Linn County Public Art Commission

The Linn County Public Art Commission is seeking qualifications from artists for five separate projects associated with three public facilities being rebuilt as part of Linn County's recovery from the 2008 flood. The Commission was established in 2010 to direct funding for the inclusion of works of art in County capital improvement projects.

Call #1: Juvenile Justice Center Atrium (Budget: $51,500) - Artists will create a significant artwork to enhance the entrance atrium in the new Linn County Juvenile Justice Center at the corner of 2nd St. and 8th Ave. SW in Cedar Rapids. The atrium is a two-story open area with waiting/seating space and a welcome desk. Opportunities exist to create suspended artwork, embedded floor work, or integrated railing elements. Project goals include aesthetically enhancing users' experience, considering the needs of victims, juvenile offenders, and their families, and creating a calming and contemplative space. Up to three finalists will be selected to develop concept proposals and will each receive a $500 proposal fee.

Call #2: Jean Oxley Public Service Center Lobby Entrance Wall (Budget: $15,000) - An artist will create a significant civic artwork for the indoor entry space. The work can be two-dimensional or relief work and must be attached to a wall measuring 21' 3" by 17' 6" in the front entrance. The building houses the Board of Supervisors and offices of the Auditor, Recorder, Treasurer, and Assessor, with hundreds of daily visitors. Project goals include creating a sense of arrival, aesthetically enhancing the building, and reflecting essential qualities of Linn County. Up to three finalists will each receive a $250 proposal fee.

Call #3: Jean Oxley Public Service Center Entry Sculpture (Budget: $97,000) - An artist will create a site-specific stand-alone sculpture or objects for the outdoor entrance within a landscaped space of 20' by 66'. The work should create a sense of arrival and be of appropriate scale in relation to the building and surrounding area. Project goals include creating a sense of arrival, aesthetically enhancing the building, and reflecting essential qualities of Linn County. Lighting and landscaping will be provided outside the art budget. Up to three finalists will each receive a $750 proposal fee.

Call #4: Linn County Community Services/Options Facility Atrium (Budget: $40,000) - An artist or artist team will develop an artist residency and work with adults with disabilities to create professional-quality artwork for the building's atrium, a two-story open area measuring 24' by 24' and 20' high. The facility will house eight County agencies at 1240 26th Ave. Court, SW in Cedar Rapids. Opportunities exist to create suspended artwork and/or two-dimensional work for open walls. The residency duration will be determined by the selected artist in conjunction with Options and Linn County staff. Project goals include engaging Options employees in meaningful creative processes, resulting in artwork that engages a wide range of building users, reflecting the County's commitment to innovative community services, and aesthetically enhancing users' experience. Up to three finalists will be selected to develop concept proposals.

Applicants may submit qualifications for one or more calls. Up to five applications are allowed. Ten images are required as work samples. Entry deadline: November 24, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. MST.