Nicholls State University Coastal Center Public Art Installation

This is a public art installation opportunity at the Nicholls State University Coastal Center. The installation should represent wind-swept trees commonly seen on forested barrier islands and areas directly affected by continuous Gulf winds. The image should represent multiple aspects of the Coastal Center vision: a tree of the Gulf coastline immediately recognizable to residents and visitors, major coastal vegetation that retains silts and sediment, a major indicator of coastal well-being in the form of resistance to saltwater incursion, a metaphor for historical families and communities retreated from the Gulf Coast due to severe hurricanes, and a symbol of submission to natural forces representing the burden faced in resisting coast-damaging forces.

Artists are encouraged to design a realistic, highly recognizable representation that may incorporate kinetic and light elements to convey movement and energy and facilitate visualization from outside the building through the Atrium's glass face. The installation should ideally generate awe and excitement and remembrance of and hope for the once and future coastline.

Applicants must have a minimum of five years of professional visual art experience and submit a résumé, statement of interest describing why they are interested in the project, previous public art experience, connection or interest in the University, and how the art will enhance the space, three professional references with current contact information, and up to 10 images of original completed commissions (not proposals, sketches, or 3-D models) completed within the last 10 years. Up to 3 videos of work examples are optional. This call is open to professional artists 18 and over. Artist teams may apply and must designate one artist as the lead contact. The project budget is $95,000.