REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS: Kinston SmART Initiative - Development of Downtown Artscape Vision Plan

SmART Kinston, recipient of a SmART Initiative grant from the North Carolina Arts Council (NCAC), is seeking an artist or artist-led team to develop an artscape vision plan for downtown Kinston. The area, called the Kinston SmART Corridor, encompasses the downtown section from the Queen Street Bridge and Kinston Music Park north to Peyton Avenue, west to the Old Power Plant along Atlantic Avenue, and bounded to the south by the Arts Riverwalk along the Neuse River. The primary goal is to develop concepts that will activate and enhance cultural connectivity, economic vitality, and walkability along the streets and pathways of this area while reflecting the unique characteristics and identity of Kinston.

The selected artist or artist-led team will spend a minimum of 5 days over a 3 to 4 month period in Kinston researching the community, meeting with key stakeholders, and holding community meetings. They will create an artscape vision plan for the Kinston SmART Corridor, including wayfinding, signage, seating, lighting, streetscape, hard and soft landscape, and temporary and permanent public art, with special emphasis on wayfinding and connectivity of cultural areas. The team will identify and create detailed treatments of three focus areas: Queen Street Corridor, Tobacco Square, and Arts Riverwalk, and identify elements that can be utilized throughout the downtown Kinston Streetscape Plan and temporary public art projects involving the community.

Eligibility is open to any artist or artist teams authorized to work in the United States. Previous experience integrating art in streetscape design, including wayfinding systems, landscaping, and site furnishings is required, as is experience in community collaboration. Applicants must submit a statement of interest (5,000 character maximum), resume (1-2 pages), up to 10 JPEG images of previously completed artworks with annotated image list, contact information for three references, and description of working relationships and design experience. The project budget is $50,000–$60,000. Up to three finalists will receive a $1,500 stipend to cover all costs for an interview and related travel expenses. Finalist interviews are scheduled for early-mid July 2016. For additional information, contact Cheryl Cullom Stewart at 336-286-0058, 336-601-2062, or [email protected].