Shoreline Signals

Shoreline Signals is a public art initiative integrating with river access points across the Des Moines region as part of the Central Iowa Water Trails initiative, an investment in over 80 river access points across 150 miles of rivers and creeks. Artists are asked to create a repeatable prototype project that is interactive and performs two functions: beckon people to the river's edge and advise river users of the water's relative safety, including flow rate for paddlers and anglers. Water quality data for flow rates, nitrates, and other measures are available at a limited number of sites.

Three artists or teams will be selected by mid-November 2020 to develop proposals. The selection process will be facilitated by Group Creative Services, a public art consultancy, with jurors including stakeholders from civic and nonprofit bodies supporting the Central Iowa Water Trails project, including members from its diversity, equity, and inclusion committees. Diversity and equity are integral to the Shoreline Signals mission, and candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Required qualifications include demonstrated ability and references from successfully completed projects with a budget of at least $125,000, ability to work with large teams including professionals such as naturalists and engineers, history of visually compelling work, demonstrated ability to engage diverse communities and reflect their needs, and demonstrated ability to use art as a problem-solving tool with novel and beautiful outcomes. Applicants should submit a short statement of interest, three to five images of completed relevant projects, CV, and website. Site visits are scheduled for December 2020/January 2021, with proposals due February 28, 2021. Selected artists will receive $5,000 for proposal development, $1,500 for site visit travel, and $25,500 for artist fees and design rights. The fabrication budget is $75,000 for up to three installed prototypes, with project completion in 2022. Download the RFQ and RFP at https://groupcreatives.com/ss-rfq-submission-guidelines.