Application Closed
Images | Minimum:Min. 0, Maximum:Max. 6
Video | Minimum:Min. 0, Maximum:Max. 6
Total Samples | Minimum:Min. 6, Maximum:Max. 6
Eligibility: International
State: Alaska
Budget: Budget The total budget for artist residencies is $44,000 which will fund two separate artists or artist groups for $22,000 each. This includes all costs associated with the awarded project, including, but not limited to: artist fee, design, fabrication, installation, photographic documentation, catalog documentation, permitting, etc. State laws related to public construction, including licensing, insurance, bonding, and payment of prevailing wage rates, may apply
MUNICIPALITY OF ANCHORAGE
Request for Proposals
Public Art Program | Public Works
PO Box 196650
Anchorage, AK 99519-6650
Project: Elderberry Park Renovation
Deadline for Entries: March 22, 2024 11:59 PM MST
Contact: Curator of Public Art, 1% for Art, (907) 343-6473
Amount of Award: $44,000; Two 12-month artist residencies to be funded at $22,000 each
Eligibility: International
Code
In accordance with Municipal Code 7.40, the Municipality of Anchorage is announcing a call for qualified artists to create artwork for Elderberry Park as part of the Department of Parks & Recreation’s renovation construction in Anchorage, Alaska.
Park renovation construction was substantially completed during the summer of 2023. Additionally, landscape planting will be conducted during the summer of 2024. Artist residencies are planned to begin during the Summer of 2024 and run through the Summer of 2025 for a 12-month residency period. Artist projects will be coordinated with the Curator of Public Art and Parks & Recreation.
Site Description
The art selection jury intends to commission two artists, artist teams, or collectives to implement non-permanent projects totaling $44,000 ($22,000 each) to take place in and around the area of Elderberry Park in Downtown Anchorage, Alaska. Prominent sites in the immediate area include the historic Oscar Anderson House, the Alaska Railroad, the Tony Knowles Coastal trail, and scenic Cook Inlet - Tikahtnu. This park receives high visitation from both Anchorage residents and visitors as it is located within the downtown area and highlights a view of Mount Susitna - Dghelishla.
There are two public works of art belonging to the city of Anchorage in the vicinity:
Victims for Justice Memorial - 335 L St, Anchorage, AK 99501
Captain Cook Monument - 320 L St, Anchorage, AK 99501
Location
Elderberry Park: $44,000; two residencies funded at $22,000 each
Background
Elderberry Park is a 1.46-acre neighborhood-use park located in the Bootlegger Cove neighborhood in downtown Anchorage. The park serves both the local neighborhood as well as the larger community and is a popular tourist destination and access point to the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Despite Elderberry Park’s relatively small size, the park is one of Anchorage’s busiest and most popular public spaces. The park features outstanding views of Cook Inlet/Tikahtnu, a 2-5 and 5-12 play area, a small parking lot, walkways and a central plaza. The park provides valuable greenspace for neighborhood residents who enjoy the play area. Elderberry Park is also the home of the historic Oscar Anderson House. Electricity can be accessed from a locked box at light poles - these are standard electrical outlets. Additional information on the renovation of Elderberry Park, including site renderings and master plan, can be found at the following link:
http://www.muni.org/Departments/parks/Pages/ElderberryParkImprovements.aspx
Satellite references can be found at the following links (Note, references are prior to construction):
Individual artists as well as artist teams, and collectives are encouraged to apply
Themes
The art selection jury is seeking proposals for non-permanent art projects that are site-specific to Elderberry Park to be carried out during the one-year residency period. There are no limitations on mediums or practices so long as they are not permanent in nature. Non-permanent art proposals may include, but are not limited to performance art, installation art, relational art, social art, and other practices that include public engagement strategies such as education, conversation, inspiration, participation, or collaboration. Some examples of these practices include, live art, workshops, demonstrations, site-tours, music, dance, story-telling, and temporary installations.
Suggested topics of exploration include, but are not limited to:
- Recognition and acknowledgement of cultural values that elevate indigenous perspectives.
- The past, present, and future of land use in the Upper Cook Inlet Basin.
- Highlighting and broadening understanding of the connection between Alaskans and the land.
In outlining your concept proposal, please address the following:
- Clarify the type of planned engagement: temporary installation, education, conversation, inspiration, participation, collaboration, etc.
- At least one event or activity that engages the community must take place in and around Elderberry Park and connecting sites.
- How is the proposal relevant to Elderberry Park?
- How will this project engage visitors to the park, the Anchorage community, Alaska?
- Describe your strategy to promote the proposed activities.
- Will the project elevate indigenous perspectives? How?
- Art engagements should occur within a twelve-month period. Please include a project timeline and the planned duration of work on site, e.g., 1-2 hour performances, 6 week installation, etc.
- Your artist statement should clarify whether this proposal is on behalf of an individual artist, a group, or a collective.
Supplemental Thematic information
To assist in the development of concepts responding to the many overlapping topics specific to Elderberry Park and the surrounding area, a supplemental thematic guide is provided as a springboard for individual research. Topics to consider for creative exploration include, but are not limited to those included in the linked document: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/srfi3olktbkwr13rtrkw8/Supplemental-Thematic-Information.pdf?rlkey=g2he92qheui6h006omfi41z8p&dl=0
ART SELECTION JURY
Mélisa Babb is a landscape architect with Bettisworth North and developed the design for the Elderberry Park renovation. Darrell Hess is the Municipal Ombudsman and 58-year resident of Anchorage. Tanya Hickok is a Park Planner with the Parks and Recreation Department and civil engineer for the Elderberry Park project. Bruce Farnsworth is a long-time Alaskan, arts advocate, and participant in Anchorage’s arts and creative communities. Meghan Holtan is an urban planner, performer, and data analyst. Britt’Nee Kivliqtaruq Brower is an Inupiaq artist and curator, raised in Utqiavik and Beth Nordlund is the Executive Director of the Anchorage Park Foundation, serving since the foundation’s inception.
Gideon Gerlt is the Curator of Public Art and director of the Public Art Program.
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. Find the Municipality of Anchorage’s Public Art Program on the web at:
https://www.muni.org/Departments/Public_Works_Administration/PublicArt/Pages/default.aspx
Application Requirements
Requirements
Proposals must be non-permanent in nature. Proposals for permanent artwork will not be considered.
This is an earthquake area and needs to meet standards in applicable building codes as amended by the Municipality of Anchorage. Proposals that incorporate the temporary installation of art (objects) must provide assurance that the artwork will be durable and does not present a safety concern or otherwise function as an attractive nuisance. All applicable municipal fees & permitting shall be adhered to, and are the responsibility of the artist; these includes but are not limited to: food, fire, noise, events, etc. Park structures cannot be physically altered, and access restrictions shall be adhered to.
Artists are required to submit the following items:
- Six digital images or videos of past work should be loaded into CaFE (callforentry.org) following the guidelines on that site.
- Each video or image should be identified with title, materials, dimensions, and value as applicable.
- Written concept: Describe the proposed artwork and engagement strategies, including location, materials, and conceptual or thematic intent.
- Artist statement: This should include a description of why you are interested or particularly qualified for this project and should address any concerns related to your ability to successfully complete the proposed project. Clarify if this is a proposal on behalf of an individual, group, or collective.
- Current CV, including 3 professional references.
Eligibility Criteria
Open Entry