University of Wyoming Biodiversity Institute: Call for Outdoor Art

The University of Wyoming Biodiversity Institute seeks proposals for permanent outdoor artworks to enhance areas around the Berry Biodiversity Conservation Center (BBCC) in Laramie, Wyoming. The outdoor spaces include the Berry Prairie (a green roof garden of locally native prairie species), the Spruce Court (an outdoor learning space to be constructed in 2014 beneath mature spruce trees), and plazas on the south and west sides of the building. Selected artworks should support the Institute's vision to foster understanding, appreciation, and conservation of biological diversity through innovative research, education, and outreach. Artwork should speak to a wide audience including children and adults of all ages, both scientifically literate and uninitiated visitors, and should reflect cultural and scientific concepts surrounding Wyoming's biological diversity. Literal representations are not desired.

All artists and artist groups, professional and non-professional, are eligible to apply. Applications are limited to the United States, though artists with connections to Wyoming may be given preference. Selected artists must be willing to travel to Laramie for presentation on April 15, 2014 (tentative). The selection committee will choose up to ten artists to develop and submit conceptual designs, with a $500 stipend provided for this purpose. Travel costs for presentations will be paid. The total budget available for the project is $150,000, from which three or more works are anticipated. All public art must be reviewed by the President's Public Art Committee and approved by the president.

Submission requirements include: cover letter and artist statement (single document), resumé (including description of prior experience with public artwork creation and installation), narrative describing potential design concepts, portfolio submission, and names of three references based on completed work. Applicants must submit 4-6 images. Entry fee is $25. Application deadline is February 10, 2014 at 11:59 p.m. MST. Selected finalists will be notified February 20, 2014, with proposal submissions due April 1, 2014. Final winners will be notified in May 2014, with artwork delivery and installation in October 2014 and unveiling ceremony in November 2014.