CRCSD ELS Center Atrium Commission

The Cedar Rapids Community School District Art Collection Committee is commissioning an artwork for the atrium of the new Educational Leadership and Support Center located at 2500 Edgewood Road NW. The center is being built to replace buildings damaged in the 2008 flood and will house support and administration services, meeting space for the Board of Education, and a Professional Development Center.

The artist selected will create a significant artwork to enhance the atrium, a two and a half story open area with offices on the second floor and seating areas on the first floor. The artwork will be suspended from the ceiling, with an open ceiling area of approximately 20' x 28' and the ability to hang approximately 30' down from the ceiling. The ceiling can support a maximum of 4000 pounds total weight. Two large ceiling fans will slowly circulate air, and clerestory windows allow in natural light.

Project goals include aesthetically enhancing users' experience, considering the needs of administrators, teachers, and staff, and engaging students in meaningful, hands-on creative processes. The budget is $57,500 including design, fabrication, and installation. Up to three finalists will be selected to develop concept proposals and will each receive a $500 proposal fee. The submission deadline is February 29th, 2012. Submissions must include a typed letter of interest (no more than 750 words), current artistic resume (no more than 750 words), six digital images of previous artwork, an image list with title, medium, dimensions, description, location, date, and budget/price for each image, and three references with current contact information. The selection panel will include members of the Art Collection Committee, a representative from the architecture firm, the superintendent, and district stakeholders. Final selection must be approved by the Art Collection Committee and Board of Directors.