Call for Qualifications: Turnagain Elementary School Public Art Commission

The Municipality of Anchorage is announcing a call for qualified artists to create artwork for Turnagain Elementary School renovation located at 3500 W Northern Lights Blvd., Anchorage, Alaska 99517. This is a national call with Alaska preference. The art selection jury intends to commission three art installations totaling $110,000 to be permanently installed at three locations within the renovated elementary school.

Location 1 (Exterior North Facing): $60,000 for either a wall mural or free-standing sculpture. The wall mural site measures approximately 60' x 10' on the west side of the new front entry, facing Northern Lights Blvd. The mural must be coated with UV and graffiti resistant sealant. Alternatively, a free-standing sculpture can be placed approximately 100' from the front building on a landscaped grass lawn area. The sculpture must be engineered and pass all municipal permitting requirements. Engineering plans and permits are the artist's responsibility and may cost $1,500-$2,500.

Location 2 (Glass Artwork in Hallway): $30,000 for glass art work. The jury has identified 12 interior/exterior windows in the hallway leading toward the library, each measuring approximately 2'9" wide x 2'0" tall. The jury welcomes submissions addressing all 12 windows or partial coverage, while maintaining the view shed and light transmission through the windows. The jury is interested in bright, colorful artwork and the reflections and cast shadows produced by the glass.

Location 3 (Interior Wall and Suspended Artwork): $20,000. This site is located between the Library and Technology Lab on a narrow wall extending to the ceiling (approximately 16' tall). The area is open to suspended artwork or mixed media approaches. A "book drop" feature located 42 inches from the ground must be incorporated into the final design. Engineering and permitting may be required depending on the scale of artwork.

Themes: The jury is interested in artwork that promotes a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment and inspires students to be creative and big thinkers. Predominant themes include cultural inclusivity and global friendship, technology and imagination, and nature and the flora and fauna of the Boreal Forest Turnagain area. The jury is also interested in the history of the Turnagain area from past, present, and future perspectives.

Project construction began in summer 2016 and is planned to be completed by summer 2017. Installation of artwork will be negotiated with the project team. Applicants may submit up to 2 applications and must provide 6 images. For additional information, contact the Curator of Public Art at (907) 343-6473 or (907) 249-7567 (FAX).