Public Art Commission for Rhode Island College Gaige Hall

Rhode Island State Council on the Arts is seeking artists for a public art commission at Rhode Island College's Gaige Hall, located at 600 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Providence. This commission is funded through Rhode Island's Public Art Law, which mandates that 1% of all state capital construction and renovation funds be allocated to the purchase and maintenance of public art. The total budget is $229,000 all inclusive.

Artwork will be considered for interior spaces only, with potential locations including walls within student lounge areas on the first, second, and third floors, the first floor lobby wall opposite doors, and hallways throughout the building. The selection panel has indicated that artwork might create a welcoming atmosphere and support community, be vibrant and colorful, reflect RIC's public art master plan goals, and demonstrate durability for a high-traffic setting. No specific genre, medium, or style is designated.

Eligibility is open to professional artists nationally; students are not eligible. Initial submissions must include six images of work completed within the past 10 years, a written statement, bio or resume describing qualifications, and a description of how the applicant anticipates interacting with the student body if commissioned. Three finalists will be selected and invited to visit the site and craft detailed proposals including itemized budgets, scale models and/or renderings, and in-depth project descriptions. Each finalist will receive a $3,500 stipend to cover all travel expenses. The application deadline is April 21, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. MDT. Applications are submitted online through Café with no application fee.