Project Description

Norman Arts Council, on behalf of The City of Norman and Norman Forward 1% Percent for Art for the Flood Avenue Roundabout, is seeking an artist (or team of artists) to create a significant work of art for a new roundabout and entrance to downtown Norman, Oklahoma.

This is a multi-lane roundabout that will connect Flood Avenue to the new James Garner Avenue extension and lead traffic directly into downtown Norman and the Walker Arts District without going through neighborhood streets. The site is approximately 50 feet in diameter. This is one of the first multi-lane roundabouts in the State of Oklahoma.

Norman is a growing, progressive city located 20 miles south of downtown Oklahoma City and is the third-largest city in Oklahoma. The citizens of Norman initiated NORMAN FORWARD, a proposal to renovate, expand, construct and fund Quality of Life projects, such as multiple recreational facilities, libraries, parks, athletic venues, public art, trails, swim complexes and other quality of life projects throughout Norman.  The initiative went to the City Council from community groups, stakeholders, and Norman residents, who prepared an initial package using analysis and information from recreational planning professionals and research firms. In 2015, the City Council placed NORMAN FORWARD on a ballot that was overwhelmingly supported by Norman voters. For more information about Norman, please see http://www.normanok.gov/cm/norman-forwardand www.visitnorman.com.

The land that encompasses Norman was historically the home of many Native Tribes. The Caddo, Osage, Quapaw, and Wichita Tribal Nations are all native to the land that is now Oklahoma. By the early 1800s, the Pawnee, Kiowa, Comanche, Cheyenne, and Arapaho had also migrated into the region or visited to use resources. Some Delaware, Shawnee, Kickapoo, Chickasaw, and Choctaw regularly came to hunt Oklahoma’s abundant bison, beaver, deer, and bear. In the early 1800s, the US assumed control of the area and this became “Indian Territory.” During the Indian Removal Act, many tribes from the eastern US, were forcibly moved to what is now Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska.

The City of Norman was founded in 1889 and the University of Oklahoma followed shortly thereafter in 1890. During WWII, the land that runs along Flood Avenue was a US Navel Base. The University now owns the land, and it is an airport. Near the new roundabout and parallel to James Garner Avenue is Legacy Trail – a walking and biking path that also leads into Downtown Norman. Along the trail are bronze maps and statues that tell the history of Norman. Also parallel to the Trail is a BNSF Railroad. Approximately 25 freight trains pass through Norman daily. The tracks are also used by Amtrak which runs through Norman with a stop twice daily.

The Artwork

The Selection Panel has determined that the most effective artwork will be an iconic three-dimensional sculpture that can be experienced in 360 degrees visibility and centrally located in the roundabout. A concrete pad and electrical are included in the design to accommodate the artwork.

The artwork should create a sense of arrival into Norman and will be the first impression for visitors to the community, therefore could be iconic of Norman. Alternatively, the artwork could be an attraction and not necessarily allude to the identity of the place.

It is important to note that most people who view the work will be drivers. The speed limit at the Roundabout is 30 mph and there will be upwards of 20,000 cars per day that pass by. In addition, the site is visible from both the Amtrak train and those on Legacy Trail as secondary audiences.

This is a very flat and wide-open site with no visible obstructions to the roundabout. The area around the site is immense, and the artwork should be monumental enough to command the open space around it. However, the work needs to consider driver safety and site-lines.

The site is also very windy for much of the year. Wind guests can regularly reach 40 mph. Due to this, we would not recommend a kinetic artwork for this location.

The Selection Panel is open to most media or material that is appropriate to the site if it is durable, safe, low maintenance, and vandalism resistant. However, we do not recommend any reflective materials, as those would pose a danger to drivers.

Weather in Oklahoma is unpredictable – extreme heat and sunlight should be a consideration as should damaging winds (above 40 mph during storms) and hail.

Budget 

The total artist's fee for the project is $175,000.00. This amount must cover all associated costs including design, materials, fabrication, lighting, travel, insurance coverage, shipping, and installation.

Artist Eligibility

Open to professional artists with experience working on public art projects of this scale and working in creating site-specific works.

Artists identifying with an ethnic, cultural, sexual, gender, economic, or ability minority are encouraged to apply.

Timeline

• RFQ Deadline: June 2, 2023 @ 11:59pm MST

The following dates are approximate and subject to change:

• Notify Artists:  Week of June 19, 2023
• Finalists’ Site Visit: Mid-July 2023
• Finalists’ Presentation of Proposals: Late August 2023
• Contract with Selected Artist: October 2023
• Installation and Dedication of Artwork: Early Spring 2024

Committee and Selection Criteria

Selection for this project will be made by a panel including stakeholders, design professionals, City representatives, a member of the Norman Public Art committee, a member of the Norman Arts Council Board, and members of the arts community.

Three finalists will be selected based on the materials submitted.

After a formal presentation by the finalists, the selection panel will choose the best project for the site based on the merit of the artist’s work, experience, and appropriateness of the proposed concept. The Panel will also focus on artists who can demonstrate sensitivity to the site and surroundings. Artists must be able to commit and effectively work within the project timeline and collaborate with the administration of City of Norman Public Works Department and Norman Arts Council.

Selection Process

1. The Selection Panel will review all applicants who respond to this RFQ.
2. Three finalists will be invited to move on in the process.
3. Finalists will come to Norman for a mandatory site visit to meet with the Project Team and others. Finalists will be paid a $600.00 allowance to cover transportation, hotel, and per diem expenses for the site visit.
4. After the site visit, finalists will be asked to create a site-specific design proposal that will include:
   1. a scale model, maquette, or computer-generated design
   2. an itemized budget
   3. a project timeline
   4. project narrative
   5. maintenance plan
5. Finalists will each be awarded an honorarium of $1,000.00 for their proposal.
6. Finalists will be required to present their proposals in-person to the Selection Panel and will receive a $600.00 allowance for transportation, hotel, and per diem expenses for the proposal presentations.
7. The Selection Panel will make the final decision on the artist awarded the project pending approval of the Norman Arts Council and Norman City Council.

Application Requirements

All applications must be submitted via CaFÉ

Submissions for this project must contain the following materials:

• A one page maximum typed letter of interest outlining your qualifications for and interest in the project, as well as the general idea for your approach.  Please consider the following questions when developing your letter of interest:
  • Why do you want to work on this project?
  • How would you approach this project?
  • What materials do you work with that would be appropriate for outdoor use?
  • Have you worked on similar projects? If not, what relevant experiences do you have?
  • How does this project relate to your current work?
• Resume/CV
• Artist Bio/Statement
• Three references with whom you have worked on a public art project, including current telephone number and email address.
• 10 - 15 high-resolution images of previous work you feel would support your ability to carry out this project. Include all pertinent information on your Cafe slides: title, medium, size, date of completion, location, and project details (i.e. Budget commissioning agency, etc., if public art).

Eligibility Criteria

Artist Eligibility

Open to professional artists with experience working on public art projects of this scale and working in creating site-specific works.

Artists identifying with an ethnic, cultural, sexual, gender, economic, or ability minority are encouraged to apply.