Lafayette Library and Learning Center: Small Works Purchase Program

The City of Lafayette is seeking to acquire existing artworks in various mediums for the new Lafayette Library and Learning Center, scheduled to open in November 2009. Located in Lafayette's downtown area, the Craftsman style facility will exceed 30,000 square feet of library and activity space. Artworks will be on display in common areas including the building's lobby, teen study areas, adult reading room, children's area, and parking garage/stairwell entrance.

Artists must submit digital images of existing artwork for review by a selection panel that will recommend artwork to the Lafayette City Council. Artists are encouraged to submit high-quality work representing diverse styles and approaches with accessible imagery suitable for public display where people of all ages, particularly children, will visit. The program goals are to create an engaging atmosphere, serve the community with emphasis on children and families, broaden public understanding of art, and contribute to library resources and amenities.

Eligible artists are practicing professionals who live or maintain a studio in the San Francisco Bay Area (Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, and Sonoma counties). Emerging, mid-career, and established artists working in all permanent media are welcome. The public art budget is $60,000 for artwork purchases. All artworks will be purchased unframed; the City will professionally frame them to museum quality standards. Artwork parameters include wall-mounted pieces up to 48" x 60" x 4", large-scale wall work (one 6'x6' wall and one 45"h x 12'l wall), freestanding sculpture fitting through a 7' x 3' door opening, lightweight suspended artwork for teen areas, and lightweight sculptures for children's areas. Artists are responsible for delivery costs, crating, packing, and state/county sales tax (9.25%). The sale price must be inclusive of tax. The City will deal directly with artists; any gallery dealer agreements must be handled between artist and dealer.

The selection process occurs in two phases: Phase One reviews artist qualifications and digital imagery, with a panel selecting up to 30 artists to deliver original work; Phase Two reviews original artworks for final purchase recommendations to City Council. Selection criteria include artistic excellence, innovation, creativity, originality, appropriateness to project goals and library setting, material suitability, and physical space accommodation. Artists must hand-deliver selected works to Lafayette, CA. Artwork not selected must be picked up by the specified date. All submitted artists will receive electronic notification of results.