THIS CALL HAS CLOSED.

Budget: $38,000

Activated: 08/03/2023 Deadline: 09/15/2023

Call Summary Open Call to Submit Qualifications for the ZILKER POINT PUBLIC ART PROJECT SUBMISSION DEADLINE – September 15, 2023 at 6:00 pm This is an online application process only. Applications will NOT be accepted by postal mail or email. Please make no attempt to contact our Client directly or you will be automatically disqualified.

Budget Description The Project Budget includes all expenses related to the research, investigation, design development, fabrication, and installation of the artwork including, but not limited to: artist and designer fees; design documents, renderings, and/or other media as required to communicate the artist’s concept design development to the Project Team; signed and certified structural, and/or other construction/engineering drawings and specifications that may be required for fabrication; fabrication of all artwork elements; transportation of materials, travel and accommodations for artist or artist team; insurance, storage; foundations, footings; and all other project-related expenses.

Project Description On behalf of Sara Vanderbeek Studio, 218 South Lamar Partners, LTD, and Runa Workshop, we are happy to request qualifications for an artist or artist team living and working in Texas to create an outdoor permanent Artwork for a new multi-use property, Zilker Point, at 218 S. Lamar Blvd., a main thoroughfare just south of downtown Austin, Texas. The commissioned artwork will be a contribution to the City of Austin's Art in Public Places collection (AIPP). The building design concept is inspired by a gateway, opening up towards Lady Bird Lake, the hike and bike trail, and the local arts community. Angling towards the northwest preserves the view of the Zach Theatre, enhancing the connection to Downtown. Two intersecting volumes create a large public plaza, connecting the Zilker Neighborhood, Zilker Point, Zach Theatre, and Downtown while promoting art and nature. A permanent art gallery supports local artists, and public outdoor spaces feature art, and native plants fostering community and wellness. Zilker Point prioritizes outdoor connectivity, biophilic design, and state-of-the-art systems for improved public health and ecological integrity, making it Austin's healthiest building. Images and renderings courtesy of Runa Workshop.

Artwork Goals • Safety of pedestrians must be considered. • The Artwork must adhere to the specified parameters provided by Architect, Engineer and the City of Austin. • The Artwork should translate artistic concepts into materials that are appropriate for public space, taking into consideration maintenance, safety, and longevity. • Materials must be non-combustible, weather resistant and colors must maintain their profiles, fidelity and integrity in all weather conditions. • Any plans for exterior lighting are conceived in advance – during the design development phase with the architect. • Water features are not being considered for this call. • Artwork should be sensitive to social, environmental, historical, and other relevant contexts.

Artwork Location Description The artwork site is located in the public plaza that connects Zilker Point to Zach Scott Topfer Theatre.

Eligibility • Artists age 18 or older living and working in Texas may apply as an individual or as a team. • Artists who can demonstrate the ability to oversee the design, fabrication and installation of public works - or who have a history of working with design/build/engineering/fabrication teams to accomplish these needs. • Artists without previous public art experience that demonstrate an ability to manage a team to accomplish the goals are still strongly encouraged to apply. • Traditionally and historically underrepresented artists and groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Requirements

Resume: 5 page(s) maximum Work examples: 5 - 10 Letter of Interest: 500 word maximum References: 2

Artists are allowed to apply in teams. Artists applying as a team must split the allotted number of work examples between themselves.

Selection Information

Selection Process Phase 1– September, 2023 Project Art Consultant, Sara Vanderbeek Studio will review all responses to this RFQ and present a short list for review by the Selection Panel comprised of art consultant, AIPP representative, building developer, architect, arts professionals, and community members. Phase 2 – September/October, 2023 From the short list, 3 selected Artists or Artist Teams will be invited to create an RFP (Request for Proposal) and tasked with delivering site-specific concepts and designs. The second and third runners-up will be provided a $2,000 honorarium upon submitting proposals; the finalist will be awarded the $38,000 commission. Phase 3 – October, 2023 Artists who reach the finalist round will present their proposal in Austin at a date in mid-October (date TBD). Once Selection is made, Artist should be available to begin work with the Project Team upon receipt of Notice to Proceed (NTP) through Completion – projected August 2024. At that time, Artist will work with the Project Team to design and implement the artwork. Artist must be available for site visits, bi-weekly updates, calls and meetings as needed during the design and construction period. Artist will acknowledge in their contract that all designs, concepts, and ideas provided for this project are the property of the Owners. Artist will sign letter of agreement/contract before beginning work. The first ½ of Artist Fee will be paid upon completion and acceptance of the Artwork Proposal, with the remaining ½ paid upon Completion of Project. The Client will retain any models provided by Artist. Artist is required to develop concepts within the provided budget. If the design comes in over budget, Artist must revise the design to bring concept within budget. No additional fee will be paid for such revisions. *All post-application meeting dates are estimated delivery dates and subject to change based on variations in availability.

Selection Criteria The Selected Artwork must comply with AIPP artwork guidelines. Artistic Qualifications • Strong artistic ability displayed in the Artist's portfolio. • Proven ability to execute projects successfully within provided timelines and budgets. • Demonstrated connection between the Artist's past work and the current art opportunity. Public Engagement / Community Outreach • Demonstrated commitment to public engagement and community connectivity in the Artist's work. • Previous work reflects a level of audience activation and interaction. Cultural Equity • Consideration of cultural and racial equity throughout the selection process • Artist demographics and perspectives represented in the artwork and experiences of the Artist or Artist Team are taken into account • Consideration of access accommodations – multisensory and multimodal practices that allow all visitors with widely ranging ages, abilities, levels of interest and sophistication, learning styles, and cultural identities access to the artwork Other Review Criteria • Artistic merit of body of work • Strong conceptual skills with innovative and effective approaches demonstrated in other creative projects • Ability to design artwork that is sensitive to social, environmental, economic, historical, and/or other relevant contexts • Ability to translate artistic concepts into materials that are appropriate for public space, taking into consideration maintenance, safety, and longevity • Potential for work to enrich and diversify the City of Austin Art in Public Places Collection • Ability and willingness to collaborate with consultants, City, design and engineering professionals, stakeholders, and contractors • Probability of successful execution and completion of project • Appropriateness of qualifications for the project • Effective communication and organizational skills • Completeness of application

Timeline • RFQ opens: August 3, 2023 • Deadline to apply: September 15, 2023 (6:00 pm CST) • Shortlist presented to panel; three finalists are selected: week of September 22, 2023 • Finalists present to panel: week of October 16, 2023 • Finalist notified; enter contract: late October 2023 • Installation: August 2024 Art Consultant will notify the artist if further information is needed. Please do not send additional material unless requested.

Additional Resources

https://zilkerpoint.com/

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Contact Information

Sara Vanderbeek Studio 5701 Lewood Drive Austin TX 78745 United States 7189648180 sara.vanderbeek.art@gmail.com