University of Maryland Baltimore Health Sciences Facility III Public Art Commission

The University of Maryland Baltimore is seeking a three-dimensional permanent artwork for the Health Sciences Facility III (HSF III) building, a new research facility on the UMB campus. The sculpture should be monumental and iconic, considering UMB's mission and vision, its role as an innovator, the unique character of its seven schools, commitment to neighboring communities including West Baltimore and the Bromo Tower Arts District, and the relationship to the building's design elements and public plaza. The artwork should be inspiring, engaging, contextual to the site, and may incorporate movement as a component.

The sculpture will be located in a dense urban setting and must be durable, easily maintained, and not create public safety issues. It should utilize enduring materials that can withstand downtown environmental conditions including pedestrian traffic and vehicular pollution. Artists should consider the wind tunnel effect present along West Baltimore Street. Digital technology is not permitted. Lighting will be covered by the building construction budget.

All professional artists or artist teams in the United States may apply. Artists must have completed two permanent public artworks with budgets of at least $50,000 and provide three references from prior public art projects. Additionally, artists must meet at least two of the following criteria: completed public art commissions of similar scale, received awards/grants/fellowships, works in public/private/corporate/museum permanent collections, or participated in exhibitions at major museums or galleries. Members of the Maryland Public Art Commission, students currently enrolled in degree programs, and UMB staff, faculty, or employees are ineligible.

Up to four semi-finalist artists or teams will be selected to develop proposals and receive $2,000 each to cover proposal expenses. The artwork project budget is $400,000, inclusive of all costs including artist coordination, fabrication, materials, transportation, installation, permits, licenses, and insurance. Semi-finalists will tour the site and meet with the Artist Selection Committee. Finalists will present proposals approximately six weeks later, including written descriptions, site-specific renderings with dimensions, draft budgets, timelines, fabricators, and maintenance requirements. The final artist will enter into contract with UMB to develop final design drawings and fabrication plans. Work samples should include 10-12 images and up to 2 videos.