RFQ Deadline: November 30, 2023
Finalist Selection: December 22, 2023
Finalist Proposals Due: February 26, 2024
Contract Awarded: March 1, 2024
Installation Complete: June 1, 2024

About the RFQ:
Seeking artist(s) qualified to supply artwork that strengthens our involvement of community partners and celebrates diverse cultures or groups within our campus and district.  Looking for artist qualifications only per this call to supply complete applications per the requirements. Finalists from this round will be selected to supply site-specific proposals on the next round.  We seek artists that have knowledge and/or connections to our district’s diverse populations. Nicolet College encourages Latino, Black, Indigenous, Asian, LGBTQ+ or other underrepresented groups to apply. Artists from throughout the state of Wisconsin are eligible and special consideration will be given to artists from within the college district. (Counties of Oneida, Vilas and Forest with portions of Iron, Lincoln and Langlade) The final artwork should provide representation on our campus of diverse cultures. This project is made possible by a Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) Perkins Capacity Building for Equity and Inclusion grant.

Overview:
Accepting proposals to create and install public artwork on our scenic campus. We are commissioning the conceptualization, production, and installation of the following art project parameters by artist(s).  The actual installation site(s) on our campus will be collaboratively determined by the artist(s) and College stakeholders. Finalists will be chosen by a selection panel. Each finalist will receive a stipend to propose 1-2 conceptual, site-specific, designs. Concept proposals should include technical drawings, budget alignment, material, and fabrication methods. A selection panel comprised of Nicolet College staff and students along with partners from ArtStart Rhinelander will review submissions, select the finalists, and select the awarded contract.

About Nicolet College:
Nicolet College is a public, two-year technical and community college located one mile south of Rhinelander, Wisconsin. The seven campus buildings are nestled in 277 wooded acres on the shores of Lake Julia. The site contains a 41-acre field and recreational trails enjoyed by our community. Our students represent a diverse group ranging from online students, full-time attendees, part-time enrollees, working parents, high school students, first-generation learners, career builders, retirees and more. The Nicolet College District covers about 4,000 square miles (Counties of Oneida, Vilas and Forest with portions of Iron, Lincoln and Langlade) and has a population of slightly more than 92,000. Please see this video for more! 

Project Parameters:
-Art should be maintenance free for up to 15 years and the artist must be able to explain the durability of the artwork within our buildings or, if outdoors, with Northern Wisconsin weather conditions.  Artists must supply a maintenance plan.
-Maximum project budget of $10,000 is all inclusive to cover artist time, fabrication, engineering consultations, installation, and any other additional expenses.
-Artist(s) can work in any medium appropriate for installing art on available location(s). Art must work within the confinements of the campus building and grounds. 

Selection Process:

A selection panel comprised of Nicolet College staff and students along with partners from ArtStart Rhinelander will review submissions, select the finalists, and select the awarded contract. 

Up to four finalists will be supplied a design stipend of $250 to prepare and submit a site-specific proposal for consideration by February 26, 2024.

Selection Criteria:

-Quality of artist’s past work as demonstrated in the submitted materials.

-Indication that artist or artist team has expertise to undertake project solely or can demonstrate a plan for accessing outside expertise to successfully complete the proposed project.

-Special consideration will be given to artists 18 and older, from within the college district. (Counties of Oneida, Vilas and Forest with portions of Iron, Lincoln and Langlade) Additional consideration given to artists within the state of Wisconsin.

Application Requirements

Letter of Interest: Brief description of your interest in Nicolet College.

Artist Statement: A brief artist statement about your experience creating permanent, free-standing or site-integrated artwork in any 3D or 2D materials.

Resume or CV: Describe your art background and experience. Include name, contact information, website, and any relevant social media.

Images and list of Work Samples: 6-8 images of previously completed projects showing your experience with public art projects. Applicants should select images that express their artistic vision and technical ability. Include a corresponding image list with the title, medium, dimensions, brief description, location, and date of work. Please be sure the title of the description matches the title of each work sample.

Professional References: Two professional references including email, phone number, and the nature of your professional relationship.

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Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Questions/Clarifications:
Submit any questions or requests for clarifications by November 22, 2023, to Jenny Bonardelli at either artgallery@nicoletcollege.edu or phone 715-365-4556.

 

Eligibility Criteria

-Artists/artist teams of any discipline.

-Artists are not required to have previously completed a public art project, but successful candidates will need to demonstrate their ability to lead and complete a large-scale public art project.

-Artists must be at least 18 years of age and reside in Wisconsin (within college district preferred)