Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development

The Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development (DOTD) is seeking proposals for a permanent public artwork for a newly constructed Lake Charles district headquarters building. The artwork should speak to and inform about DOTD's work while complementing the building and surrounding space. Either a 2D or 3D piece is acceptable, including murals, sculpture, site-specific sculptural installation, or a social space. Possible placements include the concrete retaining wall on the west side of the south elevation, the southeast corner of the building, or the social gathering space within the plaza area.

The selected proposal will receive an all-inclusive budget of $35,500 to cover all costs including research, professional consultations, materials, fabrication, transportation, travel, insurance, installation, and documentation. The artwork should consider site elements as design inspiration, reflect DOTD's history and mission, and be durable, sturdy, stable, suitable for climate conditions, resistant to UV damage, and safe for public interaction.

Artists must submit a résumé demonstrating a minimum of five years of professional visual art experience, a statement of interest describing why they are interested in the project and previous public art experience, three references, and six images of original completed commissions (not proposals or sketches). Up to three videos are optional. Eligible applicants are professional artists 18 and over; artist teams may apply with one designated lead contact. Examples of work must be original and completed within the last ten years. Finalists will be required to attend two meetings: a site visit and a proposal presentation. An honorarium of $1,500 will be paid to artists selected to develop proposals. Notifications will be issued by the end of February 2022.