Art in Public Buildings RFQ: Casper State Office Building

This is a regional Request for Qualifications (RFQ) open to artists residing in Wyoming and neighboring states: Montana, Idaho, Colorado, Nebraska, Utah, and South Dakota. Wyoming artists will be given preference. Submissions are due March 1, 2019 and must be submitted via CaFÉ. Artists should submit required documents and images to demonstrate their interest and expertise.

The committee will consider the quality of the artist's portfolio or previous work samples, the artist's cover letter and how well it addresses the project, and the artist's experience working with the public art process and demonstrated ability to work with the project architect and facility managers. Select artists will be asked to submit a complete formal design proposal, including a budget, timeline, and references. Proposal packets must include additional lighting needs, signage, plans for structural support, design fees, material costs, labor for fabrication and installation, and all necessary costs involving planning, completion, delivery, and installation. In-person or video presentations may take place, with modest financial compensation provided for final design proposals and presentations.

The new Casper State Office Building will house 8 state agencies and is located on the former site of the CNW rail yard and roundhouse. The building incorporates industrial themes connecting to the railroad and design elements reflecting the Yellowstone District. The committee is interested in exterior artwork for green spaces around the property and the Rails to Trails path on the north and south sides. Artwork should complement the building's design, including the rail yard theme and history of the Yellowstone District, and connect to themes of hard work and the agencies, services, and visitors of the building. All styles, genres, conceptual approaches, and mediums will be considered. All proposed artwork must be durable, structurally sound, secure, site appropriate, and easy to maintain. The total project budget available for artwork is $90,000, which may be allocated for multiple artists or various locations. The selection committee will review submissions in March 2019, with a decision by May 2019. The building is scheduled to be completed and occupied by late 2021.