Lexington Detention Center Public Art Commission

The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government's Public Arts Commission invites professional and practicing artists and artist/design teams residing in Kentucky, Indiana, or Ohio to submit qualifications to propose a permanent, site-specific artwork for the green space area at the Old Frankfort Pike entrance to the Lexington Detention Center grounds.

The project budget is up to $200,000 all-inclusive of artist fees, consultants' and subcontractors' fees, insurance, engineering, materials, fabrication, transportation, installation, and lighting. An additional 10% of the project budget will be designated for future conservation and maintenance. Artists must be professional and practicing artists with experience working with medium to large-scale public art installations, legally able to work in the United States, and at least 18 years of age.

The artwork site is a potential 40 ft. x 40 ft. area within a .37 acre designated space at the entrance to the Lexington Detention Center grounds, located on Old Frankfort Pike, a National Scenic Byway. The artwork must be made of durable, low-maintenance materials suitable for outdoor installation. Lighting (interior and exterior) is highly desirable. The content should be suitable for public consumption and sensitive to the detention center context, reflecting upon human worth, dignity, and value of incarcerated individuals, public servants, and affected family members. The artwork should inspire reflection and hope and serve as a positive beacon of rehabilitation and renewal.

Submissions must include: a professional resume/CV (not exceeding three pages), an artist statement detailing relevant background and public art experience, a letter of interest describing your interest in the project, and 3-10 images of past works with project descriptions including title, size, location, budget, and your role. Design team applicants must detail each member's role. Include at least three professional references from past projects with contact information.

After review of qualified submissions, three finalists will be invited to submit commissioned proposals with complete scaled construction drawings. Each finalist will receive $2,000 upon receipt of qualifying submissions and a travel allowance of up to $200 to visit the site. Notification of finalists: November 29, 2023. Deadline for finalist proposals: January 17, 2024. Proposed artist selection date: February 1, 2024. Project completion anticipated by January 2025.