Request for Qualifications - Lead Artist - Riverfront Park Redevelopment

Spokane Arts and Parks seek a lead artist to develop artwork and identify further art opportunities for the redevelopment of Riverfront Park. The selected artist will work with Parks, project consultants, and other City departments from the early stages of design through the phased construction of Riverfront Park, working closely with the Open Spaces Design Consultant and other designated design consultants in developing an art plan and conceptual proposals.

Riverfront Park occupies 100 acres in downtown Spokane spanning the Spokane River and Falls. The park is Spokane's number one tourist attraction and hosts large events such as Hoopfest, Bloomsday, and Pig-Out in the Riverfront Park. In 2014, voters approved a $64 million bond to improve Riverfront Park. As part of the capital improvements, the Board is committed to maintaining and expanding the park's public art collection and will fund no less than $650,000 for new art.

The lead artist will develop an art plan and concept design in Phase 1 ($30,000) in close consultation with the Open Spaces Design consultant. In Phase 2 ($20,000), the artist will develop conceptual proposals for one or more original artworks and final designs with any necessary engineering. Artwork opportunities may include park furniture and structures, signage, wayfinding elements, and freestanding sculpture. All artwork must be sited within the park; no new art may be placed in the Spokane River. Work sample requirements: 16 images (required), up to 2 audio files, and up to 2 video files. Eligibility is national. The anticipated project schedule spans 2015-2020, with design team selection and preliminary design work in 2015-2016, preliminary and final design in 2016-2017, construction from 2016-2020, and project completion in 2020.