Municipality of Anchorage: Eagle River Wastewater Treatment Facility Public Art Commission

The Municipality of Anchorage is announcing a call for qualified artists to create artwork for the Anchorage Water and Wastewater Utility Treatment Facility in Eagle River, Alaska, in accordance with Municipal Code 7.40. The art selection jury intends to commission two complementary installations totaling $107,000 to be permanently installed at two different locations near the exterior main entry to the Eagle River Wastewater Treatment Facility (ERWWTF), located at 15524 Artillery Rd., Eagle River, AK 99577.

Location 1 (Exterior Entryway Landscaping, $82,000): The jury is interested in sculptural proposals that utilize the landscaped areas near the main entry. There are five separate landscaped areas identified as "A", "B", "C", "D", and "E". Proposals can utilize one or all locations as appropriate to the submitted concept. The jury described their interest as a mini "educational art park" that can be utilized to assist in facility tours. Existing landscaping can be modified or replaced to accommodate proposals, with jury approval. All costs associated with landscape modification shall be the artist's responsibility. Location 2 (Garage Doors, $25,000): The jury would like to see mural proposals for the facility's garage doors. There are no limitations on the type of media so long as the artwork does not hinder the function of the roll-up style garage doors and can be expected to last the life of the building with regular upkeep. Artists or artist teams may apply for one or both locations.

The art selection committee is interested in artwork that will educate and inspire the public to learn more about the process of wastewater treatment. Specific topics of interest include representations of the hydrological cycle, seasonal and life cycles, and representations of microorganisms involved in the treatment process (Free-swimming ciliates, Flagellates, Amoeboids, Stalked ciliates, Rotifers, Tardigrades, Nematodes, and Bacteria). There are no restrictions on style or design, but the proposal must provide assurance that the artwork will be durable with minimal routine maintenance requirements. The installation must be permanent and designed to last the life of the building. This is an earthquake area and must meet applicable building codes as amended by the Municipality of Anchorage. Sculptures taller than 6' must be engineered and permitted through the MOA system. Any permitting or engineer fees required for sculptures taller than 6' must be paid by the artist. State laws related to public construction, including licensing, insurance, bonding, and payment of prevailing wage rates, may apply. The budget of $107,000 includes all costs of design, fabrication, installation, landscaping, photographic documentation, catalog documentation, and an identifying plaque.