University System of Maryland Biomedical Sciences & Engineering Education Facility Public Art Commission

Universities at Shady Grove (USG) is a partnership of nine University System of Maryland universities on a 50-acre campus in Montgomery County, offering over 80 upper-level undergraduate, graduate and professional degree and certificate programs. The new Biomedical Sciences and Engineering Education Facility (BSE) is a 228,000 square foot academic building designed to expand degree opportunities in healthcare, biosciences, engineering and STEMM education. The facility includes state-of-the-art teaching laboratories, collaborative learning spaces, clinical training facilities, and classrooms ranging from 30-160 seats. The building is designed to achieve Gold Level LEED certification and will be one of the most sustainably sourced and built laboratory buildings in the country.

This public art commission seeks original artwork for the first level of the BSE, located within the east and west exterior entry spaces and the interior central hallway. Artwork themes should encompass the mission of USG and BSE in STEMM fields and the building's sustainability mission, while reflecting scientific curiosity, collaboration, and inquiry. The artwork must be appropriate for its location, use sustainable materials, be original and unique to the project, and demonstrate durability and permanence with resistance to theft and weathering. Electricity can be provided, and supplemental lighting will be covered by the public art budget.

Phase I: Concept Design Development fee is $40,000. Phase II: Fabrication & Installation budget is up to $520,000 (including 15% contingency) and covers all project costs including artist fees, fabrication, materials, transportation, installation, permits, licenses, and insurance. Eligible applicants are professional artists or artist teams residing in the United States who meet at least two of the following criteria: completed public art commissions with budgets of at least $175,000; received awards, grants or fellowships; or had work exhibited in museums and/or galleries. Three references are required. Artists serving on the Maryland Public Art Commission, currently enrolled in degree programs, or employed by the commissioning agency or USM institutions are ineligible. The artist will contract directly with the University of Maryland and work with the Maryland State Arts Council Public Art program.