Melrose Library Patio Art

The City of Roanoke seeks artists or artist teams to design, fabricate, and install permanent artwork on the patio of the new Melrose Library at 2502 Melrose Ave N.W. This is a two-step qualifications-based competitive negotiation process. Up to four qualified offerors will be invited to submit proposals in the second step.

The plaza area is approximately 19 feet across and 68 feet long, encompassing approximately 4,600 square feet total. The rectangular area centered between landscaped areas includes just over 1,200 square feet. Any or all of the space can be used for art but must remain relatively open for events and programming. Artwork could include pieces embedded into concrete or seating elements along landscaped edges. Landscaping can be altered to fit the art. The artwork should fit the character of the neighborhood and library location, be made of durable materials suitable for outdoor elements and temperature changes, be as impervious to vandalism as possible, and require little or no maintenance.

The not-to-exceed budget is $40,000, including artist fees, materials, fabrication, shipping, installation, accommodations, and travel. The City reserves the right to negotiate a final fee. Up to four finalists may be selected; those not awarded a contract will receive a $1,000 fee. The selected artist must present a final design proposal and/or maquette to the Roanoke Arts Commission and City Council for review and approval prior to fabrication. Installation is planned for March 2019. Costs for transporting and installing the work are the artist's responsibility, though limited assistance from the Public Works Department is available on a case-by-case basis.

Eligibility is open to all artists and artist teams, age 18 and over. Application materials must include a current resume, artist statement addressing vision for the project and relevant experience, up to 10 images of prior work from the last seven years, a descriptive list of images with dimensions and budget, and a minimum of two references with contact information from individuals worked with in the last five years. Applicants will be notified by email of application status by September 14, 2018.