UMBC Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Building Public Art Commission

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County seeks professional artists or artist teams to create a permanent public artwork for the new Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Building (ILSB). The artwork will be sited on the first floor in the main hallway student commons area, integrated on three contiguous vertical walls each measuring 23' long x 24'-8" high, viewable from the first and second floors. The artwork may be applied to the wall, applied on substrate and attached, or project out from the wall no wider than 12" depth. The space is highly trafficked and the artwork must be durable to withstand public contact.

The artwork should reflect UMBC's commitment to scientific inquiry, collaboration, and solving societal problems. Themes should encompass the university's strengths as a historically-diverse, highly-selective public research university that integrates research, teaching, learning, and civic engagement. The artwork should demonstrate environmental stewardship through responsible fabrication and resourcing, and passive or low-energy use. It should be effectively integrated into the environment, considering natural and artificial light sources and viewing from multiple vantage points. The artwork should invite people to rest and converse, distinguishing the commons as a special place within the building.

Electricity can be provided for integrated lighting; however, no digital media technology may comprise the artwork. The building will provide supplemental lighting in consultation with the artist. Color-safe materials should be used due to exposure to natural light. Eligible applicants are professional artists or artist teams in the United States who meet at least two of the following criteria: completed public art commissions, received awards/grants/fellowships, or had work exhibited in museums or galleries. Three references are required. Artists serving on the Maryland Public Art Commission, currently enrolled in degree programs, or employed by UMBC are ineligible.

The Concept Design Development fee is $20,000. The total project budget is $180,000, inclusive of all costs including artist fee and expenses, fabrication, materials, transportation, installation, permits, licenses, and insurance. The artist will contract directly with UMBC and work with the Maryland State Arts Council Public Art Program Director. Up to three to four semi-finalists will be selected for in-person interviews at UMBC, with travel and lodging reimbursed. One finalist will be selected to develop the concept design, and upon approval, will enter into a fabrication and installation contract. The artist must submit an artwork maintenance manual upon completion and engage the campus in a public forum to introduce the artwork to the community. Work sample requirements: 8-12 images and 0-2 videos (12 total samples required).