Rapid City Arts Council: Main Street Square Sculpture Commission/Residency

Destination Rapid City is requesting qualifications from sculptors interested in a commission/residency project at Main Street Square, Rapid City's newest community development project. A contract will be awarded for a sculpture to be created during the summer of 2012, with further commissions planned for subsequent summers. Selected finalists will be awarded a stipend for a full proposal (including maquette) to sculpt one of the twenty shaped granite stones already in place at the site. Finalists will be expected to make a visit to the site, with arrangements and expenses provided. The majority of sculpting must take place on site in Rapid City, and some interaction between the artist and visitors is expected. The first sculpture project must begin in late May 2012.

The sculptural process may be additive or subtractive but must use one of the shaped granite stones already in place. The sculpture must be inspired by and contribute to an educational story of the flora, fauna, geology, cultural or natural history of the Black Hills, Badlands, and Rapid City. Budget is negotiable with a suggested range of $40,000-$80,000, inclusive of all costs including artist's fee, housing, travel, materials, contracted services, and documentation. Five percent of the total award will be retained for one year to cover unanticipated repairs; remaining funds will be released after evaluation.

Artist submissions will be evaluated on: qualifications demonstrated by past works and references; quality and artistic merit of past artworks; willingness to learn about the area and dialogue with community members; experience in public settings; demonstrated experience fabricating and installing permanent artwork; and references. The selection process occurs in two phases: Phase 1 selects artists to present proposals based on RFQ responses, reference checks, and interviews; Phase 2 selects the final artist and proposal. Each finalist will receive a $1,500 plus travel honorarium upon timely submittal of a complete proposal including a three-dimensional model or maquette. Native artists may be required to provide proof of enrollment in a federally recognized tribe in accordance with the Indian Arts and Crafts Act.