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INTRODUCTION:

The Women’s Art Initiative (WAI) of Rock Hill is a public art non-profit and advocacy group whose mission is to enhance the quality of life for the community by reflecting its cultural values and artistic vitality through public art.

PROJECT & THEME OVERVIEW:

WAI in Rock Hill, SC is seeking proposals from artists/designers to create a contemporary outdoor park area with design feature(s) or artwork(s) with potential to instill calm and tranquility. The site is a pocket park in the City of Rock Hill. Design inclusions for consideration are: sculpture/sculptural elements; design enhancement such as a mural for one brick wall (which could act as a backdrop/accent for the site); and/or decorative elements that may function as pathway(s)/walkway(s).  

This public art project will serve to offer the residents of Rock Hill a spot of respite within the city. Aiming to retain a meditative space within an urban setting, this work will celebrate nature, specifically the flora and biodiversity of Rock Hill and the region, perhaps even their impact on the city and/or historical aspect of the city. Thus, it will provide opportunities for dialogue emphasizing the increasing need for contemplation in our fast-paced society. The piece shall exemplify the concept of reflection as one of importance towards providing a positive sense of well-being. The piece must be pet/child/family friendly and ideally have an inspirational/uplifting component such as a quote, verbiage, or encouraging imagery, and an aspect in the design to allow for photo opportunities with audience/community members. 

WAI will select one artist’s/ designer’s proposal whose vision for this project incorporates these themes. The artist/designer will be responsible for the design, creation, transportation, and installation of the project and will work with the WAI Selection Committee and the City of Rock Hill staff.

SITE DESCRIPTION:

The pocket park site is on White Street in the historic Old Town District of Rock Hill. It is adjacent to The Episcopal Church of Our Saviour’s 12-Step Center (461 Caldwell Street) and Joe’s Video Games (139 Caldwell Street). (Please see images at back of call for reference.) The site’s surrounding area is highly visible. It is adjacent to a parking lot which serves a number of businesses, eateries, and churches. Across the street are more businesses and newly constructed multi-level apartment buildings. The exterior wall of one business adorns the work of international muralist Shepard Fairey. Also of note, the City of Rock Hill is developing a dynamic and diverse collection of public art works and has completed “The Mural Mile” most recently. https://www.visityorkcounty.com/blog/post/murals-you-will-love-in-york-county/. Throughout the year, the site may be visited during outdoor events, concerts, and festivals. The site also functions as a gathering place for visitors of all ages marking it a point of interest for Old Town Historic Walking Tours.

The site spans approximately 54’ x 27’, with a wall of varying dimensions – 19’ at the highest point, 16’ 9” at the lowest point and 75’ wide. The finished work should be fully integrated into the site. (Please see site plan drawings and images.) The site has sidewalks on 3 of its 4 borders. Possible considerations for proposal, in addition to those listed in the project overview: projected imagery, lighting; seating that does not encourage loitering; hardscaping; barrier wall(s) particularly those which may conceal waste/ recycling receptacles/ bins; and ways to move people through the site.

Design must keep sidewalks clear and safe as well as be pet, children, and family friendly. The installation may be in the range of 12’ tall. No “overhanging” parts are permitted by the City. It is the responsibility of the artist to verify all dimensions, opportunities, and constraints of the site. The City of Rock Hill has potential plans for adding a crosswalk adjacent to the site, perhaps painted.

BUDGET/SCOPE:

The WAI’s budget for the design, construction and completion of this project is $30,000. Yet, there is potential for an additional $5,000 in reserve if needed. The proposed budget of $30,000 is intended to cover all associated costs for the visioning, design, fabrication, and installation, including artist and apprentice fees, proposal, materials (See MAINTENANCE & DURABILITY), additional labor, insurance, shipping, travel, and convening expenses. Artist does not pay for site preparation.

A preliminary itemized budget and timeline are required with submission. Upon award of the contract, the chosen artist(s)/designer(s) will be required to submit a finalized itemized fee proposal. This budget should include all expenses associated with the design, fabrication and installation related labor, materials, contracted services (consultants and apprentices), insurance, meetings and travel required to complete the project not to exceed $30,000.

Application Requirements

SUBMISSION DETAILS:

Artists/designers may apply as individuals or as a team. All proposals must be submitted through Café. IMPORTANT: Each artist can submit up to 3 proposals with 20 images. These can be images of sketches, renderings, etc. If you wish to enter additional proposals, checkout and submit the first application, then repeat the process for up to 3 applications.

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS:

• Design Proposal: In a written statement, discuss a concept and details for the project. Include a brief outline, materials to be used, a preliminary budget, and timeline.
• Design Images: Submit at least 5, but no more than 10 digital images of site-specific design ideas and renderings. Images must be submitted as "High" quality JPEGs, per Café.
• Work Sample Images: Submit at least 5, but no more than 10 digital images of professional work. Images must be submitted as "High" quality JPEGs.
• Resume: If submitting as a team, one resume for each team member should be submitted, as one document as a pdf. We ask that it include a list of previous public art projects and locations.
• 3 Professional References: Submit a list of three professional references that have an intimate knowledge of the artist’s work and working methods. Include complete addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses. Also as a pdf.

SELECTION PROCESS:

The WAI Selection Committee, comprised of multi-disciplinary community leaders, will review proposals. A selection will be based on the following criteria:

• Experience and success in creating public artworks in collaboration with architects, design teams, and diverse community members
• Aesthetic merit of past projects; appropriateness of artistic medium and concept
• Excellence in quality of art or design
• Connection to themes, site and community
• Impact on the audience/visitor
• Durability, safety and resistance to vandalism
• Minimal maintenance requirements

Tentative Timeline:               

The WAI Selection Committee reserves the right to reject any or all applications, proposals, applicants, projects and to modify or terminate the application process or the selection process for any reason and without prior notice.

Eligibility Criteria

ELIGIBILITY & QUALIFICATIONS:

Professional artists and designers who have demonstrated success with outdoor public works of art, with evidence of track record, are encouraged to apply. This opportunity is open to participation by individuals 18 years of age or older residing in any of the United States. Artists/ designers who reside or have their studios within the southeastern United States, are highly encouraged to apply. Board and committee members of WAI or selection panel are not eligible to apply.