Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena - Military Memorial

Spokane Arts Fund, in partnership with the Gold Star Families, the City of Spokane and the Spokane Public Facilities District seeks an artist or artist team to develop a memorial honoring fallen heroes who have served post-9/11. The memorial will be sited on the south side of the Spokane Arena. The selected artist or artist team will work with Spokane Arts Fund, the Spokane Public Facilities District staff, and representatives from the Gold Star Families from design through construction of the project. During the design phase, representatives from the Gold Star Families will heavily inform the process.

The artist will develop a permanent public art memorial for the Spokane Arena. The desired artistic approach will create a sculptural plaza that suggests a place where people will gather for a variety of observances and events. The artwork should represent and be inclusive of all Armed Services with particular attention to post-9/11 fallen heroes. It should be a space where people can pay their respects in a quiet way and should present an uplifting message with strong vertical elements that collectively represent the ideas of strength, valor, respect, honor, courage, commitment, sacrifice and determination. The American flag and all service flags should be included. The selected artist will work closely with members of the Gold Star Families group on how to best represent the fallen, with considerations of how to best memorialize individual names. Artists should strongly consider siting artwork around the semi-circular area at the top of the slope or on the paved plaza area. The bottom of the swale area cannot be impacted by this project. Artists should consider ways to connect existing memorials on the site and the use of materials endemic to the area such as basalt and granite, as well as other durable materials appropriate for outdoor environments with exposure to harsh climate conditions. Painted murals or other paint treatments are not appropriate for this project. The selected artist will be expected to travel to Spokane several times over the course of the project to meet with Gold Star Families and community stakeholders.

Three finalists will be selected and asked to submit concept proposals. Finalists will be paid a design fee of $1,500 after the proposal review and selection process upon receipt of an invoice. The total project budget is estimated at $150,000, all-inclusive of travel expenses, taxes, conceptual design fees for finalists not selected, and other project costs. Contracting will be completed in two phases: design and engineering for $17,000 and fabrication and installation for $130,000. The call is open to professional artists residing in Washington and Idaho. Experience working in public process is essential. Artists may apply as a team. Spokane Arts Fund, Spokane Public Facilities District and the Gold Star Families encourage veterans working as professional artists or as collaborators on an artist team to apply. Students are not eligible. Applications must include sixteen artwork images, a letter of interest, resume, image identification list, and references. Selection will be based on demonstrated experience with public art commissions, strength of concept and design, ability to produce durable outdoor art, proven ability to collaborate with project staff and community stakeholders, and demonstrated ability to complete projects on time and within budget. Project timeline: January 5 – application deadline; January 12 – notification of finalists; February 6 – concept proposal deadline; February 13 – unveiling of concepts at open house event; February 27 – selected artist notification; March 27 – final design proposal materials due; Summer 2015 – installation; November 11 – Veterans Day dedication event.