Request for Proposals

The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County is seeking temporary & permanent installations/works for its annual ArtScape 7 public art installation.  The Arts Council is looking for 3-D outdoor sculptures/works/installations and will place 15-20 temporary works at varied and diverse outdoor sites in downtown Fayetteville & surrounding areas.  Works will be leased for a period of no less than one year. In addition to the temporary installations the Arts Council is also looking to purchase several permanent works for the Cape Fear River Trail and Murchison Road Corridor. 

For ArtScape 7 our organization agrees to pay selected artists a one-year lease of $1,500, $3,000 or $5,000+.  Please be advised that in addition to the lease fee, each sponsored artwork will be allotted a travel stipend of up to $500 per installation.  Each artist is responsible for installation and de-installation of their public art.

Selection Criteria

Selection criteria shall include, but not limited to: Artistic excellence, safety, suitability for public display, compatibility with site(s) available, durability and maintenance. The selection committee will make recommendations to the City’s Public Art Commission who will forward all final recommendations to the City Manager for final decisions.

Artist Benefits

Artists will have the opportunity to list the works for sale and should provide purchase price with submission and acknowledge if the lease fee will be applied towards the purchase. Artists will receive a payment of 70% on any individual sale; all sold works must remain on display for the duration of the loan period.  Artist will also receive a travel stipend of up to $500.00 for travel expenses (IRS mileage rate or gas re-imbursements).

The Arts Council will carry liability and damage insurance for the course of the exhibition.  The Arts Council will publicize the exhibit though its website, brochures, social media and print advertising. There will be on-site recognition to the artist. Artist will be invited to an opening reception to recognize all artists and donors for the public art program. 

The Arts Council has purchased 11 pieces of public art since 2018, which has resulted in over $125,000 in fees to artists.

Proposed Timeline

·         Applications Open in Café:  February 10, 2023

·         Application Deadline: March 21, 2023.

·         Artist Notification of Provisional Acceptance: April 15, 2023 (Pending approval of Public Art Commission 2nd week of April)

·         Artist Notification of Final Acceptance/Sponsored Piece: April 30, 2023.

·         Installation Period: Between June 15, 2023, and June 30, 2023.

Removal Period: Between June 1, 2024, and June 15, 2024 (One year after installation date).

Application Requirements

Artwork for ArtScape 7 will juried by artwork, as such Artists are required to submit a separate application for each artwork to be considered for the show, and may submit up to a maximum of 4 different applications for ArtScape 7.  Each application request must include the artist’s contact information, biography and up to 3 images showing various angles of ONE existing piece, a short statement regarding the work and a description of its installation/removal requirements and provisions for stability to include size of concrete pad/hard surface, if required for safe installation.  If an artist would like to submit more than one artwork they must submit an additional application for each artwork, up to a maximum of 4.

Additionally, each application should provide a number of extra laborers need for installation/deinstallation and any special equipment is required. Application must include the lease price for the exhibition period and sale price, if not for sale the insurance value must be listed. All applications must also include an Artist bio, Artist statement and brief description of artwork.  Arts Council will retain 30% of the sales price and Artist agrees that lease price will be deducted from the sales price if sold during the exhibition.

Any and all questions regarding Installation or Request for Proposals should be addressed to Antonio Renteria at 910-323-1776 ext. 1003 or Antonior@theartscouncil.com

Eligibility Criteria

Selection criteria shall include, but not limited to: Artistic excellence, safety, suitability for public display, compatibility with site(s) available, durability and maintenance. The selection committee will make recommendations to the City’s Public Art Commission who will forward all final recommendations to the City Manager for final decisions.