LOCATION/CONTEXT: The new Fire Rescue Station #11 will replace the second oldest fire station in Norfolk. It is centrally located on Lafayette Boulevard in Fairmount Park, one of many established neighborhoods of Norfolk. Fairmount Park is a solid mixed income neighborhood with modest homes, tree-lined streets, and strong character located in the middle of Norfolk. Dating back to 1899 it is one of the most culturally, ethnically, and generationally diverse and integrated neighborhoods. It is bordered by the waterways of the Lafayette River and Wayne’s Creek.

Beginning in 2002, neighborhood residents came together and worked with the City to create the Fairmount Park Neighborhood Revitalization Plan. The Plan addresses economic and business development, housing, homeownership and conservation, infrastructure, public facilities and services, parks and trails, public safety, and emergency services. The new fire station was always a part of the ‘02 plan. The fire station will serve 11 different neighborhoods and will be a beacon, a landmark in the business corridor for the neighborhood and for the city. The new building is modern and aesthetically designed with the newest ideas of sustainability and efficiency to create calm and reduce trauma for firefighters and paramedics. The station is part of the natural progression of economic development for Lafayette.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The committee wants inspiring, engaging, forward-thinking art that will make a strong statement and live up to the quality of the building design. The artwork should stimulate thought and serve as an example of creativity, be adventurous, and embraced by a younger generation rather than tell the history. It should tell the story of a safe resilient neighborhood.

PROJECT SITE: The identified site for the artwork is a plaza area on the northwest corner of the new building site. A site plan is included.

SIZE/MEDIUM: The artwork should be large enough to be seen by vehicular traffic but also enjoyed by pedestrians both during the day and at night. There is electricity at the site. The artwork must be made of durable, permanent materials that are safe and easily maintained and will stand the test of time.  

PROJECT FUNDS: Up to three finalists may be selected to be virtually interviewed by the Art Planning Committee. The finalists are not expected to complete a design at this stage but will be interviewed about past work and creative process. The committee reserves the right to select the final artist without a finalist process.

The total budget for the completed, delivered, and installed artwork is $125,000. This will cover artist’s honorarium, engineering, fabrication, installation, materials, shipping, insurance, and travel expenses necessary to complete the project, project plaque, final documentation, and any incidental expenses. The artist must hire a Virginia licensed contractor to install the artwork(s). The selected artist may be asked to present a community educational workshop or presentation.

Please note that a city contract will be issued with a design phase requiring review and approval by the Norfolk Arts Commission prior to fabrication.

The selected artist must carry a Commercial General Liability Insurance Policy naming the City of Norfolk as an additional insured and must provide certificates of insurance to that effect guaranteeing thirty (30) days written notice before any changes to the policies become effective. Insurance can be purchased, and certificate presented after the first payment is made. If the artist employs anyone in connection with this work, the artist must carry a workers compensation insurance policy and an automobile liability insurance policy if appropriate. The artist shall also be responsible for assuring subcontractors, if there are any, meet the same insurance requirements.  

CALENDAR: This calendar is subject to change.

November 27, 2022, 11:59 p.m. MST time, submittal due date and time

Winter 2022, selection announced

Spring 2024, completion of art

SELECTION CRITERIA AND AWARD CONSIDERATIONS: The commission will be awarded based on many factors such as the aesthetic value, creativity, and contemporary relevance of the proposed piece. The city will consider the diversity of beliefs and values and general standards of decency of the citizens who fund the commission and purchase public art for the City of Norfolk. The award will be made to the responsible offeror whose submission is determined in writing to be the most advantageous to the City taking into consideration the evaluation factors set forth in this Request for Proposal.

The following criteria will be used in the proposal evaluation process:

• Artistic merit (excellence, originality, creativity, and innovative approaches) as evidenced by submitted materials

• Professional artistic experience to fulfill the requirements of this project either in studio, educational, community, employment and/or art projects and the ability to undertake the design, creation, and installation of the artwork

• Appropriateness of materials, style, and concepts in relation to this prospectus

Application Requirements

Submission must be submitted  via Cafe Call for Entry

by 11:59 PM MDT on November 27, 2022. There is no application fee to apply or use the online application system.

The following materials are required:

1.      Statement of Understanding By submitting your application, you agree to the Statement of Understanding located in the Rules and Terms section.

2.      Letter of Interest outline your interest in this project and how you will approach the artwork design and creation. (500-word max)

3.      Resume, maximum of two (2) pages, outlining your professional accomplishments.  If submitting as a team, please include resumes for each team member, with each resume not exceeding two (2) pages.

4.      Artwork Images, selection of up to ten (10) images representing artworks most relevant to the scope of this opportunity. 

5.      References, three (3) professional references, including name, affiliated organization (if appropriate), email address, phone number, and relationship to each reference.   

Eligibility Criteria

All artists with experience building large scale free-standing exterior artwork may apply.