RFQ for Public Art at Performing Arts & Event Center

The City of Federal Way Arts Commission is seeking qualifications from artists and designers interested in creating a site-responsive public artwork for the newly constructed 41,000 sq. ft. Performing Arts & Event Center in Town Center, Federal Way, Washington, to be completed in summer 2017. The $350,000 commission will cover all services from design through final installation, including artist fee, travel, community meetings, fabrication, insurance, transportation, installation, and coordination with City staff. The Arts Commission encourages artist-led interdisciplinary teams with public art experience.

The outdoor art project will be installed or incorporated into the outdoor plaza of the Performing Arts & Event Center. The only requirement is that the project feature water, given its location in the community and the region. Artists are encouraged to consider innovation, kinetics, or interactivity through technology or natural elements (wind, sun, etc.). The artwork should speak to the natural beauty and location of the site, serve as a signature piece for the Performing Arts & Event Center and Town Center core, fit within the context of the site in terms of scale and design, and consider the audience, plaza use, and views from the interior of the facility. Materials and finished artwork must be of the highest quality and designed for durability and low maintenance.

From this RFQ, four finalists will be invited and paid $2,000 each to submit concept proposals. All finalists will attend a site visit and meet with City staff and project architects before proposal development. Final selection of one artist or team will be made by the Public Art Advisory Committee based on in-person proposal presentations and interviews. Eligibility is open to all professional artists or artist teams over 18 who currently reside in the United States. Artist(s) cannot be a member of the Federal Way City Council, City Commission, or an employee of the City of Federal Way. Submissions must include 10-20 images, and may include up to 5 audio files and 5 video files. Applications are accepted online only through the CAFÉ website.