South Loop Sculpture RFQ

The City of Bloomington's Creative Placemaking Commission in partnership with Artistry invites experienced public artists to submit qualifications for the design and installation of a large-scale sculpture to be placed near the intersection of 24th Avenue South and East 78th Street, a major entry point into Bloomington's developing South Loop District. The sculpture and accompanying South Loop signage will create a distinctive sense of place and identity, reflecting the past, present, or future of South Loop.

This Request for Qualifications is open to experienced public artists and artist teams who have completed at least one commissioned outdoor public art piece with a budget of $150,000 or more in the past ten years. Applicants from the contiguous United States are welcome but should have understanding of or experience with installations addressing Minnesota's climate and ecosystem. Finalists must be able to attend an in-person interview and design presentation. The total project budget is $300,000, which must cover all design modifications, fabrication, engineering, installation, foundations, infrastructure, site preparations, lighting, site visits, transportation, insurance, permit fees, and South Loop signage expenses.

Applications due February 1, 2019 at 11:00 PM CST must include: a one-page letter describing interest, design approach, and research; a one-page listing three project references including at least one commissioned piece valued at $150,000 or more completed in the past ten years; one-page biographical information or resume; and up to 10 work sample images (JPEG format, 1200 pixels on longest side, less than 5 MB). Do not submit a project proposal or design at this time. Three finalists will be selected by March 15, 2019 and will present designs in person the week of May 20, 2019. Each finalist receives a $2,000 design stipend. The selected artist or team will be notified by June 4, 2019, with anticipated installation in summer 2020.