RISCA - Rush Barry Simpson Public Art Commission

Request for Qualifications for public art commissions for the lobbies of the Rush, Barry, and Simpson Buildings in the Pastore Complex, Cranston, Rhode Island. The Rhode Island State Council On the Arts (RISCA) is commissioning artwork through the state's Public Art Law, which mandates that 1% of all state capital construction and renovation funds be allocated to the purchase and maintenance of public art. Total budget: $145,000.

The selection panel has determined that a teaching artist should be commissioned to work with the prison population to create artwork that could be incorporated into designs for walls, floors, windows, columns, interior or exterior handrails, or suspended artwork. The Pastore Complex houses prisoners in the care, custody and control of the Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RIDOC). Durability and sustainability are vital; designs with elaborate maintenance requirements should be avoided. The commissioned artist must agree to abide by all RIDOC facility security rules and regulations, including a criminal background check, and must attend RIDOC New Employee Orientation (NEO). The artist will need special training to work in the prisons and should budget additional time and effort, as materials must be brought in and out each time.

This is a national call for permanent work. Submissions consist of six digital images of relevant artwork completed within the past ten years and current resumes. If selected as a finalist, artists will receive a $2,500 honorarium to develop detailed proposals including itemized budgets, scale models, renderings, and in-depth project descriptions. This stipend covers all travel expenses for site visits and presentation meetings. The final commissioned work must comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act. The final recommendation of the selection panel will be presented to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts for final approval.