The Artery of the City of Hopkins

The City of Hopkins invites artists to submit qualifications for several public art projects for the Artery, a new gateway to historic downtown Hopkins connecting Mainstreet Hopkins and the proposed Downtown Hopkins LRT Station via 8th Avenue. The Artery design includes a two-way cycle track, pedestrian walkway, gathering places, and one-way automobile traffic, intended to create a "pedestrian-seductive" environment.

The design has been inspired by Hopkins' industrial past—including Minneapolis Moline and the vital railroad and streetcar line—and by the future, featuring light rail transit, increased bike traffic, and an invigorated Mainstreet. Goals for public art include communicating Hopkins' unique story, combining fixed and ever-changing artwork, creating opportunities for interaction between art and audience, and appealing to a wide range of people.

Five art opportunities are available: Street Closure Sculpture ($30,000 plus 5% design allowance), Photo Op Bench ($25,000 plus 5% design allowance), Shade Canopy ($65,000 plus 5% design allowance), Illuminated Sculpture ($50,000 plus 5% design allowance), and Art Screen Panels—Graphic Design Only ($1,000 per selected panel design). Applicants may express interest in one or more opportunities. Installation is scheduled for spring/summer 2017.

Eligibility: Independent artists or artist teams residing in the United States, with preference given to local Minnesota artists. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have successfully managed and completed at least one public art project with a budget of at least $20,000 (except for art screen panels—graphic design). Work sample requirements: minimum 3 images, maximum 12 total samples. Selection will be conducted by the Hopkins Public Art Committee, with finalists selected for interviews and one artist or team selected to enter into contract for final design and project completion. The final design is subject to approval by the Hopkins Public Art Committee and Hopkins City Council.