Harris Building Exterior Art

The Linn County Public Art Commission invites artists to submit qualifications for an exterior sculpture commission at the Dr. Percy and Lileah Harris Building in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The building houses the Linn County Public Health Department and Linn County Child & Youth Development Services at 1020 6th Street S.E. The facility serves as a neighborhood and community resource, featuring a playground, outdoor basketball court, gymnasium, and conference rooms open to the public.

The artist selected will create a significant civic artwork for the outdoor areas of this facility. The artwork will be site-specific but not limited to a particular medium. The designated site for the entry sculpture is a grassy space measuring 20' x 66' overall, near the entry plaza. The work should occupy a space no larger than 20' x 15' maximum and be of appropriate scale in relation to the building and surrounding area. A five-foot-high Gabion washed river rock wall will be visible behind the sculpture when facing south, and one of the building entrances will be visible when facing west.

The budget for this project will not exceed $145,000, including design, fabrication, transportation, and installation. Up to three finalists will be selected to develop concept proposals and will each receive a $750 proposal fee. The selection panel will include members of the Linn County Public Art Commission, a representative from the architectural firm, and community stakeholders. Selection criteria include artistic excellence, understanding of the project goals, and availability to meet the project timeline. The anticipated installation date is November 13, 2020. Submission deadline is March 9, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. MDT. Submit 5-10 images of past work.