City of Asheville: U.S. Cellular Center Terrazzo Floor Project

The City of Asheville is seeking to commission a qualified artist to create an original, integrated terrazzo floor public artwork for the U.S. Cellular Center lobby. The U.S. Cellular Center, formerly known as the Asheville Civic Center, is a regional destination for entertainment, trade shows and events. The Thomas Wolfe Auditorium is located within the main entrance and lobby of the U.S. Cellular Center.

The lobby and box office will be renovated to provide a more functional layout and modern aesthetic appearance. A major component is the installation of new epoxy terrazzo flooring. The area for the artist terrazzo component is approximately 30' x 32' concentrated in the lobby at the entrance to the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. The artist's design must enhance and be integrated within the rectangular pattern of the lobby flooring. The design needs to be abstract in nature, directionally accentuating the entrance to the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, serve as a gathering point and create a sense of place. The design must account for the prominent art deco terrazzo floor directly within the entry of the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. The selected artist will be required to conduct a site visit prior to floor construction and may be required for a second visit during installation inception.

This is a nationwide call open to all qualified artists with experience in the public art realm. Artists with experience designing or installing terrazzo floors in high traffic settings are preferred. The commissioned artist must be able to work in close collaboration with the building architect, terrazzo floor construction crew, and the city appointed review committee. The approximate project budget is $20,000, including all costs for design, materials, fabrication, installation, meeting costs, and travel. Finalists will be paid $800 for preliminary designs. The selected finalists will retain copyright over their original design; the City of Asheville will retain rights to promote and reproduce the completed work in print and electronic form on a non-commercial basis. Project timeline: Call closes May 5, 2013; finalists selected by May 8, 2013; proposals due June 10, 2013; final artist hired June 12, 2013; floor installation July 12-August 9, 2013.

Submit up to five images or videos of artwork portfolio, current résumé, one-page letter of interest highlighting approach to public art and relevant experience, annotated image list, and at least three references. All application materials must be submitted electronically through CaFÉ at callforentry.org. There is no application fee.