Houston Arts Alliance: Landmark Diversity Project

The Houston Arts Alliance and the City of Houston are seeking an artist or artist team to create a landmark piece of civic art celebrating societal openness and diversity. This privately funded commission, with a budget of at least $1 million, will be located in a significant outdoor public space along Buffalo Bayou as a gift to the City of Houston.

The selected artist(s) should create an emblematic piece or environment that resonates with the ideals of interconnectedness, tolerance, forgiveness, and/or universal responsibility. The work will focus on building bridges of acceptance and understanding, with the possibility of creating both literal and metaphorical bridges. The project location is the west sector of Buffalo Bayou, along Memorial Drive/Allen Parkway between Shepherd Drive and Sabine Street, with downtown's skyline as backdrop.

The project involves two phases. Phase I: 1-3 semi-finalists will be selected to develop two initial concepts for presentation in mid-June, including concept statements and working drawings. A site visit will be coordinated in mid-May. Semi-finalists will receive an honorarium for concept development and design proposal; the finalist will receive an additional honorarium for the final concept and presentation. Phase II: Upon design approval, the artist will contract with HAA for fabrication, shipping, and installation based on the finalized project budget.

The artwork must be fabricated in durable, permanent outdoor media safe and easily maintained in Houston's temperate coastal climate. Acceptable materials include color, ceramics, metal, fiberglass, lighting, sculpture, and newer proven materials. LED lighting technology is appropriate if vandal-proof. Submission materials: a one-page statement of interest, current resume with brief exhibition records, and five digital images demonstrating ability to execute monumental, emblematic, culturally sensitive work. Deadline: Friday, April 11th, 2008 at 5pm CST. Contact: Chelby King, 713.527.9330 or [email protected].