The Artwork
The Selection Panel has determined that the most effective artwork will be a monumental three-dimensional sculpture centrally located in the park on an axis with prominent site features and programmed areas.
The area identified for the artwork is approximately 80’ long parallel to the park road, and no further from the road than 40’ either east or west to prevent the art from conflicting with future phases of renovation (see the map). This location has been selected because of the potential for the artwork to be very visible to the largest number of visitors to the park.
A vertical sculpture would not only establish the “heart” of the park but also serve as a meeting place and significant landmark. Because of the broad diversity of the users and people coming to the park, creating this special space would visually, physically, and emotionally bring everyone together. At the core of Reaves Park is a competitive spirit, yet simultaneously is a sense of community building. Bringing together young athletes, historic re-enactors, fans, grandparents, all iterations of families, and many other park-goers is one of the most compelling roles of Reaves Park.
Built upon the history of Norman, the role of aviation, and the various park activities, the successful artwork will appeal to the multi-generational park users and in some fashion, either aesthetically or literally, be interactive. This may be as subtle as watching changes in the artwork caused by the different light, time of day or season. Or it could be that the art becomes an iconic photo opportunity. Alternately the art could engage the viewer to physically interact with it. A functional work of art, such as one that provides shade or incorporates a utilitarian aspect, would also be welcomed.
Because visibility and proper scale to the park are vital considerations, it is important to note that ballgames (taking place May through October), many festivals, and other activities take place not only during the day but at night too. The park is very well lit at night, particularly the ball fields, so there should be accommodations to have the artwork easily seen during that time as well during the day.
The Selection Panel is open to any media or material that is appropriate to the site as long as it is durable, safe, low maintenance, and vandalism resistant. Because Reaves Park has a very large number of child visitors, it is crucial that the design and materials are child-friendly and safe. The City of Norman and Norman Arts Council stress that the public art in Norman is ADA compliant so it is accessible and enjoyed by everyone.
Ideally, Reaves Park will undergo more renovations in the near future with Phases 2 and 3 of the Master Plan. These future phases coming to fruition are dependent upon the City of Norman securing the funding. At this time, we are exploring the idea that the artist selected for this present project would be the first artist considered to design and create the public art for Phase 2 if the design, fabrication, and installation are successful in this Phase 1.
Budget
The total artist's fee for the project is $62,000.00. This amount must cover all associated costs including design, materials, fabrication, lighting, travel, insurance coverage, shipping, and installation.
Artist Eligibility
Open to professional artists with experience working on public art projects of this scale and working in creating site-specific works.
Artists identifying with an ethnic, cultural, sexual, gender, economic, or ability minority are encouraged to apply.
Timeline
RFQ Deadline: October 17, 2022 11:59pm MST
The following dates are approximate and subject to change:
Notify Artists: First week of November 2022
Finalists’ Site Visit: First week of December 2022
Finalists’ Presentation of Proposals: Mid-January 2023
Contract with Selected Artist: February 2023
Installation and Dedication of Artwork: August 2023
Application Guidelines
All applications must be submitted via CaFÉ at: https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=9421
Submissions for this project must contain the following materials:
A one page maximum typed letter of interest outlining your qualifications for and interest in the project, as well as the general idea for your approach. Please consider the following questions when developing your letter of interest:
Why do you want to work on this project?
How would you approach this project?
What materials do you work with that would be appropriate for outdoor use?
Have you worked on similar projects? If not, what relevant experiences do you have?
How does this project relate to your current work?
Artist Statement and Bio
Resume/CV (not to exceed three pages)
Three references with whom you have worked on a public art project, including current telephone number and email address.
10 - 15 high-resolution images of previous work you feel would support your ability to carry out this project. Include all pertinent information on your Cafe slides: title, medium, size, date of completion, location, and project details (i.e. Budget commissioning agency, etc., if public art).
Committee and Selection Criteria
Selection for this project will be made by a panel including stakeholders, design professionals, City representatives, a member of the Norman Public Art committee, a member of the Norman Arts Council Board, and members of the arts community.
Three finalists will be selected based on the materials submitted---please see the Application Guidelines above.
After a formal presentation by the finalists, the selection panel will choose the best project for the site based on the merit of the artist’s work, past experience including completing projects on time and within budget, and appropriateness of the proposed concept. The Panel will also consider artists who can demonstrate sensitivity to the site and surroundings. Artists must be able to commit and effectively work within the project timeline and collaborate with the administration of City of Norman Parks and Recreation Department and Norman Arts Council.
Selection Process
The Selection Panel will review all applicants who respond to this RFQ.
Three finalists will be invited to move on in the process.
Finalists will come to Norman for a mandatory site visit to meet with the Project Team and others. Finalists will be paid a $600.00 allowance to cover transportation, hotel, and per diem expenses for the site visit.
After the site visit, finalists will be asked to create a site-specific design proposal that will include:
a scale model, maquette, or computer-generated design
an itemized budget
a project timeline
project narrative
maintenance plan
Finalists will each be awarded an honorarium of $1,000.00 for their proposal.
Finalists will be required to present their proposals in-person to the Selection Panel and will receive a $600.00 allowance for transportation, hotel, and per diem expenses for the proposal presentations.
The Selection Panel will make the final decision on the artist awarded the project pending approval of the Norman Arts Council and Norman City Council.
Commissioning of artists is implemented without preference to racial or ethnic origins, sex, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, disability, or age, and all are encouraged to apply.
The Norman Arts Council and the City of Norman reserve the right to modify this solicitation and to request additional information or proposals from any or all participating artists. The Norman Arts Council and the City of Norman also reserve the right to accept or reject, at any time prior to the commissioning of a work, any or all proposals when the acceptance, rejection, waiver or advertisement would be in the best interest of the project. In addition, they may solicit proposals from artists not responding to this call and reserve the right to select an artist outside of the pool of artists responding to this call.
If you have any questions, email Erinn Gavaghan, Norman Arts Council Executive Director, at erinn@normanarts.org
