City of Clearwater: Countryside Library Public Art Commission

The City of Clearwater Public Art & Design Program is seeking an artist or artist team to create an original piece of public art flooring for the front entry of the new Countryside Library, a new construction facility located on the eastern portion of the city in the Countryside neighborhood.

The budget for this commission is $51,500.00 USD, all-inclusive of design fees, consultation, materials, fabrication, transportation, installation, and all other project costs. The artwork site measures 509 sq/ft total, divided into: Main Art Location (231 sq/ft, maximum 15 colors), Field/Border Terrazzo (242 sq/ft, maximum 3 colors), and two 6' x 6' walk-off mats (36 sq/ft). Proposals should utilize both the Main Art Location and Field/Border Terrazzo within budget constraints.

Eligibility: Open to professional artists and artist teams aged 18 and older residing in the United States. Professional artists are defined as practicing fine artists generally recognized by critics and peers as professionals of serious intent and ability, with indicators including income from artwork commissions, frequent or consistent exhibitions, placement in public institutions or museums, honors and awards, and formal arts training or education.

Application Requirements: Submit six (6) images with pertinent information (artist name, artwork title, medium, dimensions, price/value, year completed); at least two images must show artwork recently commissioned for a public art program. Include a current artist's resume emphasizing public art projects and budget amounts for all projects. Submit a letter of interest describing why you are interested in this project; artist teams should provide a collective statement about their team's work. All materials must be submitted online via the CaFE website. There is no application fee.

Selection Criteria: Strength and artistic merit of past works, experience and approach as evidenced in written materials, and ability to complete a project of commensurate scope. A wide range of themes will be accepted, with preference given to site-specific renderings that best fit the entrance terrazzo and embody the mission and spirit of community libraries. Additional considerations include context and theme, appropriateness to library facility, durability, materials, and maintenance requirements.

Tentative Schedule: Selection Panel Review: November 21 – December 12, 2014; Notification of Finalists: January 2, 2015; Site-Specific Presentation by Finalists: Week of February 13, 2015; Contract Preparation and City Council Review: February 2015; Fabrication: February - June 2015; Installation: June 2015.

For technical help with the application process, contact CaFE support staff at [email protected]. For further information about the RFQ, contact Christopher Hubbard, Cultural Affairs Specialist at (727) 562-4837 or [email protected].