Garrahy Judicial Complex Parking Garage Public Art RFQ

The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) is requesting qualifications for a temporary mural commission at the Garrahy Judicial Complex parking garage, located at 1 Dorrance Street, Providence, RI. Individuals and teams are encouraged to apply. The artwork will address the north-facing facade (approximately 120 feet wide by 70 feet high) in whole or part and will be on display for a period of 5 years. The budget is $98,000, and there is no charge to apply.

The Garrahy Judicial Complex is the busiest courthouse in Rhode Island, used by approximately 3,500 people daily. The parking garage sits within Providence's Downtown Historic District and is adjacent to the Providence Innovation and Design District. The facade is visible from multiple vantage points throughout the city, including from the interior of the courthouse. Panel feedback indicates that artwork should be colorful, bright, cheerful, calming, and/or soothing, while maintaining the dignity of the court. Artwork should thoughtfully address how it is viewed from both inside and outside the courthouse. Durability of the work for the stated 5-year period is vital, and designs and materials should be selected accordingly.

This is a Request for Qualifications (RFQ), not a Request for Proposals. Submissions must include six digital images of relevant artwork completed within the past ten years, an artist's statement, and resumes. If selected as a finalist, artists will craft detailed proposals including an itemized budget, scale renderings, and an in-depth project description, and will receive an honorarium of $1,000 to cover all travel expenses for a site visit and presentation meeting. Applications must be submitted via CaFÉ by February 15, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. EST. The scope of the project includes all labor related to the artist's installation, drawings, materials, permitting and permit fees, equipment, supervision, testing services, procurement of a Rhode Island engineer's stamp, insurance, and all other costs incurred in delivery of the finished installation. A protective clear coating must be applied to the finished artwork at the artist's expense. The final commissioned work must comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act and will be reviewed by the Downtown Design Review Commission and the Providence Art in City Life Commission prior to installation.