Public Art for Reston's Fairway Drive Underpass - Request for Qualifications

Public Art Reston seeks an established professional artist or artist-led team to create a permanent public artwork for the Fairway Drive underpass in Reston, Virginia. This project is part of the Public Art Master Plan for Reston, which identifies underpasses carrying Reston's path system under major roadways as locations for new artwork commissions. The organization partners artists with Reston's elementary schools and community organizations to create permanent enhancements in public spaces throughout Reston.

The Fairway Drive underpass exterior concrete walls extend up to 19 feet in height and rise to 10 feet, spanning approximately 58 feet in length. The selected artist will engage in research and discussion with key stakeholders and community members to develop a design concept proposal. The artwork should address the spirit of the surrounding neighborhood, respond to the cultural diversity of the community, and identify the underpass as a civic facility within Reston's fabric. The artist must conduct workshops with students (up to six) related to the project, introducing creative skills and providing tools for community members to articulate their ideas and observations. Proposals will be evaluated based on aesthetic quality, sensitivity to community, responsiveness to functionality, feasibility, compatibility with existing underpass design, and long-term maintenance considerations. Materials considered for this project might include galvanized steel, ceramic, aluminum, concrete, tile, photo transfer, and recycled materials. The artwork should be durable, resistant to vandalism, and designed so that any graffiti can be cleaned off.

The project budget is $40,000, which includes all fees and expenses associated with the project including materials, equipment, labor, permits, engineering documents, insurance, taxes, travel, installation, shipping, and documentation. Eligibility is open to established professional artists living in the Mid-Atlantic region, with preference for artists residing in the DC metropolitan area and Fairfax County. All applicants must be at least 18 years of age. The submission deadline is February 24, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. MST. Six work samples are required. Up to five finalist candidates may be interviewed, with one artist or artist team selected. The project schedule includes design phase activities through May 2023, workshops and construction documentation in late May through early June 2023, installation and project completion in August 2023, and community unveiling in September 2023.