Library Square Living Alley Wall

The Arts Council of Indianapolis, in partnership with the Buckingham Companies, requests qualifications from artists interested in completing permanent, exterior artworks for the Living Alley at Buckingham's Library Square property, located at 923 N. Meridian St. in Indianapolis. One site is a three-story wall surface; the other is a one-story wall surface. Projects will be completed sequentially with a total artwork budget of $200,000.

Phase 1 involves a three-story wall artwork intended as an inspiring backdrop to the Living Alley experience. Approaches could include a painted mural, mosaic tile, wall-mounted sculptural elements, glass and/or metal, or a light-based presentation, which may incorporate interactivity. The wall is unpainted concrete block with existing electrical lines that must remain and be incorporated into the design. The estimated budget for Phase 1 is $160,000-$165,000. Phase 2 involves a one-story "lead-in" wall intended to usher residents and business tenants into the Living Alley area from the Meridian Street entrance. A painted mural, perhaps with elements in perforated adhesive vinyl and/or mosaic tile, is the preferred scheme. The estimated budget for Phase 2 is $35,000-$40,000. The artwork must be permanent, safe, easy to maintain, engaging for the public, and accessible throughout the year.

Eligibility: Artists and artist-led teams with all members over 18 and living in the United States are eligible. Prior experience with creating wall-based work at the indicated scale is required; previous public art project experience is preferred. Artists living in Indianapolis/Marion County are encouraged to apply. Work sample requirements: minimum 5 images, maximum 20 images; minimum 0 videos, maximum 6 videos; total samples minimum 5, maximum 20. Qualifications will be reviewed by a panel consisting of representation from the Arts Council of Indianapolis' Public Art Selection Committee and the Buckingham Companies. Up to six finalists will be selected and compensated $1,000.00 (plus a travel stipend) to create a conceptual proposal. The panel will reconvene to review finalists' proposals and select an artist(s) to create their proposed artwork(s). Project timeline: Finalists notified by January 19, 2018; Proposals due March 16, 2018; Selection of artwork by March 30, 2018; Phase 1 installation October 2018; Phase 2 installation TBD (2019).