, engineering, fabrication, installation, transportation, insurance, lighting, documentation, and an identifying plaque. State laws related to public construction, including licensing, insurance, bonding, and prevailing wage rates, may apply.

For the CTEC, exterior artwork should portray themes related to Alaska's natural resources industries (oil and gas) and address renewable energy (wind, solar, geothermal). Artwork should be stimulating, colorful, and illuminated. For the Student Housing Building, exterior artwork should emphasize the natural beauty of the Kenai region. Interior artwork should represent a variety of media to grow the collection of contemporary work by Alaskan artists. All exterior sculptures must withstand wind speeds to 80 mph and temperatures to minus 35°F, accommodate up to 6 feet of snow accumulation, be designed to prohibit climbing, and include ADA-compliant circulation areas. Illumination is critical due to eight months of darkness. Kinetic wind and solar energy sculptures are encouraged. Site-specific installation must be performed by certified professionals.