Colibri Commons Art Request for Qualification (RFQ)

Colibri Commons is a 136-unit affordable housing community under development in East Palo Alto, scheduled for completion in summer 2025. The development will include four buildings spanning 211,099 square feet with a maximum height of 44 feet, a five-level 213-car garage, bicycle parking for 77 bikes, and community amenities including a community room with kitchen, after-school program classroom, and outdoor recreation area. Eight units are set-aside for households experiencing homelessness in San Mateo County.

MidPen Housing and the East Palo Alto Community Alliance Neighborhood Development Organization (EPACANDO) are seeking artists to propose public artwork for six identified locations within the development. Artists should present ideas for durable, vandal-resistant work such as sculptures, hand-painted murals, or mixed media that harmonizes with the site design and resonates with the East Palo Alto community. Proposals do not need to include art in all six locations. The budget for this project ranges from $25,000 to $50,000 per selected location.

Applications must include: an artist bio with statement of experience and connection to East Palo Alto, San Mateo County, or the Bay Area; a portfolio of up to ten images of past artworks similar in scope to the proposed project with associated costs for each; and a statement of interest describing your interest in the project, themes, and qualifications. Selection criteria include ability to meet the project timeline, compatibility with site design, artistic style, collaborative experience with design teams and community groups, and connection to East Palo Alto. Up to three artists will be selected for interviews, with one finalist chosen to move forward. The first RFQ application deadline is August 30, 2024. Subsequent deadlines include October 7, 2024 (shortlist finalization), November 29, 2024 (second RFP deadline for selected artists), and December 29, 2024 (artist selection). Design and review runs January 20 – April 25, 2025, with painting, fabrication, and installation scheduled May 16 – July 15, 2025. Submit applications in PowerPoint, PDF, or Microsoft Word format to [email protected] or through the Café Portal. For questions, contact Karla Martinez at (650) 730-3890.