Municipality of Anchorage: Bill Lowe Fire Station Public Art Commission

The Municipality of Anchorage is announcing a call for qualifications for artwork to be designed for the new Bill Lowe Fire Station #35 being built in Chugiak, Alaska, at the corner of the Old Glenn Highway and West Lake Ridge Drive. The art selection jury intends to commission artwork to be permanently installed at one or two locations in and around the new fire station. Five potential sites have been discussed for placement, including the area above the bay doors on the east side, the small plaza outside the main entrance on the west side, the two windows of the training room on the west side, the two exterior walls outside the training room near the main entrance, and the east side adjacent to the flag pole and building signage. The committee welcomes suggestions for other sites. Artwork located on the exterior of the station must be extremely durable. An on-site tour will be offered to selected finalists.

Themes for consideration include the 60-year history of the Chugiak Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company Inc., established in 1952, and the theme of volunteerism, as the station remains a wholly volunteer effort. Because 80% or more of all calls relate to emergency medical treatment, this is also an important site-specific theme. The cardiac rhythm symbol and other common symbols associated with emergency medical treatment are appropriate to incorporate. Additional themes include "Neighbor Helping Neighbor." Artists will be selected based on artistic merit, appropriateness of medium and style, experience with similar projects, communication skills, and diversity of artists and mediums. Artists with no prior public art experience will be seriously considered.

Submit six digital images of past work (identified with title, materials, dimensions, and value), a current 1-2 page resume, and a one thousand character artist statement describing your overall approach to concept and why you are interested or qualified for this project. Up to 2 applications are allowed per artist. Contact the Curator of Public Art at (907) 343-6473 or [email protected] for additional information.