Call Detail
Ridgefield, WA Overpass Artwork
https://ridgefieldwa.us

Entry Deadline: 6/10/22
Application Closed
Number of Applications Allowed: 2
Work Sample Requirements
Images | Minimum:Min. 3, Maximum:Max. 6
Total Samples | Minimum:Min. 3, Maximum:Max. 6
Call Type: Public Art
Eligibility: National
State: Washington
Budget: 75,000

Project Location: Two Overpass Bridges

This RFQ involves artwork at two locations, both overpass bridges. The first project location is a freeway overpass at the Ridgefield off of the interstate. The exit takes drivers into the commercial area of the City that hosts small shops and eateries, a grocery store, a medical clinic, parks and is the future home of a college campus and YMCA. 

Continuing past the commercial area approximately six (6) miles on a winding road with views of natural areas and neighborhoods leading to downtown Ridgefield featuring historic buildings, walkable tree-lined streets with small businesses and parks. The second project location is an overpass, completed in 2021, that takes drivers over the railroad tracks to the waterfront area. The overpass is two traffic lanes and pedestrian walkway.

The artwork will be located on the screens installed on each side of both bridges. The screens will be the footprint for the proposed artwork.

Call for Artists: With this multi-part process, the City of Ridgefield seeks to identify and select a qualified public artist to create and install a site-specific artwork on the screens located on two overpass bridges. The City seeks qualifications from experienced public artists (or artist teams) who specialize in site specific artwork. The individual or team of individuals must be able to:

  •  Design unique, three dimensional artwork that connects two distinct areas of the City,
  • Work with physical constraints (e.g., structural considerations, environmental restrictions, and permitting requirements),
  • Collaborate with agency staff to ensure the successful installation of the artwork, and
  • Design and implement the project within a budget.

 Project Goals: The City aims to accomplish six primary goals with this project:

  •  Showcase the city’s unique character on the freeway entrance.
  • Enhance the downtown area as the gateway to the Lake River waterfront.
  • Showcase the birds and wildlife on the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge.
  • Be site specific and original.
  • Be inviting and aesthetically appealing.
  • Be viewable as a drive by experience.

 Some restrictions the artist should take into account:

  •  Lighting: Lighting as part of the artwork should be avoided due to adverse impacts on drivers.
  • Permitting Requirements: The final artist will be required to comply with City of Ridgefield permitting requirements including [??] for the proposed public art, and an installation plan. [Will the City pay permitting fees?]
  • The artwork must be able to withstand Washington’s weather, require little or no maintenance and not create an invitation for vandalism.

 

Application Requirements

Application Requirements

Complete submissions must include the following:

Letter of Intent: The letter must describe the artist’s interest in the project, description of the expected design approach and type of materials that will be used, an understanding of the physical setting and context of the locations; and description of any experience with similar project design, construction and/or installation.

 Up to six (6) Images of past works/projects: Images should accurately represent the artwork size, including height and span. Images submitted will only be used for evaluation purposes.

 Artists should provide an image list including the following for each artwork:

  • Title and short description of other relevant project information
  • Commissioning organization
  • Location
  • Date(s) Completed
  • Material/Medium (be specific) and Dimensions
  • Project budget and actual cost.

Three (3) digital images of proposed artwork: Images may be drawings or other representations showing three views of the artwork.

 Resume: A resume outlining the artist’s experience, the experience of the key team members (if applicable) and a brief response to the qualification review criteria.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility

This Request for Qualifications is open to professional artists or teams nationwide with experience in the design, fabrication and installation of public art. Northwest artists are encouraged to apply.

 Artists should have experience in producing permanent, exterior public artworks similar in scale and complexity to this project.