RISCA Public Art Commission: Pawtucket Central Falls Train Station

The Rhode Island State Council On the Arts (RISCA) and the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) are commissioning artwork for the Pawtucket/Central Falls Bus Hub and Commuter Rail Station through Rhode Island's Public Art Law, which mandates that 1% of all state capital construction and renovation funds be allocated to public art. The $47 million project is funded largely by a $13.1 million federal TIGER grant and a $7.0 million federal bus facilities grant. The new intermodal transit hub will link rail access with RIPTA, pedestrian and cycling routes, and other multi-modal opportunities. The RIPTA bus hub is due to open in December 2020, with MBTA service projected to start in July 2022. RIDOT anticipates serving 300-500 passengers daily.

The project encompasses three distinct areas: the Transit Emphasis Corridor (an approximate 0.5-mile dedicated corridor within Pawtucket's right-of-way), the Bus Hub (approximately 2 acres of landscaped and concrete areas), and the Commuter Rail Station (access to platforms, platforms, and pedestrian bridge). Artwork opportunities exist throughout all three areas. Commissions can be either 2D or 3D work in all media. The selection panel identified potential sites including etched or art glass on the pedestrian bridge interior, landscape elements, lighting, decorative elements or screens, roofing or canopy installation, permanent sculpture, station signage, and seating. The panel is open to other suggestions. Artwork must comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act and prioritize durability and sustainability.

This is a Request for Qualifications (RFQ), the first step in the selection process. Applicants must submit six digital images of current work (completed within the past five years) and resumes via CaFÉ. If selected as a finalist, artists will receive a $1,000 honorarium to develop detailed proposals including itemized budgets, scale models, renderings, and in-depth project descriptions. The scope of the commissioned work includes all labor related to installation, drawings, permitting and permit fees, equipment, supervision, testing services, and RI engineer's stamp. Note: Artwork located within the Amtrak right-of-way requires additional authorization and is subject to additional approvals, conditions, and restrictions, including a $2 million insurance requirement and a $75 annual safety course fee.