The City of Norwalk Connecticut and the Norwalk Arts Commission is soliciting a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for artists and artists’ teams for a site-specific outdoor public art project that will be installed at the Metro North Underpass at Monroe Street in Norwalk, CT. The established budget for the project is $25,000-$50,000 (subject to change). Artists working in 2-D media are invited to apply.  The call is open to all local and national artists and artist teams. The winning artist or team will be responsible for all aspects of design and installation and affiliated costs (travel, materials, insurance, etc). 

Site Details:

The Monroe Street underpass is adjacent to the South Norwalk train station and is in a high traffic and quickly developing area of Norwalk. The walls are concrete and the size is approximately 1800 sq ft. Walls on both sides of the street are to be painted. There are additional walls on the ends of the underpass that are also available. This location is the property of the Connecticut Department of Transportation and the selected artist(s) will need to carry a 1M insurance rider and follow DOT guidelines on artwork installation. The NAC will assist with necessary approvals and will work directly with the DOT.  

About the Norwalk Arts Commission:

The roots of the Norwalk Arts Commission go back to the 1970’s, but it wasn’t until 2017, that the Norwalk Arts Commission became an official part of the City of Norwalk. The commission consists of 11 Norwalk residents appointed by the Mayor. The commission members are stewards for Norwalk’s public art collection, cultural assets, public art policy, and the creative community. The commission believes that Norwalk’s cultural and artistic landscape is an incredible asset, providing economic value and a place where the creative community can gather and thrive.

Project Intent and Design Focus:

The project is open to all forms of 2-D art, representative, abstract, expressive, minimal, community based, etc. A specific focus or theme is not required, and the artist is encouraged to create this artwork in their unique style and voice. The NAC endeavors to expand public art in Norwalk and support artists in their creative pursuits.  

Artist requirements:

The NAC seeks artists or artists’ teams who are proficient in the creation of outdoor public murals. Durability and low maintenance of all materials is required. This site will not require large equipment but will require the use of ladders or simple scaffolding. See the attached site images for complete details. This project is open to any US citizen age 18 or older. 

Project Funds:

$25,000.00-$50,000 is available to commission the artwork from the Norwalk Art in Public Places fund. This amount includes all fees and expenses associated with the project, e.g., materials, equipment, labor, permits, travel, installation, insurance, per diem, etc. This budget is subject to change. The exact budget will be determined during the proposal phase with considerations to be made in fairness to the artist as well as the city’s budget. 

Timeframe (Subject to Change): 

The RFQ is open for 45 days, at which point three finalists will be selected. The three finalists will receive a $500 stipend to develop a proposal design of the artwork to present to the NAC and the community in Norwalk, CT. The NAC will select an artist to complete the project based on the presentations and designs submitted by the top three artists. The proposal of the artist will be further developed and will require input and consideration from the NAC and the community. 

·   RFQ announced: April 15  2022

·   RFQ closes: June 1 2022

·   Jurying of Proposals: June-July 2022

·   Three finalists announced: August 2022

·   Artist selected: September 2022

·   Planning and Design: October - November 2022

·   Mural approval by NAC and DOT process start: December 2022

·   Project Completion by June 2023

Application Requirements

Submission Requirements 

Please review and follow the printable image preparation guide on the CaFÉ website. Digital media on-line submissions must follow the CaFÉ image uploading requirements. 

Submit from three (3) to ten (10) images of previous work. Digital images should include the artist’s name, artwork title, dimension/size, media, date of creation, and cost, in addition to any in-kind consideration. 

Images - Minimum: 3, Maximum: 10

Artist name and address must be on every page of any documents that are submitted. All word and quantity limits must be followed for submission materials. 

Artist Statement

Artist Resumé

References

This online process requires that all application images and materials be submitted in digital format. For digital image requirements please visit the “Image Prep” section at CaFÉ, (www.callforentry.org). 

Proposals and designs are not required at this time. The NAC is currently looking for artists who demonstrate the skills and expertise necessary to complete a large-scale outdoor work and a strong artistic voice and point of view. Please do not include proposals for this location with your application.

Eligibility Criteria

This RFQ is open to all United States based artist and artist teams, 18 years of age or older.