Linn County Courthouse Public Art Commission

The Linn County Public Art Commission invites artists to submit qualifications for a public art commission at the Linn County Courthouse in Cedar Rapids. An artist will be commissioned to create a three-dimensional art piece that incorporates seating on the main level of the courthouse and becomes an integral part of the courthouse interior.

The courthouse, built in 1925, is a Bedford limestone structure in Greek and Roman architecture. It sustained damage from the 2008 flood and is currently undergoing renovation of its lower levels into office and courtroom space, with construction expected to be completed by December 2012. The artwork should be in harmony with the interior spaces, provide seating for visitors, patrons and staff, and enhance the overall experience of the courthouse. The project budget is $66,500 including design, fabrication, and installation.

This Request for Qualifications is open to all professional artists and artist teams. Only the first 200 applications received will be accepted. A selection panel will review qualifications and select up to 3 finalists who will be asked to develop concept proposals. Finalists will receive a $500 proposal fee and will make presentations to the selection panel via conference call. The final recommendation must be approved by the Public Art Commission and the Board of Supervisors. Selection criteria include artistic excellence, understanding of the project and ability to respond to project goals, and availability to meet the project timeline.

Submission requirements: typed Letter of Interest (no longer than 3 pages), current artistic resume (no longer than 3 pages), five digital images of previous artwork with title, medium, dimensions, brief description, location, date, and budget or price for each image, and names of three references with current contact information including phone numbers and email addresses. Deadline: May 11, 2012. Finalists will be selected by June 1, 2012; finalist proposals due July 6, 2012; commissions awarded late July 2012.