Orange County's Innovation Lab—Public Art RFQ

Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs seeks one or more artists or artist teams to develop artwork for Orange County's Innovation Lab, located at 7149 West Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32818. The Lab will house three community spaces: the Multicultural Center, the Seniors Center, and Orange County's Innovation Lab—an inspirational maker-space for creators of all ages to conceive and create technology-based items and ideas. The facility includes a computer lab, collaboration and training spaces, Virtual Reality Den, Telecom Training Room, Idea Lab, two fully equipped Fabrication Spaces, and a large Flexible Gathering Space for TED Talks, industry meetings, and community events.

Possibilities for public art include suspended 3D art and use of light, art embedded in walls and floors, augmented reality, kinetic sculpture, interactive art, textile art, and digital art. The site is located on a hilltop with an unfinished interior space featuring vaulted ceilings. Artist coordination with the developer is required. Installation and opening are scheduled for summer 2026.

A budget of $77,600 has been approved for artwork. The selected artist(s) or team(s) will receive a comprehensive contract and will be responsible for artwork design, fabrication, materials, installation, insurance, travel, public presentations, meetings with Orange County staff, identification plaque, and all related incidental expenses. Several artists will be selected to provide proposals and will be paid a stipend of $800 each. This opportunity is open to professional artists working in any appropriate media. Student artists may apply if they can secure an experienced public artist to serve as a mentor. Application requirements include a professional resume, letter of interest outlining interest in the project and preliminary statement of approach, and a minimum of one image (maximum 5). Images of finished works or conceptual drawings can be submitted. Selected artists must complete a W-9 Vendor Registration Form and will receive payments by check. Finalists will be selected January 12, 2024, with proposals due March 6, 2024, and notification of acceptance on March 11, 2024.