Call to Artists RFQ

Introduction
The Olathe Public Art Committee, on behalf of the Olathe (KS) City Council, is seeking a professional artist or artist team to collaborate with city staff to create a site-specific permanent and original piece of art. The art will be incorporated in the entry plaza that will include a water fountain feature, to be located at the front exterior entry point of the Indian Creek Library in Olathe, KS.
Eligibility
The City of Olathe is seeking artists or artist teams with public art experience that demonstrate capability to complete the desired project within the project timeline. This project is open to all professional artists ages 18 and older.
Project Description
Public Art Budget = $100,000
The future Indian Creek Library’s address is 16100 W 135th St., Olathe, KS, which replaces the previous library, opened in 2000. To replace and enlarge the Indian Creek Library, a 68,000 square foot former Hy-Vee building was purchased and is currently being renovated and renewed, transforming it into a library of the future; a signature community-gathering place that offers opportunities to learn, gather and discover. The library design will focus on creating a central market place that every citizen can utilize as well as adjacent spaces such as a makerspace, collaborative commons with coffee service, and interior and exterior courtyards. Core library services will also offer materials and programs for children, teen and adult customers. Building design elements make use of glass, wood, metal, light and water. The library’s interior is open and provides numerous service options with outside space being transformed into a new city park built in conjunction with the building renovation.

View the preliminary designs of the Indian Creek Library

The commissioned art will be integrated as part of the front exterior entry point of the Indian Creek Library (please see site rendering for exact location) which is planned to be developed as an entry plaza welcoming guests to the library. Gould Evans, the architect responsible for the design of the Indian Creek Library project, will be responsible for the planning and design of the entry plaza and water feature. The City of Olathe is seeking an artist for the design, fabrication, and installation of a signature piece of public art which will complement the entry plaza and water feature, and could be incorporated in or around the water feature, or which may incorporate the use of water and become engaged with the water feature. The artist selected for the project will be expected to collaborate with the City of Olathe and with representatives of the design team to ensure the plaza, water feature, and art piece are planned and developed in manner being complimentary of each other. The design of the art should consider the design of the new library building and the exterior building materials, which will predominantly be metal and glass. The design of the art will also need to consider the design of the surrounding site. The City’s goal is for the entry plaza, water feature, and art to have a year-round visual impact, even during periods of the year when water will not be moving.
Submission Requirements
Interested artists should submit all of the following, which must be received by 5:00 pm, October 4, 2018. Materials should be sent/delivered or emailed via a download link. City email size limits are very restrictive and large image files will likely not be received. Please submit packet in the order listed below:
1. A professional resume/CV (limit 3 pages) including contact information: name, address, telephone number, and email;
2. A letter of interest outlining your desire to make art for this project; sources of inspiration provided by the project and site; a narrative explaining your ability to collaborate with the City and design team if selected for the project;
3. At least 3, but no more than 12 images of related past work. You must include an annotated image list of past works that clearly indicates the title, dimensions, materials, date of work, location, as well as project budget and commissioning entity if applicable;
4. Three references of similar commissioned work with current contact information.
Selection Process
1. An artist selection panel will shortlist 1-3 artists based on qualifications and artists statements, to be interviewed in the 4th quarter of 2018. The City will assist in travel arrangements and cover all travel costs associated with the interview.
2. The final selected artist/artist team will be awarded the contract in the amount of $100,000. This amount is to encompass all artist fees including but not limited to design fees, travel, material, and installation of the work.
Concept Development & Implementation
The selected artist will be contracted through the City to develop and finalize an art concept in close collaboration with City staff and the Indian Creek Library design team. The expected completion date for the project is by August 1, 2019.
Submission Instructions
Submit all materials, either electronically or by mail/delivery to the contact listed below by 5:00 pm, October 4, 2018. For emailed submissions, please title the subject of the email “Indian Creek Library Art.”
Email to: Renee Rush, RLRush@olatheks.org
For mailed submissions:
City of Olathe, KS
Parks & Recreation Department C/O Renee Rush
PO Box 768
Olathe, KS 66051
Questions about the project should be directed to Jeff Blakeman, project manager 913-971-9047 or JBlakeman@olatheks.org
For questions regarding submission of materials, you may reach Renee at 913-971-8658.