Oakland Public Sculpture Commission

SLATE Art Consulting, working on behalf of Hive Development Group LLC, is soliciting proposals for a work of art to be permanently placed in a privately-owned but publicly-accessible plaza at 2555 Broadway in Oakland, California. The sculpture will be located in a small plaza within "The Hive," a complex housing restaurants, a beer garden, barber shop, coffee kiosk, ice cream kiosk, patio chess, co-working space, apartments, and an office building. The surrounding Uptown Oakland neighborhood is known for its restaurants, nightlife, street festivals, and art galleries, with a history of turn-of-the-century brick warehouses that have been converted into studios and galleries.

The ideal sculpture will be freestanding, no wider than 8 feet in diameter and no taller than 15 feet. It should be interactive and fun, inviting public engagement through physical interaction such as sitting, climbing, or playing. Materials must be durable and long-lasting, resistant to environmental conditions and vandalism. The sculpture should beautify the area while maintaining the neighborhood's authentic arts-and-culture identity, create a space for community gathering and socializing, and establish a sense of place. Lighting and electronics are not required but may be incorporated if they enhance user experience with minimal maintenance.

The project budget is $120,000, inclusive of all costs including artist design fees, materials, fabrication, transportation, travel, insurance, building drawings, permit fees, structural and electrical engineering reports, site preparation, installation, photography, and documentation. This commission is open to professional artists 18 years of age with a minimum of five years of demonstrated professional visual art experience. Artist teams may apply but must designate one lead contact. Preference will be given to artists with previous large-scale commission, outdoor sculpture, or sculptural installation experience, and those with ties to or studios in the Bay Area, East Bay, or Oakland.

Initial proposals are due July 29, 2018. Shortlisted applicants (three selected by August 3) will receive a $750 honorarium to develop full proposals due August 26, 2018. The commission will be awarded by September 15, 2018, with sculpture installation by January 15, 2019. Initial proposals must include a letter of interest, CV and photographs, written design concept description with costs, visual illustrations, fabrication plan with costs, and engineering and installation cost estimates. Shortlisted artists will submit full proposals including 3D maquette, construction drawings, maintenance plan, and final budget.