BACKGROUND

The City of Gladstone seeks to commission permanent public art that will welcome and engage visitors to this 17 acre park located at NE 76th St. and N. Troost. With a playground, sand volleyball court, two picnic shelters, picnic areas and tables, a drinking fountain and restrooms, this park is a favorite among those looking for a place to gather, have fun, and relax in the shade of the oak trees. The 1/2 mile walking trail provides fitness buffs and casual strollers with a beautiful setting. The open spaces make this park the natural choice for the permanent home of Gladstone’s Theatre in the Park program. Gladstone Theatre in the Park performs two shows every year. For more information visit https://www.gladstone.mo.us/Recreation/parks.php

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ART INTEGRATION

While the panel will consider all opportunities and mediums, exterior sculptural artwork will be best suited within the site shown marked in green on the attached images. Click on "View Site Details" above.

Artwork should be site-responsive, and should consider inclusivity, durability, and maintenance within its plan. 

For Google Earth image search: Oak Grove Park 800 NE 76th St Gladstone MO 64118 

BUDGET/COMMISSION

Artwork for this project will be commissioned through the City of Gladstone, Missouri City Council. Artists will coordinate work with City staff and stakeholder representatives. The all-inclusive budget is $50,000, which includes, but not limited to, supplies, labor, fabrication, travel, shipping, artists fees, and installation. A shortlist of candidates will be selected from RFQ submittals and will be asked to develop a proposal and present it to the City of Gladstone Art Commission. 

A $1,000 proposal honorarium will be awarded to each semi-finalist in the RFP (Request for Proposals) phase to create an artwork proposal in addition to the allotted $50,000 budget.

SELECTION PROCESS

The selection panel may include members of the Gladstone Arts Commission, Gladstone Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts, art professionals familiar with the field of public art; citizen project representatives; design professionals; and City staff. The panel will select a small group of semi-finalists who may advance to the RFP stage. The criteria used by the panel will include the artist’s professional credentials as presented in the submitted materials. The City of Gladstone is not required to make selections from these submissions, if in their opinion, qualifications are not appropriate, artists may be directly commissioned. Gladstone City Council makes the final decision to commission the artwork as recommended by the Arts Commission. 

SUBMITTAL DELIVERY

All applications must be submitted through CallforEntry.org (CaFE) platform. Submitted materials should be uploaded to Callforentry.org by 11:59 PM, Mountain Time, Friday, Sep 29, 2023. Late, incomplete, or emailed submissions will not be accepted. 

For assistance with CallForEntry uploads visit

https://www.callforentry.org/artist-help-cafe/how-to-apply-artists/

Any questions email Holly Hayden, thetimecollector@gmail.com  cc justinm@gladstone.mo.us

Application Requirements

Interested artists should submit the following, to be delivered via CallforEntry.org by 11:59pm, Friday, Sept 29, 2023. Late, incomplete, or emailed submittals will not be considered. 

Please submit: 

File format parameters and uploading documents must follow CallForEntry specs

1. An Artist Statement/Letter of interest introducing yourself and outlining your approach to public art, as well as providing the panel with insights regarding your interest in making art for the City of Gladstone, Missouri and the public in general; what you bring to the project and site; and what you hope to gain from this experience; and any other comments that might help to differentiate you as a candidate for this project.

2. A professional resume/CV. Outlining your professional experience. Artists working collaboratively much submit a resume/CV for each collaboration member.

3. Work Samples: Up to 10 clearly labeled images of related past work.

▪ Name each image to clearly indicate the title, dimensions, materials, date of work, and locations, as well as project budget and commissioning entity if applicable. 

▪ Video clips may be substituted for digital images but must be no more than three minutes maximum length. 

4. Three professional references with current contact information. No letters of reference needed at this time.

ANTICIPATED ART PROJECT TIMELINE

• Q&A emails and artist infosessions about this project: September 2023
• Request for Qualifications Due: Friday September 29th, 2023 by 11:59pm, Mountain Time.
• Selection Panel Review RFQ submittals: October 2023
• Shortlisted/Semi-finalist Artists Notified and RFP issued: by end of October 2023
• RFP Proposals due (semifinalists only): Nov 20, 2023
• Semifinalist interviews and proposal presentations: end of November 2023
• Notify winning artist(s): December 2023
• Paperwork, execute contracts & artist onboarding: Dec 2023-January 2024
• Design refinement and fabrication: Spring -Summer 2024
• Spring 2024: Final site visits as needed & coordination w/ Gladstone Parks & Rec for sculpture area prep (i.e. concrete pads poured, electrical needs, etc)
• Estimated Project Completion & Installation Date: June 2024
• Dedication of completed artwork: June 29, 2024

Dates subject to change

Eligibility Criteria

The opportunity to compete for this project is open to all professional artists. Applicants must be able to show proof of completed past projects of this scale, work effectively within the project timeline, and collaborate with the City and stakeholder team.