THIS CALL HAS CLOSED.

Budget: $100,000

Activated: 01/05/2024 Deadline: 01/26/2024

Call Summary The City of Cedar Falls Public Art Committee (CFPAC), under the direction and approval of the Cedar Falls Art and Culture Board (ACB), seeks to commission a series of permanent, cohesive public artwork(s) from an artist or team of artists to be installed along the existing trail system.

Budget Description Budget includes all artist fees, insurance, fabrication, shipping/transportation and installation.

Project Description Iowa's Cedar Valley Trails has over 120 miles of trails to enjoy any time of the year. The trails have been incorporated into the community - lining the Cedar River, looping around lakes, crossing streams, and connecting with the downtown entertainment district. A variety of excursions are here to be experienced. People can choose from activities such as a one-mile stroll around a lake, a ten-mile bike ride through George Wyth State Park, launch a kayak from one of the trail's launch points for a cruise around the Cedar Valley, or a hop from one restaurant or bar to another in historic downtown Cedar Falls. The American Discovery Trail and Great American Rail Trail both traverse the Cedar Valley. Cedar Falls was the first Bicycle Friendly Community recognized in Iowa by the American League of Bicyclists in 2009. It continues to be a Bicycle Friendly community today. The city of Cedar Falls seeks to commission a series of permanent, cohesive public artwork(s) from an artist or team of artists to be installed along the existing trail system.

Artwork Goals Enhance & highlight the natural beauty of the trails system, reflect the nature and evolving culture of the Cedar Valley, these artworks can also serve as wayfinding and highlight points along the trails. Artworks for this project should engage local residents and tourists visiting Cedar Falls, serving as a recognizable icon for use in promoting the active outdoor lifestyle enjoyed by all who use these trail systems. Pedestrians enjoy these trails on foot (walking or running), by bicycle, or traversing the river - winding through parts of the trail system. The trail system links to beautiful parks, which residents of all ages enjoy. The City has started construction on a new river recreational project to include boat launches and other trails amenities - the Cedar River Recreational Project is set to be complete in 2024.

Artwork Location Description On city property along the existing trail system. Orange bubbled areas (1. Big Woods Lake, 2. Gateway Park & 3. Pfeiffer Springs Park) are preferred, but we are open to other suggestions. More information on the Gateway Park’s enhancement project, the Cedar River Recreational Project, can be found at https://www.cedarfalls.com/1766/Cedar-River-Recreational-Project. The Public Art Committee will meet with the Park & Recreation Commission once a location has been selected, to confirm its availability.

Eligibility Artists 18 years and older residing in the United States. Finalists will have a demonstrated record of public commissions of similar scale and budget to this project. Project is targeted to be completed by fall 2024. Any work selected for Gateway Park will be installed after completion of that parks current enhancement project; likely in Spring 2025.

Application Requirements

Biography Resume: 3 page(s) maximum Work examples: 1 - 10 Artist Statement: 300 word maximum Letter of Interest: 500 word maximum Letter of interest - Describe your approach to the project, two-page maximum. References: 3

Artists are NOT allowed to apply in teams.

Selection Information

Selection Process Three finalists will be selected to develop site specific proposals and present to the committee. Each finalist will receive a $2,000 honorarium to develop a proposal. The selected artwork must be made of durable, low-maintenance materials able to withstand exposure to the Iowa climate and safe for public display. The artist is responsible for the delivery of the selected work.

Selection Criteria The selected artwork must be made of durable, low-maintenance materials able to withstand exposure to the Iowa climate and safe for public display. The artist is responsible for the delivery of the selected work.

Timeline PROJECT TIMELINE: • Application due: January 26, 2024 • Notification of Finalists: February 19, 2024 • Finalist Presentations: March 15, 2024 • Project Awarded: March 2024 • Installation: Fall 2024 thru Spring 2025 depending on location

Additional Resources

Trail Project RFQ - Official (PDF)

Cedar Falls Trails Map (PDF)

Contact Information

Cory Hurless Cultural Programs Supervisor 304 West Seerley Boulevard Cedar Falls IA 50613 United States cory.hurless@cedarfalls.com 3192738641

Submission Instructions

Email Address CF.PublicArt@gmail.com

Emailing Submission Instructions Please include the following in the email subject line: “Artist Name (Jane Doe) – CFPAC – Trail Project”