Nicolet College Public Art - Request for Qualifications (RFQ)

Nicolet College is seeking artist(s) qualified to create and install public artwork on its scenic campus in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. The college seeks artists with knowledge and/or connections to the district's diverse populations. Nicolet College encourages Latino, Black, Indigenous, Asian, LGBTQ+, and other underrepresented groups to apply. Artists throughout Wisconsin are eligible, with special consideration given to artists from within the college district (Counties of Oneida, Vilas, and Forest with portions of Iron, Lincoln, and Langlade). The final artwork should provide representation of diverse cultures on campus.

This is a two-stage process. In the first stage, artists submit qualifications including a letter of interest, artist statement, resume or CV, 6-8 images of previously completed projects, and two professional references. Up to four finalists will be selected and each will receive a $250 design stipend to prepare and submit a site-specific proposal by February 26, 2024. The selection panel comprises Nicolet College staff and students along with partners from ArtStart Rhinelander.

The artwork must be maintenance-free for up to 15 years, with the artist providing a maintenance plan and explanation of durability for Northern Wisconsin weather conditions. The maximum project budget is $10,000, all-inclusive to cover artist time, fabrication, engineering consultations, installation, and other expenses. Artists can work in any medium appropriate for the available campus locations. The RFQ deadline is November 30, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. MST. Questions should be submitted by November 22, 2023 to Jenny Bonardelli at [email protected] or 715-365-4556. This project is made possible by a Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) Perkins Capacity Building for Equity and Inclusion grant.