REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)

Alameda Point Collaborative (APC) and LifeLong Medical Care (LifeLong) are pleased to announce an opportunity for an artist or artist team to create artwork one or two community art opportunities for the Medical Respite Center (MRC), a key element of the Alameda Wellness Campus. This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is the first phase of the selection process. 

For this RFQ, we are inviting artists to submit work samples and express their interest in creating the art opportunities.The RFQ is open to Bay Area artists who live, are employed, or have an artist’s studio in the ten counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, Marin, Napa, Solano, Sonoma, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz counties. 

The second phase of the selection process will be a Request for Proposals (RFP) where up to 7 semi-finalists total will be invited to develop a paid concept for the two art opportunities. One or two artist(s)/teams will be commissioned to create the two community art projects. 

The deadline to submit your interest in the project and respond to the RFQ questions in this portal for the Open Call is 4/29/24. Please find the full RFQ Wellness Campus RFQ and video that captures the spirit and mission of the project. 

INTENT OF OPEN CALL

APC and LifeLong seek to commission a visual artist(s) or artist team(s) to create artwork to bring beauty and vitality to the two-story, 29,840 SF Medical Respite Center. 

The Medical Respite Center (MRC) will be the first purposely designed building with a recuperative care program and on-site health clinic in California. The attractive, warm design and integrated services will support unhoused individuals to address complex health conditions and receive end-of-life care in a healing community. The project is located next to a beautiful shoreline beach and regional park in Alameda, CA. This area is naturally conducive to health recovery, healing, dignified end-of-life care, and vibrant community.

While construction was initiated in December 2023, it is anticipated that we will be able to accommodate a variety of possible amendments to design through the RFP phase. 

This RFQ identifies two art opportunities which can be two-dimensional, sculptural, or suspended artwork. A suspended piece in the atrium is feasible in collaboration with the structural engineer. 

Artist applicants will be asked if you are submitting your qualifications for Art Opportunity One, Art Opportunity Two, or for both Art Opportunities. Applications are due 4/29/24 and entered on this CaFE portal. 

ART OPPORTUNITIES 

Art Opportunity One 

• Create a compelling and beautiful artistic element that inspires hope and well-being for unhoused clients and service providers.
• Express the building design intent to create welcoming, healing, and dignified community.
• Advance the project mission to provide compassionate, culturally affirming, and transformative care.
• The artwork can be displayed in an indoor or outdoor area of the Medical Respite Center.

The maximum budget for Art Opportunity One is $30,000.

Art Opportunity Two 

• Design artwork that conveys the spirit of gratitude for the contributions of funding partners and community leaders that helped realize the project.
• Donor/community leader names can be integrated into the artwork or presented as a separate but integrated element, such as on a plaque located adjacent to the art (thanking 20-35 foundations, public agencies, and community leaders).
• The artwork can be displayed in an indoor or outdoor area of the building.

The maximum budget for Art Opportunity Two is $50,000.

COLLABORATION

The selected artist or artist team will work with: 

• Wellness Campus Project Director for direction and oversight.
• Project Architects to determine appropriate materials and installation requirements.
• Community Art Committee to receive feedback.
• Clients/community to gain input (to be determined).

MATERIALS AND INSTALLATION 

There are numerous possible materials for this project including two-dimensional, sculpture, or suspended artwork if displayed in the atrium. The Architect will work with the finalist to confirm suitable materials. The artwork installation will have the following features: 

• Made with durable, low-maintenance materials that are easy to clean.
• Considers and supports acoustical noise mitigation goals with the Project Architect.
• Meets ADA accessibility requirements

COLLABORATION

The selected artist or artist team will work with: 

• Wellness Campus Project Director for direction and oversight.
• Project Architects to determine appropriate materials and installation requirements.
• Community Art Committee to receive feedback.
• Clients/community to gain input and feedback (to be determined).

POSSIBLE ART LOCATIONS (see Site Plan file)

There are three possible locations for the two art pieces as shown in the Art Locations Map (presented in the Site Plan section). The finalist(s) will participate in the location decisions for each of the two art pieces. The two art installations can be displayed on a prominent inside wall of the Central Atrium or the outdoor areas identified in the Dining Courtyard or Entry Plaza. 

The Central Atrium is a two-story space with large wood framed skylights at the ceiling level. This beautiful indoor area of the Medical Respite Center is a central hub for clients with high activity and foot traffic. Common resident spaces overlook the atrium from the second level. The atrium is surrounded by exposed large wood columns. A large decorative wood screen in front of a wall is a possible art location. The screen can be incorporated or removed as part of the art. The wall is 19 feet x 9 feet, 3 inches, about 180 square feet. A painting, mural or suspended piece is feasible but may require a structural engineer to verify feasibility regarding weight/installation. 

The outdoor Dining Courtyard is a small, shaded gathering space, visible from the indoor client dining area. The ground paving is concrete with movable furniture with an overhead “canopy” of string lights and three flowering dogwood trees. The north wall is 58 feet long which varies in height from 7’-5” to 10’-10” for a total of 490 SF. In addition to a painting or mural on the wall, a sculpture could be located on the 726 square feet of concrete paving in the courtyard. 

The Entry Plaza is a tree-shaded shared street space welcoming clients and staff, featuring the main building entrance, seating, planters and sandblasted paving with a stenciled pattern of leaves. Artworkcan be located: (1) under the building overhang below the windows next to the front door in a covered area of 7’-3”x 23’-8” or (2) in the 1,600 SF plaza area, as long as the art piece does not conflict with pedestrian and vehicle movement, drainage, planting, or the visibility of the front entrance from the driveway. 

Please find these location options presented in the Site Plan section of this CaFE portal as well as the Wellness Campus RFQ 

SUBMISSION REQUIRMENTS

Responses to this RFQ must include the following information.  Applicants will submit information in the applicable sections provided by CaFE and not as a document emailed or any other format. Please submit images only of your prior artwork on this portal. If you are submitting a video, please submit as a link in the Artist Statement section and do not submit videos directly on the CaFE portal. All submissions are due by 4/29/24.  

1. Name of Artist or Name of Lead Artist and all members on an Artist Team, mailing address, telephone, and email. Please provide your social media links, website, or news clips featuring your artwork if already available.
2. Indicate if you are submitting your interest in Art Opportunity One, Art Opportunity Two or both community art opportunities.
3. Artist Statement: Describe your artistic practice/journey and what would make you a good fit for this opportunity. Please include your experience with community art projects, art that promotes social and racial justice, art that addresses homelessness, art that promotes community and healing, and/or commissioned artwork. Please share how this project aligns with your values and what inspires you to create art for this venue. As an alternative, you can provide a video (maximum 2 minutes) which must be provided as a Link, please enter the URL for the video in the Artist Statement section only. Do not upload a video directly to the portal. Supported URLs: YouTube and Vimeo. Ensure the linked video is set to be shared publicly. We welcome submissions from BIPOC artists and artists who have experienced homelessness.
4. Resume/CV highlighting your artistic and professional accomplishments. (Not to exceed 1 page for one artist. For teams, provide up to 1 page for the lead artist and up to one additional page for each team member).
5. All artists/teams must upload images of a maximum of five past art projects that you feel best align with the goals of the project. Provide a description and title for each of the images, dimensions, year produced, materials, location, length of time to create, budget if publicly available, and commissioning agency if applicable. If any images of previous work are collaborations, identify the lead artist, team and your role. Your work samples should enable us to understand your artistic vision and approach. We will review up to one proposal for another art project that was proposed but not implemented. Please do not present mutiple views of one artwork into a single image.
6. Please describe your experience working with other artists and/or design professionals in a creative collaboration. In addition, describe how you incoporated input from community members.
7. RFQ respondents should NOT submit art proposals at this stage. The subsequent proposal phase will invite semi-finalists to produce creative proposals for the project

The RFQ (current) phase is an opportunity to share your artistic vision, prior work, CV, and alignment with the project. No art proposals for the project will be reviewed at this time. 

The artwork can be two-dimensional, sculptural, or suspended artwork (if in the Atrium). The artwork can be located inside or outside the MRC. Please find the location options in the Site Plan Section of CaFE.  

ARTIST SELECTION PROCESS

Phase One: Request for Qualifications (please see Wellness Campus RFQ)

This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) intent is to create an accessible submission process for artists to provide background information, sample work, and a statement of interest to be considered for either or both of the art opportunities. 

Artists will submit their applications on or before 4/29/24 using this CaFE platform only.  

Artist Selection Panel: The applications will be reviewed by a Community Art Committee comprised of APC and LifeLong representatives, a local visual artist experienced in public artwork (who is not submitting an application), and a Public Art Consultant. The Community Art Committee will select up to seven semi-finalists total for the two art opportunities.  

Phase Two: Proposals by Semi-Finalists 

At the Request for Proposal (RFP) phase, the semi-finalists will be invited to a virtual or on-site meeting where the project leadership and architect will provide detailed information about the community art opportunities. Each of the semi-finalists will be invited to develop an art proposal for one or both of these art opportunities. 

The artists will present their art proposals and information about their artistic vision, accomplishments, approach, and materials. The proposed art pieces will be tailored to the size of the project site and the purpose of the community project. After the presentation of a proposal showcasing their art concept, an honorarium of $1,200 will be awarded to each semi-finalist applying for one art project. An honorarium of $1,600 will be provided to applicants who are creating submissions for both art opportunities.  

Phase Three: Artist or Artist Team Selection 

The Community Art Committee will select the finalist(s). Alameda Point Collaborative (APC) will commission one or two artists/ teams to design, create, and install the two art opportunities. This selection will be based on the criteria that will be developed for the RFP and in discussions with the Community Art Committee and Architect. 

Phase Four: Create and Install Art Opportunities 

A maximum of $30,000 is available to the selected artist/team to create and install Art Opportunity One. 

A maximum of $50,000 is available for the selected artist/team to create and install Art Opportunity Two. 

These not-to-exceed budgets cover artist time, travel, artist-provided tools and materials, fabrication, installation, overhead including required insurance, any community engagement, discussions with the Project Director and Community Art Committee, coordination with architectural design team, and any other costs associated with the project. APC retains the exclusive right to award this project to the artist(s) whose design concept is most compelling and in alignment with the project goals. The chosen artist(s) will be required to enter a Professional Service Contract with Alameda Point Collaborative (APC). 

RFQ SELECTION CRITERIA

APC and LifeLong value cultural and artistic expression that connects with the client population and is aligned with the project mission. We are particularly interested in working with artists whose work lies at the intersection of public art and social and racial justice. 

Selection criteria shall include but is not limited to: 

1. Professional qualifications of the artist(s) including prior experience with public or community art projects and/or demonstrated artistic practice spanning at least five years.
2. Artistic merit expressed in prior work samples exemplifying creative vision, aesthetic appeal, innovation, quality of craftsmanship, ability to engage the viewer emotionally, and effectiveness in honoring diverse cultural communities.
3. Passion to create art that uplifts and creates meaning for unhoused clients and health providers.
4. Commitment to social and racial justice. Demonstrated cultural competency and significant connections between the artist and project beneficiaries. BIPOC artists and artists who have experienced homelessness are strongly encouraged to apply.
5. Proven ability to successfully deliver projects of this type on time and within budget.

PROJECT SPONSOR

Alameda Point Collaborative (APC) is the largest provider of supportive housing for unhoused individuals in Alameda County, CA. APC's mission is to end homelessness by creating permanent supportive housing communities where formerly homeless individuals and families can flourish. APC's wrap-around service include case management counseling, job training and employment opportunities, children/youth programs, leadership opportunities, and a food security program. 

WELLNESS CAMPUS

Alameda Point Collaborative (APC) is pioneering the Alameda Wellness Campus with health partner LifeLong Medical Care to create one of the nation’s first integrated healing campuses for unhoused individuals with complex health conditions. The Wellness Campus will feature two main buildings: (1) Medical Respite Center with a 50-bed recuperative care program, a health clinic, and homelessness prevention program and (2) 100-unit supportive housing community for unhoused seniors. 

The two art opportunities will be located at the Medical Respite Center. Please find further information about the project including a short video that captures the project vision and website: www://alamedawellnesscampus.org. 

The 3.6-acre site is adjacent to a East Bay Regional Park’s Crab Cove in Alameda, a beautiful shoreline area that is conducive to health recovery. Opening in 2025, the Wellness Campus will strengthen the standard of care for an estimated 700 unhoused Alameda County residents annually. 

Key project achievements include:

• Created a national model of integrated care to provide medical respite, on-site healthcare, stable housing, and dignified end-of-life care for unhoused individuals.
• Shaped culturally affirming, trauma-informed, and life-saving services.
• Crossed the finish line in completing the capital campaign for the Medical Respite Center.
• Attained a wellspring of support from community leaders, elected officials, health care providers neighbors and individuals who have experienced homelessness.
• Started construction for the Medical Respite Center in December 2023 to be completed September 2025.

QUESTIONS

Essential questions for clarification purposes for your submission for this RFQ can be emailed to bwolf@alamedawellnesscampus.org. No phone calls please. Responses will be presented to all applicants in the FAQ section in this long section which will be updated periodically. 

FAQ (responses to applicant submitted questions): Responses will be presented in this section 

Application Requirements

Applicants: Your responses to questions must be presented in applicable sections in the portal/Open Call. 

This RFQ is intended to attract Bay Area visual artists whose work lies at the intersection of social and racial justice and community art. 

1. Name of Artist/Lead Artist and Member of Artist Team with contact information (mailing address, telephone, email). Optional: Provide your social media links, website and/or news clips featuring your work if already available.
2. Indicate if you are submitting interest in Art Opportunity One, Art Opportunity Two, or Both Art Opportunities.
3. Artist Statement - Describe your artistic practice/journey and how you are an aligned candidate for this project (please find more details in the Artist Statement section)
4. Please provide your Resume/CV for the lead artist and all team members if proposing as a team.
5. Please provide a minimum of three and up to five images of past art projects that best align with the goals of the project.
6. Please describe your experience working with other artists or design professionals in a creative collaboration. In addition, please share how you incorporated feedback from community members in prior projects.

Eligibility Criteria

We invite Bay Area artists and teams to submit their qualifications for this Open Call. All artists must live, be employed or have an artists studio in the ten counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, Solano, Sonoma, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz. BIPOC artists and artists who have experienced homelessness are especially encouraged to apply. All artists must have the right to work in the United States and be available to contract immediately upon selection.