Cedar Rapids City Convention Center: Focal 3-D Installation

The Cedar Rapids Convention Complex is seeking artists for a focal 3-D installation project. The new complex includes approximately 435,000 square feet of space with 129,500 square feet of new convention center space, 129,400 square feet of renovated arena space, and 176,000 square feet of renovated hotel space. The complex features approximately 72,300 square feet of exhibit space, 13,000 square feet of ballroom space, and 21,500 square feet of meeting room space. The hotel portion includes 176,000 square feet of renovated space with a full-service, up-scale hotel and approximately 19,500 square feet of additional meeting room space.

The art budget is $75,000 - $120,000. There is no fee to apply. Eligible artists are invited to submit digital application materials through CaFE at www.callforentry.org. A Jury Selection Panel consisting of representatives from the local art community, the Visual Arts Commission, the City of Cedar Rapids Community Development Staff, and the Convention Center Project Team will review submissions and select the artist(s) based on past work and qualifications. The panel will evaluate submissions based on artist experience, integration of sense of place, collaboration potential, communication value, budget and preliminary concept, efficiency in execution, materials compatibility, and installation capability.

The approximate project schedule is: Call for artists begins 3/8/2012, ends 4/8/2012. Proposals will be reviewed 4/8/2012-4/15/2012. Artist selection, City Council approval, and contract securing is expected in May 2012. Art installation is scheduled for 2/2013. Artists are responsible for storage of artwork until installation, staying within the project budget, meeting with the project team as needed, securing all installation equipment within the art budget, and providing proof of professional liability insurance.