City of Pawtucket - Overpass Art: Reconnecting the City

The City of Pawtucket is seeking qualified artists for the Overpass Art project, a public art commission funded by an NEA Our Town Grant matched by local funds. The project involves the design, fabrication, and installation of art along the fencing at the George Street overpass in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. This is a two-year grant project that began in September 2014 and must be completed by September 2016. The project budget is $100,000.

The George Street overpass, which connects downtown Pawtucket to the Oak Hill and Woodlawn neighborhoods, was created when Interstate 95 was constructed and became a physical barrier separating neighborhoods from downtown. This gateway project aims to help reconnect these neighborhoods through community-inspired public art and improve the pedestrian experience. The overarching theme is connections, reconnections, and intersections. Selected artists will create work that reflects Pawtucket's diverse communities and cultures while helping reconnect the city's neighborhoods to downtown. The City will hire a community engagement specialist to work with the community and liaise with the artist; the artist will not be expected to conduct public outreach.

The scope of work must include all materials and labor related to installation: design fee, drawings, permitting and permit fees, equipment, supervision, materials, fabrication, testing services, Rhode Island engineer's stamp, insurance, travel, and all other costs. The final work must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, prioritize durability and sustainability, and avoid elaborate maintenance requirements. Designs should not include excessive detail that may distract drivers on Interstate 95 and should consider both views from the highway and multi-modal users along George Street.

This is a Request for Qualifications (RFQ), not a Request for Proposals. Applicants must submit 6-10 digital images of relevant artwork, a current resume for each artist (including three references on similar projects), and all materials via the CaFÉ online platform. There is no application fee. First-time CaFÉ applicants should allow 2-4 hours to prepare images and submit the application.