GOLDEN TRIANGLE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT Request for Qualifications: Art at the Intersection
Call to Artists
Details
| Deadline | January 8, 2025 |
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| Sponsor | |
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Description
Overview
The Golden Triangle Business Improvement District (“BID”) is well-regarded for its impeccable streets, vivid landscaping, engaging activations, and world-class public art. The BID is seeking qualifications from an artist or artist team to design, fabricate, install, and de-install a two-year temporary public art installation at the prominent intersection of Connecticut Avenue and K Streets, NW. The artwork will be installed in the summer of 2026. This high-profile urban location, two blocks from The White House has high visibility from both pedestrians and drivers. This location offers a prime opportunity for impactful and iconic public art that will be seen by many people including national political leaders. This location has previously hosted rotating public art projects that frame the lush landscaping in the Connecticut Avenue median.
The selected artist should bring a new creative vision to this location while contributing to the neighborhood’s ongoing reputation as a landmark for public art. To ensure visibility from multiple vantage points, the artwork must include elements of height and scale, enhancing the experience during the day and at night for all passersby.
Budgets of up to $115,000 will be considered for the project. The final project budget must include an artist contingency of 20% and an artist fee of 15%.
This project is contingent upon funding availability and permitting.
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Submissions are due no later than January 8, 2025, at 5:00 P.M. All qualifications must be submitted online here: https://form.jotform.com/242903865460157.
Materials received after 5:00 P.M. will not be considered for evaluation.
About the Golden Triangle Business Improvement District
The Golden Triangle Business Improvement District is an award-winning non-profit 501(c)(6) corporation that works to enhance the Golden Triangle — the 44-square-block neighborhood that stretches from Dupont Circle to Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.
Founded in 1997, GTBID encourages economic development through capital improvement projects, a variety of engaging events, and public art projects. GTBID also strives to increase the quality of life through public safety and maintenance services. GTBID is dedicated to making the Golden Triangle a great place to live, work, and play.
PROJECT GOALS
• Develop a visually striking public artwork that enhances the intersection of Connecticut Avenue and K Streets, drawing attention from pedestrians and drivers alike during the day and at night.
• Incorporate height and scale into the design to ensure the artwork stands out from a distance and from various viewpoints.
• Design a site-specific artwork that responds to the surrounding architecture and landscape, creating a sense of cohesion and place.
• Capture the energy and cultural diversity of Washington, DC, by infusing the artwork with themes that reflect the District’s vibrant spirit.
• Continue the Golden Triangle’s tradition of showcasing public art by introducing a fresh, engaging artwork.
SITE LOCATION & ARTWORK FOOTPRINT
The location for the artwork is marked on the map to the right. The artwork should optimize this space to achieve the goals of the project.
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Overall size cannot exceed the following dimensions: 8 x 8 feet wide and 15 feet tall.
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Sculpture should be designed to be mounted and anchored securely to the provided concrete sculpture pad (pad is 8 x 8 feet wide and 12 inches deep). Anchor methods and means must be approved by an engineer and by peer engineering review.
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Art must be able to withstand all weather conditions over a two (2) year period.
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There is access to power at the site via a GFI 110 V outlet.
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If the sculpture utilizes colored lights, palette must exclude red,
yellow, and green for traffic safety.
Location →
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ELIGIBILITY
This request for qualifications is open to all professional artists residing in the United States. DC-based artists will be given preference in the instance of identical scoring.
Budgets of up to $115,000 will be considered for the projects. The final project budget must include an artist contingency of 20% and an artist fee of 15%.
Up to three semi-finalists may be selected to create concept proposals and will receive a design and travel stipend of $2,500.
More info on Golden Triangle Arts at: https://goldentriangledc.com/what-we-do/public-art/
DEADLINE: Wednesday, January 8, 2025 5:00 PM (EDT)
ART SELECTION & APPROVAL PROCESS
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The Golden Triangle BID will convene an Advisory Panel to recommend artists based on their qualifications, artistic merit, prior work experience, and professionalism necessary to complete these projects.
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Artists that are shortlisted and asked to submit an initial design proposal will receive a stipend of $2,500 for their time and travel. The final design proposals will be subject to review by the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts (CFA), National Capital Planning Commission, and DC Department of Transportation. Upon approval, the Golden Triangle BID will determine the best strategy for obtaining the required permits.
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The artist whose design is approved will then enter into an agreement with the Golden Triangle BID for the fabrication, installation, and deinstallation of the artwork. The artist(s) or artist team may subcontract with artwork fabricator(s) and installer(s).
This project is contingent upon funding availability and permitting.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Submit the following information to demonstrate the necessary qualifications:
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Resume/CV
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Up to 10 Past Work Samples
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Work Sample Index, including project budgets
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Professional references for three contacts.
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Cover letter, including the following:
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How this project relates to your past work; and
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Your approach to this project.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Artistic Content 40%
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Past Work demonstrates high standards of artistic excellence; and
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Meets the goals outlined in this request for qualifications.
Capacity and Sustainability 30%
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Applicant demonstrates a high degree of professionalism and relevant work experience, in the area of public art and public space programming.
Audience Engagement and Impact 30%
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Applicant demonstrates past audience engagement experience that encourages participation in the arts; and
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Past work appeals to a range of audiences.
How to Participate
HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR PROPOSAL
Materials must be submitted electronically via Jotformat by 5:00 PM (EDT) on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. Submit here: https://form.jotform.com/242903865460157.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Selected Artist or Team will -
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Enter into an agreement with the Golden Triangle BID for the duration of the project. Throughout the contract, the artist, design team, and subcontractors will be required to maintain relevant licenses and carry professional liability insurance of $2 million and comply with all grant requirements.
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The GTBID shall award the Contract to the qualified Contractor whose Proposal it determines to be the most advantageous to the GTBID and its neighborhood. GTBID reserves the right to award the Contract based upon the initial submission, without further discussion. GTBID also reserves the right to reject all Proposals, to postpone this RFP or to cancel this RFP, at its option.
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Work with the Golden Triangle BID to determine the best strategy to install the artwork.
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Secure any necessary fabricators and installers, obtain cost estimates, and develop fabrication and installation schedules.
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Keep an itemized expense checklist and receipts for financial reporting purposes.
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Payments will be made based upon agreed deliverables.
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Provide an artwork maintenance plan for the completed artwork.
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Coordinate all engineering, construction, and installation with the BID.
PUBLICITY
The Golden Triangle BID will include the artist or team’s information on its website, social media outlets, and other various media outlets. A weather-proof plaque/label with pertinent information and approved text will be installed with the artwork. The Golden Triangle BID reserves the right to photograph the artwork for educational purposes, brochures, and other publicity. All copyrights remain with the artist. The Golden Triangle BID will host a public dedication ceremony in the spring or summer of 2026 upon installation of the artwork.
QUESTIONS
Submitters are encouraged to submit any questions by December 10, 2024. Responses will be posted on the Golden Triangle website.
Contact: Alexandra Benson, Manager of Public Art and Creative Activations Direct: 202.463.3517 Email: [email protected]
For more information on the Golden Triangle BID, Visit: www.goldentriangledc.com
This opportunity has been submitted by . The listing of the opportunity does not imply endorsement by the Division of Cultural Affairs or the Department of State. Contact with questions or for more information.
