RFQ for Public Art in Elizabeth Porter Park

The City of Marietta is seeking qualified artists or art teams to design, fabricate, and install an original outdoor artwork for Elizabeth Porter Park. The project aims to honor the site's history as the Elizabeth Porter Community Center, which served the African American community for more than 60 years before its closure, and its earlier role as an African American hospital. Through public art, the city seeks to recognize and celebrate this history, preserve it for future residents, and inform and engage community members citywide about the neighborhood's and local African American community's heritage.

Initial concepts focus on a mural on portions or the entirety of a 120ft x 7.5ft wall, though the review committee is open to alternative ideas including interactive works, statues, and sculptures that may be located throughout the site. The selected artist or team will participate in at least one meeting with the Elizabeth Porter Historic Monument, Art, and Murals Committee to receive community feedback on the concept design. Following installation, the artist or team must submit a maintenance guide addressing regular maintenance and restoration guidelines. Installation is anticipated to be completed by September 2016.

The total project budget is $40,000, inclusive of all costs including design fees, renderings, consultant fees, fabrication, transportation, installation, and required insurance. Selection will be based on statement of interest, quality of past work, artist merit in concept and fabrication, experience with community-based projects, clarity of conceptual approach, demonstrated understanding of maintenance and safety considerations, ability to collaborate with community, and ability to complete projects on time and within budget. Design teams featuring individuals from other fields are eligible. Initial bids will be reviewed and a subset of artists will be asked to submit concept designs. Finalists will be interviewed and paid a $1,000 stipend to develop site-specific renderings. Applicants must submit 2-10 images of past work.