Call for Artists: Rhode Island DCYF Female Youth Residential Facility Public Art Commission

Rhode Island State Council on the Arts seeks artists for a public art commission for the new Female Youth Residential Facility, Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth, and Families, to be built in Exeter, Rhode Island. The budget for acquisition of artwork is $154,000. This call is open to all professional artists and artist teams nationally. Students are not eligible to apply.

The new 32,000-square-foot Female Youth Residential Facility will provide 16 residential bedrooms, educational classrooms, clinical rooms, indoor and outdoor recreation areas, and support spaces for youth ages 13-18. The primary audience for the artwork is the female youth residents. The facility is designed to have a homelike, residential feel, and artwork should support this aspect. Desired artwork is diverse, culturally inclusive, positive, empowering, and reflects the diversity of the state. Safety and durability are key considerations. Finalists will be asked to create proposals for artwork in reception/waiting/intake areas, gymnasium and/or circulation hallways, family dining and visitation areas, and other spaces as budget permits.

At this preliminary stage, submit 6-15 images of work completed within the past 10 years, a one-paragraph statement of interest, and a document describing relevant experience of all team members. Applications by teams are encouraged. There is no charge to apply. Three finalists will be selected and each paid an honorarium of $3,000 to craft detailed proposals including scale models, renderings, itemized budget with 10% contingency, and project description. The budget is all-inclusive, covering materials, fabrication, engineer fees, artist fees, travel, insurance, permits, installation, lighting, wiring, and support. Application deadline: June 25, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. MDT.