Request for Qualifications: Municipality of Anchorage 1% for Art - Z.J. Loussac Library Renovation

The Municipality of Anchorage is announcing a call for qualifications for interior artworks for the Z.J. Loussac Library renovation. This is a national call with Alaska preference. Project construction began in May 2015 and will be completed by Fall 2016, with artwork installation to take place prior to completion in accordance with the renovation team.

The art selection jury intends to commission artwork for two separate locations within the library interior. Location 1 is the Kids' Zone at the Children's Entry Door ($31,000 commission). This area includes a child's entry door measuring 3'4"W x 4'4"H with surrounding wall 5'6 ¾"W x 10'0"H, plus adjacent glass windows and doors. The artwork must appear on both sides of the wall and door and be compatible with current artwork in place. Location 2 is the Atrium ($75,000 commission) with two options: (1) a suspended piece with maximum weight of 6000 lbs, minimum 10' above floor, spanning 41'9" width with depth varying from 21' to 28'; or (2) two vertical porcelain walls measuring 17' 1 3/8"W x 43'H extending floor to ceiling, with proposals accepted for both walls or one. The total budget for both artworks is $106,000 and includes all costs related to design, engineering, photographic documentation, catalog documentation, and identifying plaque.

Artwork must be durable with minimal maintenance requirements and designed to last the life of the building. This is an earthquake area and must meet IBC 2009 building code standards as amended by the Municipality of Anchorage. Artworks exceeding 6 ft in height require municipal permitting with fees the responsibility of the artist. There are no restrictions on style or medium. Artists will be selected based on artistic merit, appropriateness of medium and style to project goals, experience with similar scale projects, communication skills, and diversity of artists and media. Artists with no prior public art experience will be seriously considered. Submissions must include six digital images of past work with title, materials, dimensions, and value; a 1-2 page resume with three professional references; an artist statement describing interest and qualifications; and answers to required questions about location, medium, and commission level. Contact the Curator of Public Art at (907) 343-6473 or [email protected] for additional information.