Rhode Island State Council on the Arts: Block Island Airport Public Art Commission

Block Island State Airport is one of six airports operated by the Rhode Island Airport Corporation. The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) and the Rhode Island Airport Corporation are seeking artists for a public art commission at the airport.

Two possible sites are available for artwork: (1) Artwork suspended in the semi-hexagonal center cupola area, approximately 30' high and 19' across, with steel trusses and a central rotating fan. Natural lighting comes through cupola windows. Artists installing kinetic work must ensure pieces are above the security system detection level, as the building is alarmed in the evening. (2) Artwork installed on a 24" high strip wrapping around the bottom of the central cupola, 12' off the floor. This location may be suitable for ceramic or painted murals. Low maintenance is essential due to the difficulty and expense of servicing the remote island location.

Artists are encouraged to consider life on Block Island in all seasons, including themes of water, air, vulnerability, and resilience. The selection panel has suggested aesthetic and thematic concerns including 'nautical,' 'elemental,' and 'meteorological' elements.

Submissions must include six digital images of current work (completed within the past five years), resumes, and a brief description of the site-specific proposal concept with a rough budget outline not exceeding $85,000. Three finalists will be selected to develop detailed proposals with itemized budgets, scale models, renderings, and in-depth project descriptions. Finalists will receive a $2,500 honorarium covering all travel expenses for site visits and presentations. The total budget available for artwork acquisition is $85,000, covering all costs including artist fees, engineering, fabrication, installation, transportation, and site work. Applications must be submitted through CaFÉ (www.callforentry.org) with no charge to apply.