Public Art for the New Durham Police Headquarters Complex

The City of Durham, North Carolina is seeking artists or artist teams to design, fabricate, and install permanent public artwork at the Police Headquarters Complex. The new Headquarters is located on approximately 4.5 acres at the intersection of East Main and Elizabeth Streets in downtown Durham, and is expected to be complete in August 2018.

There are two identified areas for art integration. Area 1 is an exterior signature installation at the main entrance plaza on the highly active Main Street corridor, which will be highly visible to pedestrians, passing traffic, and visitors. Other exterior opportunities include a transparent glass enclosed corridor along Main Street, the exterior Main Street pedestrian corridor or sidewalk, and the northeast façade of the parking structure. Area 2 is an interior signature installation in a three-story glass atrium (42 feet tall) at the corner of Main and Elizabeth Streets, which will support one or more wall mounted, ceiling hung, or free-standing art installations. Lighting may be incorporated into the design.

Commissioned artwork should be respectful of the values and mission of the Durham Police Department and Emergency Communications Department, including minimizing crime, promoting public safety, and enhancing quality of life. The work should be culturally responsive, engage with and connect to the public, and create an inviting civic realm. The total budget for both exterior and interior art concepts is $200,000, inclusive of all costs including materials, equipment, labor, permits, engineering documents, insurance, taxes, travel, installation, shipping, identification plaque, maintenance instructions, and documentation.

Candidates must be professional artists or designers, eligible to work in the United States, and age 18 or older. Submission requirements include a Statement of Interest with Statement of Thematic Concept and Planned Medium, and 10 work samples demonstrating qualifications and experience in community engagement around public art.