Project Overview

Logan Circle Community Association, in partnership with Logan Circle Main Streets and the developers of LIZ –- Whitman-Walker and Five Squares Development, (aka the Partnership), is seeking an artist experienced in designing and fabricating large-scale outdoor public art to create a sculpture that will be installed on a plinth at the southeast corner of 14th and R Streets, NW, outside of LIZ in the Logan Circle neighborhood of Washington, DC. This block of 14th Street, NW, with its wider sidewalks and landscaping, was designed as part of LIZ to be an inviting community space.  The project is contingent on receiving grant funding, which members of the Partnership plan to seek from one or more sources.

Project Goals

·  Create an iconic, vibrant design element on 14th Street, NW.

·  Contribute to an inviting community space with art that engages the public and promotes communal activities at this corner.

·  Foster an emotional connection to the community, reflective of its history and cultures.

Design Requirements

1.     The sculpture will be installed on the plinth at the southeast corner of 14th and R Streets, NW, as shown in the attached plan.  The sculpture shall not extend beyond the plinth, which is 8 feet square. The scale should match the surroundings and be site responsive, with the height in the range of 8 – 20 feet. (The height of first floor of LIZ, the building adjacent to the plinth, is 15 feet.) 

2.     The artwork must be highly durable, sustainable, and low maintenance. It should demonstrate maintainability, UV protection, sustained structural and surface soundness, and resistance to vandalism and weathering. 

3.     The sculpture must be fire resistant.

4.     Because of maintenance concerns, water features will not be allowed but lighting components will be considered.

Application Requirements

Application and Selection Process

The process will unfold in two phases; please refer to the detailed calendar below. In phase one, artists will submit images of previous work, qualifications, and an initial concept sketch of the art for the Logan Circle neighborhood project.  A panel comprised of approximately five community stakeholders, with input for mothers in the neighborhood, will review the applications and narrow the field to no more than three artists, each of whom will advance to phase two and will receive a $500 stipend to develop their concept further.

 Phase One

Applicants are required to submit the following documents through our online form (mailed applications will not be accepted):

1.     Artist contact information

2.     Single PDF to include:

a.     Artist resume

b.     Initial concept sketch of the proposed design and a brief written description, including materials and size (This information and sketch does not have to be in color, detailed or final.)

c.      Work samples: 5-10 images of previous relevant artwork submitted as high-quality JPG files

d.     Image identification list: List that identifies the work samples

e.     Professional references: Names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses for three references

f.      List of insurance carriers and policies to certify artist’s general liability insurance carrier and coverage status

The review panel will base scores on the following criteria:

1.     Skills & Experience: The artist demonstrates experience completing projects of comparable scope and scale.

2.     Artistic Content:  Portfolio reflects originality, technical skill, and knowledge/experience of materials and fabrication methods suitable for permanent installation in a public environment. 

3.     Design: Proposed design shows originality and sensitivity to the site. Design must engage the public, promote communal activities at the location, foster a positive emotional connection to the community, and be reflective of its history and cultures. For more information on the history of the neighborhood, go to https://www.logancircle.org/partners-1. History of the corner of 14th and R Streets, NW is described there under Heritage Trail marker #4.

4.     Community Connection: The artist demonstrates an understanding of the connection the artwork will have to the neighborhood.

5.     Local Preference: DC-based artists will be given preference in the event of identical scoring.

Phase Two

Finalists shall submit the information listed below, which will be reviewed by a panel of approximately five community stakeholders. Artists may be invited to present their concepts to the representatives of the following local organizations: Logan Circle Community Association, the Advisory Committee of the Logan Circle Main Streets, and members of ANC 2F for their input. The final selection will be made by the review panel alone.

Finalists will be asked to submit the following in a single PDF, along with a maquette of the work:

a.     A minimum of three detailed renderings

b.     A proposed budget (artist fee, supplies, labor installation costs)

c.      A timeline that indicates all steps of the project, including installation

Eligibility Criteria

Artists must have experience in sculptural design and/or fabrication.  The competition is restricted to artists living and working in the District of Columbia, and in Maryland and Virginia within approximately 50 miles of the District. Artists who live or work in Washington, DC are especially encouraged to apply.