Howes Park Civil Rights Tribute Public Art

The Art Selection Committee of the Gertrude Howes Park Civil Rights Public Art Tribute project invites artists and landscape designers to submit public art qualifications for an innovative, permanent public art installation serving as a tribute to the civil rights movement. The tribute is envisioned as an abstract work dedicated to the movement rather than a representation of individual persons or events. The selection process will identify four artists/teams to develop proposals.

The tribute honors individuals who have contributed to civil rights, intended as an affirmation of the struggle and celebration of citizen participation. Gertrude Howes Playground, located at 68 Moreland Street in Roxbury's Moreland Street Historic District, has deep meaning to surrounding residents. The site is near Twelfth Baptist Church, where Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King preached, and honors local activists from African-American, Caribbean, and other ethnic communities. The project is a collaborative effort between the City of Boston's Edward Ingersoll Browne Trust, Boston Parks and Recreation, the Boston Art Commission, and community organizations.

Preference will be given to local and regional applications. Applicants should have completed prior outdoor art, landscape projects, or temporary installations. Teams of artists and landscape designers are encouraged to apply. Artists and designers of diverse backgrounds with knowledge of African-American culture and history are also encouraged to apply. The total anticipated all-inclusive budget for design, fabrication, and installation is $200,000-$250,000. Up to four shortlisted finalists will receive a $2,500 honorarium each for initial concept development and presentations.

Submissions must include 10 to 15 JPEG images of relevant past work, a numbered annotated image list with title, media, dimensions, location, brief description, date, project budget and partners, CV/résumé with current contact information, and three references (including at least one from a project where the artist served as project manager/construction administrator). Electronic submissions only via www.callforentry.org.