Public Art Markers - Marshall, NC

The Madison County Arts Council, the Town of Marshall, Madison County Government, the Marshall Downtown Association and the North Carolina Arts Council are seeking qualifications from artists or artist teams to design a system of visual art markers to connect the arts and cultural assets from downtown Marshall's Main Street (The Marshall Mile) across the French Broad River to Blannahassett Island. Three artists will be selected to visit Marshall and interview. The selected artist will return to meet with the community and key stakeholders and create a proposal. The proposed art markers can include sculpture, gateways, light pole attachments, interactive pieces, mosaics, sidewalk or wall inlays, murals and light installations. Marker designs can be from a variety of mediums or a combination of mediums. Up to three (3) elements will be funded through this project, but the design plan may include more elements that can be produced over time.

The goals of this project are to activate and enhance cultural connectivity, economic vitality and walkability in downtown Marshall through engaging artwork and creative placemaking; to reflect the history, natural beauty and cultural identity of the community; and to beautify and add character to the downtown. The total project budget is $60,000, which includes the development of the design plan and fabrication and installation of up to three (3) artworks. The artist is responsible for all costs including equipment rental, insurance, materials, travel and accommodations.

Local, regional and national professional artists and artist teams age 18 or older are eligible to apply. Submission materials must include: a statement of interest outlining experience with comparable projects and work with government agencies; a description of community engagement experience and proposed methods; a résumé (no more than 2 pages); up to ten (10) visual images of related art and design projects with an annotated image list; and three (3) current references with contact information. Artists will be selected based on artistic accomplishment, technical competence, ability to create artwork reflecting the distinctive characteristics of the place and community, demonstrated ability to complete projects on time and within budget, and experience with planning and collaboration with multiple stakeholders. The selection committee will invite a short list of artists to visit Marshall for a site visit and in-depth interview, with finalists receiving a $500 honorarium plus travel and lodging. The selected artist will contract with the Madison County Arts Council to fabricate and install the approved design.