Freedom Public Art Project

The Vietnamese American Initiative for Development (Viet-AID), in conjunction with the Edgar Ingersoll Browne Fund, the Boston Parks and Recreation Department and the Boston Art Commission, announces a Request for Qualifications for permanent public art work at Doherty-Gibson Park in Dorchester, MA. The goal is to create an original, site-specific, and highly visible work to identify Fields Corner as a destination for business and culture.

The Freedom Public Art Project should serve as an inspiration for the neighborhood's aspirations for freedom from poverty and crime, and simultaneously honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom and democracy under the unifying principle of treasuring human life. The project is not a war memorial. A wide range of interpretations to the theme of "Freedom" is expected and encouraged. The project could serve as an inspiration to act, a reflection on sacrifice, or an expression of gratitude. Bold and engaging designs are encouraged and may include tactile, auditory or light elements. The artwork should be accessible to a diverse and intergenerational audience.

Experienced, practicing artists and designers are encouraged to apply. Artists may work as individuals or teams in a variety of media. Priority will be given to artists and designers who are not currently working on a public commission in the City of Boston and have not had a public art commission over $100,000 installed in Boston in the last two years. The art budget is not to exceed $250,000 and includes all costs related to project management, design, fabrication, transportation, delivery, installation, permits, insurance, and ground restoration.

Stage I (RFQ) requires submission of portfolio (up to 10 digital images from the past five years), CV/resume, introductory statement with three references, and artist statement (4,000 characters maximum). An informational meeting and site visit will be held Wednesday, May 28, 2014 from 6:30–7:30 pm at Doherty-Gibson Fields, 1565 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester, MA. Up to three artists will be selected to advance to Stage II (RFP), where finalists will each receive a $2,000 honorarium and develop site-specific proposals due October 10, 2014. Finalists will present proposals on October 20, 2014, with winner notification by November 7, 2014. Application deadline: Friday, June 20, 2014 at midnight, MST. There is no application fee.