MUNICIPALITY OF ANCHORAGE  

Request for Proposals 

Public Art Program | Public Works  

PO Box 196650 

Anchorage, AK  99519-6650 

(907) 343-6473  

Solid Waste Services - Central Transfer Station 

Deadline for Entries: May 1st, 2023 11:59 PM MST 

Contact: Curator of Public Art, Public Art Program, (907) 343-6473 

Amount of Commission: $560,000; Location 1: $300,000, Location 2: $60,000, Location 3: $200,000 

Eligibility: Open Entry 

Code 

In accordance with AMC 7.40, the Municipality of Anchorage is inviting qualified artists to create public artwork proposals for the Department of Solid Waste Services’ (SWS) newly constructed Central Transfer Station (CTS), located in Anchorage, Alaska.   

Project Information  

Central Transfer Station is scheduled for substantial completion of construction by March 31, 2023. The installation of artwork will be coordinated with the Curator of Public Art and the SWS Department.  

Site Description 

Under this request for proposals, the Art Selection Jury intends to commission artwork for three separate locations, totaling $560,000 to be permanently installed throughout the Solid Waste Services’ newly constructed Central Transfer Station. Location 1 ($300,000) consists of four separate sites that follow the path of users as they approach the residential unloading zone. These are exterior, landscaped areas with high visibility and vehicular traffic. Location 2 ($60,000) is an exterior site, situated at the exit from the Residential Unloading area. This exterior wall area is composed of two separate walls offset by approximately 16’ 6.5”. Location 3 ($200,000) is the interior entry area of the administrative building. This atrium area consists of two levels of continuous windows, facing east, and an open stairwell with a lofted ceiling. 

A monument to SWS and Anchorage’s commitment to “Do Something.” This facility demonstrates a significant step towards long term sustainable practice goals throughout the Anchorage Municipality, extending the life of the Anchorage Regional Landfill, decreasing fleet travel, fuel use, and emissions. The Central Transfer Station is a cleaner, safer, and more efficient facility to serve the residents of the Municipality of Anchorage. The new facility will streamline operations, use energy wisely, and open up more space for innovation in recycling and reusing. With all the extra space, these improvements will be accomplished while reducing wait times for all users. These improvements keep materials out of our landfill, extending the life of a vital community resource. 

Past additions and renovations to Solid Waste Services’ Administrative building and headquarters have resulted in two commissioned works of art: Untitled, by Harold Balazs, a whimsical depiction of a raven’s activities rendered in enamel on steel; and Untitled, a marble sculpture of a polar bear by artist Sylvester Ayek. 

The Central Transfer Station is located off 56th Avenue, across the street from the current Solid Waste Services Administrative building and headquarters. 1208 E 56th Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99507 

A location guide and location renderings are attached here for reference: 

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/xrpmbg3qzjmodg6/AAAj_t0eaZlFSeKbj94mEgPka?dl=0  

LOCATIONS 

Location 1:  

Residential Vehicle Access Route (A, B, C, & D): $300,000 

This location consists of four individual sites that follow the path of residential users as they approach the Residential Unloading Zone entry. The four sites are identified on the attached location guide as 1.A, 1.B, 1.C, & 1.D. Proposals for this location are expected to address all four sites. Pile foundations have been installed at each site to support artwork installations. Each foundation can support a static load of up to 4,000 pounds. Detailed technical specifications are provided on the Art Foundations Technical Memo, linked below with other supporting documents. Additionally, access to electrical power is provided near foundations 1.A and 1.D to support proposed lighting.  

For this location, the Art Selection Jury is interested in seeing proposals that utilize the four sites to convey a narrative of circular economy and reflect on extended material life. The intent of a circular material process is to emphasize the reuse of materials at the end of product life, continuing production in a sustainable way and reducing waste stream. Preference will be given to proposals at this location that incorporate or reference recycled materials.  

A successful proposal will be designed to interact or otherwise engage with the surrounding natural environment. It is suggested that this connection be explored through a responsive engagement with the natural elements, such as wind, rain, sun, etc. Areas to explore this interest include but are not limited to: 

• Light, introducing color and vibrancy to the landscape – this can be from controlled lighting or light responsive materials
• Kinetic, utilizing potential energy from wind and rain – any kinetic elements should not be electrically powered
• Sound, responding to wind, rain, sun, etc.

The viewer perspective should be given consideration in the development of proposals – facility users will typically be seated in a vehicle as they head towards the residential unloading area. Artwork cannot create a hazard to drivers near the roadway. 

Location images and Foundations technical memo can be found at the following link: 

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/knml7d2vpo1cywq/AADbM2vrBJCDvWYyjoF0lja6a?dl=0 

All dimensions are approximate 

Location 2:  

Residential Unloading Zone Exit: $60,000 

This location is an exterior wall area, situated to the left of users exiting the Residential Unloading Zone. The surface area is composed of two walls. The lower wall is approximately 10’ 6” in height. The upper wall is approximately 17’ 6” in height. The two walls have a horizontal setback of approximately 16’ 6.5”, with the upper wall being farther away from the viewer’s vantage point. Both upper and lower wall areas are approximately 82’ 9.5” long. There are rectangular exhaust vents on both wall areas.  

For this location, the Art Selection Jury is accepting proposals for two-dimensional mural work. Artwork in any medium suitable to the exterior wall will be considered. Please note that, while a material may be mounted to the wall the wall may not be punctured in order to mount artwork. The walls are composed of insulated metal panels that cannot be pierced. The color scheme for the building is based on Sherwin Williams color systems, which include Drift of Mist, style SW9166, Peppercorn, style SW7674, and Stolen Kiss, style SW7586. A successful proposal for art in this location will consider the existing color palette for facility integration. 

The content of artwork should address land stewardship concepts relating to circular material use with an emphasis on sustainability. Artwork for this location is intended to be a source of inspiration for the future and reflective of the mission to “Do Something” toward a resilient, sustainable future. Proposals should be engaging for both youth and elder generations.  

Location images and facility color scheme documentation can be found at the following link: 

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/d1dpnqyfiv1dfk7/AABZ1lVNLhBbQ_ifj85pJe5Ia?dl=0 

All dimensions are approximate 

Proposals that require piercing the wall surface to mount artwork will not be considered.  

Location 3:   

Entry Atrium, Administrative Building: $200,000 

This location is the interior entry to the Central Transfer Station’s Administrative support building. The entry atrium consists of two levels with access to the residential unloading zone and tipping floor viewing area, Engineering on Display area, and staff offices. An open stairwell with lofted ceiling and east-facing windows creates a well illuminated and high trafficked area for this two-story art installation site. The industrial steel facility aesthetic is carried into this area with visible structural elements and paneled wood ceiling.  

The Art Selection Jury is interested in seeing proposals for this area that consider wall-mounted, suspended, and architecturally integrated design concepts. Artwork that incorporates or responds to light and introduces color and vibrancy to the facility is encouraged. The facility’s color scheme should be considered for the integration of artwork. Proposed art cannot obstruct foot traffic or otherwise create a hazard.  

This area has high visibility and will serve as a welcoming point for the building’s visitors and facility staff. Proposals for this location should be eye-catching and engaging. The content of artwork should address the concept of land stewardship and connect with both youth and elder generations. Suggested areas of focus for this topic include the passing down of knowledge, and a reflection on past, present, and future stewardship practices.  

Location images and facility color scheme documentation can be found at the following link: 

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/s9661xko96unar1/AAD9LBHhdM_vbcxF1Jlecwz9a?dl=0 

 All dimensions are approximate 

The Art Selection Jury is interested in seeing proposals from artists or artist teams and welcomes proposals for more than one location. Proposals for each location should be submitted separately. 

THEMES 

The overarching themes discussed by the art selection jury, for all locations, focuses on land stewardship. There is a strong interest to show respect for those that have come before us, including the indigenous people that have cared for the Dena’ina lands for thousands of years, and thoughtful municipal governance. By reflecting on the thoughtfulness of those values, taking a wholistic approach, and tangibly committing to make a difference now, those that come after will continue to thrive. 

Suggested topics of exploration include, but are not limited to: 

• Reflection on Past, present, and future of land stewardship
• Recognition that the individual and the community affect the impact on the local environment.
• Responsible stewardship protects everyone’s health:
  • Keeping household hazardous waste out of waste stream & landfill
  • Reduce, reuse, repurpose, & recycle
  • Wholistic consideration of natural ecosystems and our place within them

A word from the municipal Solid Waste Services Department: 

SWS is committed to “Do something”. We are not content with the status quo and are always on the lookout for innovative processes and improvements to enhance our operations for the benefit of the community, the economy, and the environment. This facility is the heart of Anchorage’s sustainability initiatives, providing a home for innovation on things like new recycling and reuse opportunities that all contribute to cultivating a more resilient community. 

It is our desire that the art installations selected for this project reflect our values and demonstrate our commitment to the community and the environment. These installations should be a strong, positive reflection of our responsibility to “Do something” toward a resilient, sustainable future for the greater good. 

Learn more about this initiative and the new Central Transfer Station: 

https://newswscentraltransferstation.com/ 

REQUIREMENTS 

There are no restrictions on style or the design of artwork, but the proposal must provide assurance that the artwork will be durable and routine maintenance requirements will be minimal. Also, surplus materials (2%) will be required for future maintenance needs, if appropriate. The installation must be permanent and must be designed to last the life of the facility. This is an earthquake area and artwork needs to meet standards in the IBC 2018 building code as amended by the Municipality of Anchorage. All commissioned artwork is subject to municipal permitting requirements, and any such requirements must be met prior to artwork installation. 

Artists are required to submit the following items:  

1. Six digital images from your artist portfolio should be loaded into CaFE (callforentry.org) following the guidelines on that site. 

2. Each image should be identified with title, materials, dimensions, and value.  

3. Current 1-2 page resume, including 3 professional references. 

4. Your artist statement should include a description of why you are interested in or particularly qualified for this project. Your statement should also address any experience or work sample deficiencies in relation to your chosen medium.  

5.  A brief conceptual proposal which identifies location, medium, and thematic relevance. 

BUDGET  

The total budget for artwork is $560,000. This includes three separate project locations: $300,000 for location 1, $60,000 for location 2, and $200,000 for location 3. Budgets are to cover all costs associated with the commissioning of artwork, including but not limited to design, fabrication, any travel and accommodations, transportation, installation, photographic documentation, catalog documentation and an identifying plaque. Any permitting, or engineer fees required must be paid by the artist. Any structural or engineer fees for approved structure modifications, must be paid by artist. State laws related to public construction, including licensing, insurance, bonding, and payment of prevailing wage rates, may apply. 

SELECTION CRITERIA 

Artists will be selected to develop proposals with the project team based on: 

Artistic Merit as evidenced by representation of relevant past work in images.   

Appropriateness of the artist’s medium, style and previous experience in relation to the project goals and setting. 

Experience with projects of a similar scale and scope including familiarity with the public art process, the public review approval process, and/or collaboration with high schools, design agencies, and art selection juries.   

Artists must have good communication skills and be able to work with diverse community members.  

The program goal to reflect a diversity of artists and media through representation of new and traditional artforms practiced in local, regional, national, and international arts communities in a range of style, scale, media, form, and intent. Artists with no prior public art experience will be seriously considered.  Artists with strong bodies of work, with little public art background are encouraged to apply and will be given equal consideration.   

ART SELECTION JURY 

Participating in the new Central Transfer Station process from the beginning, Rachel Lacy is a representative from the Solid Waste Services Department. Andrew Repking, also deeply involved in the construction of the new facility, is a municipal representative, alongside Steve Elis from the department of Project Management & Engineering. Quintin Biagi, Senior Architect with Tetratech, is the project’s Design Architect. Clare Boersma is an active community member that has been long involved with the CTS project and Aaron Slonecker brings his passion and experience for science and education from the Anchorage Museum to the Art Selection Jury. Michael Conti, a resident photographer and filmmaker, sits as the artist representative. Non-voting members include Gideon Gerlt, the Curator of Public Art and John Ellinwood, Project Manager and Managing Principal from PPS Consulting. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION  

Requests for additional information may be directed to the Curator of Public Art, Municipality of Anchorage, Department of Public Works.  The telephone number is (907) 343-6473; the FAX number is (907) 249-7567. The Public Art Program for the Municipality of Anchorage can be found on the web at: 

https://www.muni.org/Departments/Public_Works_Administration/PublicArt/Pages/default.aspx

Application Requirements

REQUIREMENTS 

There are no restrictions on style or the design of the artwork, but the proposal must provide assurance that the artwork will be durable and routine maintenance requirements will be minimal.  Also, surplus materials (2%) will be required for future maintenance needs, if appropriate. The installation must be permanent and must be designed to last the life of the building.

Eligibility Criteria

Open Entry