Milwaukee County Percent for Art Program - Public Art Commission Competition

The Milwaukee County Percent for Art Program (MCPAP) is seeking artists or collaborative teams to create public art installations for one or both of two sites: the Milwaukee County Courthouse (901 N. 9th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53233) and the Milwaukee County Children's Court Center (10201 Watertown Plank Road, Wauwatosa, WI 53226). This Request for Information (RFI) invites concept ideas for exterior public art installations that respond to the unique characteristics of each site.

The Milwaukee County Courthouse, completed in 1931, is a Neo-Classical Revival building located in downtown Milwaukee's civic space with high pedestrian and vehicular traffic. The Children's Court Center, built in the 1970s, is situated in a rural western suburb setting with moderate pedestrian and high vehicular traffic. Artists are encouraged to develop unique, individualized pieces that champion the locations and relevance of these sites. The type of art, location, and artistic content are open for artists to determine. All artwork must be durable, easily maintained, appropriate for outdoor elements, and suitable for all ages. No interior public art concepts will be accepted. Regulations of the National Register of Historic Places must be considered for the Courthouse site. The Children's Court Center site plan indicates approved potential locations for placement, and artists should consider the Highway 45 master plan improvements scheduled to begin in 2013.

A total budget of up to $700,000 is available, inclusive of all artists' fees, design, fabrication, site development, transportation, installation, and related expenses. The competition is open to individual public artists and collaborative teams residing in the United States. Work sample requirements: 6 images. Entry deadline: 11/5/11 at 11:59 p.m. MDT.