The Arts and Cultural Heritage Division (ACHD) of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Prince George’s Department of Parks and Recreation invites individual artists and artist teams to submit applications for exterior sculptural artwork to be installed on a temporary basis at the Montpelier Arts Center in Laurel, Maryland. ACHD is seeking existing sculptural works that fit the criteria described in this solicitation, rather than design and fabrication of new work.

Applications will be accepted in either CaFÉ or Submittable, but not both. Applicants who are members of CaFÉ, should apply in CaFÉ only.

The Montpelier Arts Center shares grounds with the Montpelier House Museum (Montpelier Mansion), a local historical landmark and venue for public and private events. The Arts Center houses galleries, artist studios and classrooms, as well as administrative offices. Both facilities are operated by The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Department of Parks and Recreation. The Arts Center hosts gallery exhibitions and related events, classes for adults and children, as well as musical performances and other community events. As such, it is used daily for daytime and evening activities.

The selected artwork will be placed on a concrete pad sited on a lawn area at the center of the circular driveway directly in front of the entry to the Arts Center and grounds leading to the Montpelier House Museum.  Dimensions of the concrete pad measure is approximately 14 feet in diameter and 6 inches in height. Based on engineering specifications, the pad can support a variety of types and weights of sculpture.

Public Art Goals

This public art project seeks to enhance the outdoor environment of the Montpelier Arts Center and Mansion by:

·         Making a significant statement that relates to the sense of place associated with the site.

·         Having a strong daytime and nighttime presence.

·         Setting a standard of excellence for future public art projects planned for Prince George’s County.

·         Capturing Prince George’s County’s historic and modern significance to the Greater Washington, D.C. region.

ABOUT THE PROJECT SPONSORS

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is a bi-county agency established in 1927 that serves both Prince George's and Montgomery Counties in Maryland by providing long-range planning, park acquisition/development, and administration of the Prince George’s County Recreation Program.

The Prince George’s Department of Parks and Recreation is a well-respected leader in the field with an unprecedented six national gold medals for excellence. It operates and maintains more than 27,000 acres of parkland throughout the county.  With cooperation and input from diverse communities throughout Prince George's County, the Department operates a comprehensive park and recreation system that offers programs and facilities designed to meet the needs and interests of patrons of all ages. 

Each year, as a Division of the M-NCPPC/ Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County and through funding support provided by the Maryland State Arts Council, the Arts and Cultural Heritage Division (ACHD) presents hundreds of concerts, exhibitions, live performances, classes, camps, festivals, heritage celebrations and other high quality creative programming and services to enhance opportunities for public engagement and awareness of the rich history of Prince George’s County.  In addition, ACHD also manages a portfolio of Prince George’s County properties that include arts centers, historic cultural heritage sites, and an arena with an equestrian center.  Rounding out its program offerings, ACHD conducts public art projects for community centers, as well as provides mobile arts activities services via its Arts On A Roll vehicle throughout Prince George’s County.

BUDGET AND SCHEDULE

Budget

The budget for the temporary art installation is $3,000 for the two-year exhibition period. Payment for the project will be made in two installments: with a deposit of $2,000 paid upon successful installation of the artwork and initiation of the project, and a final payment of $1,000 upon the successful deinstallation and completion of the project.

Schedule

It is anticipated that the sculpture will be installed in October 2023 and be on display through October 2025, with subsequent selected sculptures being installed approximately every two years. The exact schedule for soliciting future proposals will be dependent upon agency budget and other factors.

While this is intended to be an opportunity for rotating sculpture, ACHD reserves the right to request that the sculpture exhibition term be extended upon agreement with the artist/team. Artists will retain ownership of sculptures, unless otherwise authorized and arranged.

Application Requirements

A COMPLETE SUBMISSION MUST INCLUDE ALL THE INFORMATION AND MATERIALS DESCRIBED BELOW:

·         Images of no more than 5 different sculptures, at varying angles, with the total number of images submitted not to exceed 10;

·         An accompanying image identifying sheet providing descriptive information of the proposed sculpture including the artwork name (if any), materials, dimensions, and weight of each sculpture;

·         The installation and mounting attachment requirements for each sculpture;

·         Narrative description of the theme, motif or other descriptive elements relating to how the sculpture(s) may reflect the above-mentioned public art goals of this project;

·         The availability of the artwork(s) for exhibition and the ability of the artist to meet the project timeline for delivery, installation and de-installation of the sculpture;

·         Any maintenance requirements for each sculpture while on exhibition (to be provided for all sculptures submitted for consideration); and

·         A brief artist bio/resume.

Eligibility Criteria

Artists and design professionals over the age of 18 are invited to apply as individuals or teams. Sculptures may include metal, mosaics, glass or other materials that are suitable for outdoor installation.  All artworks submitted for consideration must be weatherproof and virtually maintenance free for the duration of the exhibition. Preference will be given to artists and artist teams that are residents of or maintain an artist studio in the greater District of Columbia/Maryland/Virginia region (approximately 100-mile radius from Montpelier Art Center).