ImaginArt in the Alleys - Request for Qualifications

The City of Marion, Iowa is seeking qualified artists, designers, innovators, craftsmen, and teams to submit qualifications for the ImaginArt in the Alleys project, a major place-making initiative in Uptown Marion that will transform underutilized alleyways into gathering spaces through infrastructure improvements and creative installations.

Artists experienced in creating outdoor art are encouraged to submit six examples of relevant work. Submissions must fall into one of two categories: Innovative outdoor art (including interactive art, lighting elements, sculptures, murals on non-historic walls, and temporary or permanent installations; electricity will be available throughout the alley) or Artistic amenities (including seating, tables, planters, railings, bike racks, trellises, dumpster screens, and trash receptacles). All examples must be outdoor art or include a plan for reproduction on weather-proof material. Selection criteria include artistic excellence, demonstrated ability to create high-quality outdoor art, pricing for each example (including design/build/install), client references for three examples, professional biography, understanding of project goals, and ability to meet the project timeline.

This is a two-phase process. Phase one is a request for qualifications to identify qualified individuals; finalists will be invited to submit a formal proposal in phase two. Submissions are due by 11:59pm CST on Friday, May 8, 2015 through www.callforentry.org. Finalists will be notified on May 29. Individual awards are anticipated to range from under $1,000 to over $25,000, structured as lump sum all-inclusive design-build contracts. An informational webinar will be held on Monday, April 20 at 12:00pm Central Time. Questions can be directed to Karen Hoyt at [email protected] or (319) 377-8829, or Amanda Kaufman at [email protected] or (319) 743-6303.