Youngstown State University Kilcawley Center Percent for Art Commission

Youngstown State University is inviting Ohio and national artists to submit work for the Kilcawley Center Percent for Art Project commission. The commission amount is $87,000. YSU employees and their spouses are not eligible to apply. Students enrolled in any degree or certificate-granting program are not eligible to apply.

Applicants should submit up to nine (9) digital images of past work and a single PDF containing a current resume (maximum four pages) and artist statement. This is a Request for Qualifications (RFQ); proposals will not be considered at this stage. The Advisory Selection Committee will review submitted materials and develop a list of semi-finalist artists invited to meet with the committee for a site visit and view the artwork site location(s) virtually if needed. After the site visit, semi-finalists will create a site-specific proposal for artwork. Each semi-finalist will be offered a proposal fee in addition to an honorarium for their site visit. Artist proposals will be judged competitively by the Committee. Submitted proposals become the property of Youngstown State University.

The new, modernized Kilcawley Center will open in fall 2027 and will feature striking gathering spaces, flexible meeting rooms, an open dining area, and a black-box theater. The commissioned artwork should add a sense of community, collaboration, engagement, and connection to the Center. The artwork should reflect qualities that help students and staff feel welcome, comfortable, and at home. Literal depiction of student life vibrancy is not required; pieces that imply it through energy, color, warmth, and activity are welcome. Possible artwork site locations are either interior walls in Kilcawley Center or the exterior wall facing the outside plaza. The work must be durable and suitably maintenance-free.

For questions, contact Kathy Signorino, Artist Programs and Percent for Art Director, at 614-728-6140 or [email protected].