O'Hare Modernization Program RFP

The O'Hare Airport modernization project includes a public art program to commission new works by important and innovative artists for the City of Chicago. The RFP seeks commissions for four sites located in the O'Hare Airport Rental Car Center, Public Parking, and Transportation Center.

Public Lobby: Two or three dimensional artwork for a large wall area (30' H x 377' W) in a high-traffic commercial space with daylight from windows and skylights. Maximum budget: $800,000. North Escalator Core: Three dimensional artwork installed on a major escalator core (42'H x 26'W + 42'H x 68'W) with heights of 40 feet. The work should engage passengers and may include light, non-traditional materials, video, and conventional sculptural materials. Maximum budget: $600,000. South Escalator Core: Three dimensional artwork with same specifications as North Escalator Core. Maximum budget: $600,000. Canopy: A light-based, digital, or technological installation on a 388-foot long outdoor canopy at the building's front (388' W; front edge 15'-10" off ground; back edge +/- 13' off ground). Maximum budget: $625,000.

Design proposals must include: a concept design summary describing the artwork concept, physical materials, medium, dimensions, weight, installation method, maintenance plan, and projected budgets for fabrication, installation, and long-term maintenance; visual documentation including a perspective rendering and four additional views or elevations; and a project timeline indicating completion by summer 2018 with design, fabrication, delivery, and installation milestones. Artworks should be designed as permanent installations. Selected artists will be required to sign a legal agreement within 30 days of jury selection and finalize a detailed milestone schedule within 30 calendar days of selection.

Selection criteria include: Visionary Potential (original and innovative character, potential for idea to endure over time); Artistic Merit (conceptually thoughtful, appropriate for public, demonstration of proficiency in proposed medium, experience in public or private realm exhibitions and team or community-based art projects); and Site Suitability (appropriate for site based on size, scale, and form, no hazard to public safety, sound fabrication and installation planning). An interdisciplinary jury of seven individuals including artists, designers, architects, and planners will review RFPs.

Budget: Artist fee of $150,000 per site plus production expenses for fabrication, installation, materials, equipment, transportation, maintenance, engineering, and permit review. Artist fee is disbursed in four milestone payments: 25% upon signature and approval of full design layout, 25% upon completion of fabrication, 25% upon completion of delivery, and 25% upon completion of installation. Funds are processed from the City of Chicago to the selected artist.