Utah Valley University Engineering Building Public Art Commission

Professional artists and artist teams are invited to submit letters of interest and qualifications for the creation of site-specific artwork(s) at the Utah Valley University Scott M. Smith Engineering and Technology Building in Orem, Utah. Utah artists and artists of historically underrepresented populations are strongly encouraged to apply. This project is a partnership of the Utah Public Art Program of the Division of Arts and Museums, in association with the Division of Facilities Construction and Management (DFCM) and Utah Valley University (UVU).

The new 185,000 square foot, four-story Engineering Building combines Mechanical, Civil and Electrical engineering with Computer Sciences, Digital Media and the University's Culinary Institute. Perched atop a knoll overlooking the main campus, the building features a three-story Student Forum on the west side with views of Utah Lake, a main lobby at the south entrance, and public corridors running the full length of the building. The Committee has identified the Main Lobby, Student Forum, and public corridors as potential locations for artwork, but will remain open to other areas as envisioned by finalist artists.

A successful artwork proposal should convey and/or demonstrate principles of engineering and/or technology and may include a sustainability component. Examples include basic machines, kinetic work, demonstrations of scientific principles, work referencing the building's geothermal energy source, or work highlighting structural elements. Proposed artworks with an interactive element will be prioritized over static installations. The artwork may be singular or consist of multiple works functioning together. Proposed work should reflect and complement the engineering and technology mission of the building and those who use it, and should consider the building's location in Utah Valley.

A budget of $166,000 is available for all related expenses including artist fees, fabrication, insurance, shipping, travel, installation, documentation, and other costs. Professional artists and artist teams are eligible. Applicants must have a U.S. Tax ID Number (SSN, EIN, ITIN, or other). Art selection committee members and immediate families, board members, and employees of VCBO or Utah Division of Arts and Museums are not eligible.

Complete application packages must be received by June 23, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. MT. The Selection Committee will review submissions and select semi-finalists who will present full proposals on September 29, 2023. All semi-finalists will receive an honorarium to help defray proposal development costs, which will be applied toward the commission amount for awarded artist(s). Artwork installation is scheduled for Summer 2024. Work samples should include 2-10 images and up to 1 video. For questions, contact Hannah Barrett at [email protected] or visit arts.utah.gov/publicart.