Public Art for the Liberty Warehouse Wall in Durham Central Park

Durham Central Park, Inc. and the City of Durham are seeking professional artists or designers to design, fabricate, and install a permanent public artwork at the Liberty Warehouse Apartments wall in Durham Central Park in downtown Durham. The site is a newly constructed brick wall forming the northeastern boundary of the park, composed of 5 panels interrupted by brick pilasters. The wall measures approximately 11 feet tall and totals approximately 110 feet in length. A competitive submission should preferably activate at least 3 panels. Submissions may project out onto the ground plane a maximum of 15 feet from the wall, with structural attachments requiring advance approval by the selection panel.

Candidates are expected to create work inspired by one or more of the following themes: Inclusivity, Diversity, Community, Activism, Creativity, Entrepreneurial Spirit, and Progress. Proposals for digital, sculpture, and interactive art are encouraged. The selected artwork must sustain natural weather conditions with minimum maintenance, be vandal and graffiti resistant, and meet safety and security standards. The selected artist must provide an anticipated maintenance schedule.

Application materials must include: a statement of interest outlining qualifications and interest in the project; 10 images representing no more than 5 previously completed projects, each with accompanying summary of title, location, cost, materials/media, and timeline; résumés for each artist or team member; and three current professional references or recommendation letters with contact information. Submittals must be received by 5:00 PM EST on Wednesday, November 1, 2017. The Selection Committee will invite up to five finalists to Durham in November 2017 to view the site, meet community stakeholders, interview with committee members, and submit a design sketch. Reasonable compensation for travel and accommodations will be provided. The contract is anticipated to start between December 2017 and January 2018 and terminate upon project completion. For questions, contact Erin Kauffman, Executive Director of Durham Central Park, at 919.794.8194 or [email protected], or Stacey Poston, Special Projects Manager and ADA Coordinator, at 919.560.4197 x21254 or [email protected].