Vermont Arts Council: Brattleboro Courthouse Art in State Buildings Program

The Vermont Arts Council in association with the Vermont Department of Buildings & General Services announces a search for an artist or artist team to oversee design, fabrication, and installation of aesthetic enhancements to the Family and District Courthouse in Brattleboro, Vermont as part of renovations to the building. The individual(s) must be able to engage with the community and work in partnership with the Vermont Department of Buildings & General Services, architects for the project, and representatives from the Courts. The artist(s) will conceptualize and identify appropriate aesthetic treatments for proposed project elements. The "Lead Artist" will be responsible for the overall design, planning, and implementation.

The State of Vermont is renovating the Courthouse in Brattleboro, which currently houses the District and Family Courts. The renovations are planned primarily for the interior of the building. The Committee has identified the following public areas as especially suitable for public art: the lobbies and other public areas under renovation (both inside and out) providing opportunities for functional artwork such as permanent benches, railings, window treatments, and fixtures; a large overhead atrium area in front of an exterior window in the main stairwell; wall space in the second floor lobby area above the proposed doorway; lobby area walls on both first and second floors; and the exterior path from the parking lot to the main entrance. When considering artistic enhancements, the Committee hopes the proposed artwork will address one or more of the following: create a colorful, calming and uplifting environment for those attending court; create a positive image of and engaging respect for justice in the community; reflect democracy, law, and the people's responsibility for upholding the law; express citizen ownership of the courts and the process of justice; celebrate Brattleboro's history; and reflect a spirit of community and cooperation.

The selected "Lead Artist" will be awarded a $5,000 planning and design contract. The lead artist will be responsible for working with the Architect, the Committee, and the community to identify specific areas appropriate for aesthetic treatments and to design artistic enhancements for those sites. $36,000 will be available for the fabrication and installation of identified aesthetic treatments. Visual artists, crafts or design artists, or artist teams in all media, including landscape architects and interior designers, who are at least 18 years of age and legal residents of Vermont are eligible to apply. Arts Council Staff and Trustees, Department of Buildings & General Services Staff, Project Review Committee members, and their family members are not eligible. Applicants must submit nine digital images of previously completed artwork, a statement of interest of no more than 5,000 characters addressing qualifications and approach to working in communities, and a current résumé via the CaFÉ online system. There is no application fee. For questions, contact Sonia Rae at 802-828-5425 or [email protected], or Michele Bailey at 802-828-3294 or [email protected].