About the Facility

Rooted in the traditions of the West and surrounded by the rugged Rocky Mountains, the University of Wyoming was founded in 1886 and is a nationally recognized land-grant research institution with expert faculty, top-ranked academics and world-class facilities. As Wyoming’s university, their goal is to unlock the extraordinary in every person through education, research, innovation, engagement, and service. The 12,000 students hail from all 50 states and 82 countries. 59% of our students are from the great state of Wyoming. No matter where you are from, at UW students can enjoy a global education with a small-town feel. For more information about the University of Wyoming, visit their website.

The approved design of the Student Housing Project provides 950 beds of housing and a new dining facility offering seating for up to 850. The dining hall will be open to the general public, staff, and faculty. Concurrent with the objectives of the University’s Campus Master Plan, the addition of housing and dining into this campus precinct, near amenities and services found in Coe Library, the Wyoming Union, and Half Acre Gym, presents the opportunity to create an active and vibrant student life neighborhood. Bringing first-year housing into the historic campus core also removes the barrier and risk that crossing 15th Street represents in resident students’ daily life experience.

For images and identified locations for artwork, visit the Wyoming Arts Council website. 

Artwork

Near the center of the public dining area is a space with an open, two-story wall with viewing capability from both the ground floor and mezzanine. This wall is located under a skylight and will be partially illuminated in the evening by lights on the mezzanine railing. The committee is interested in commissioning work that is integrated onto the wall; this can be a 2-Dimensional piece or a 3-Dimensional shallow relief-style work of art. They are specifically interested in a dynamic piece of art to draw students, faculty, and the public to enjoy the space. Traditional murals, mosaics, projections, shallow relief, and unexpected use of material are all of interest to the committee, though they are open to all ideas for the space. 

Proposed artwork, design elements or finishes should not conflict with materials being used in the Student Housing Project. The committee is interested in commissioning a piece that is inviting, intriguing, and would be a highlight of the structure. Artists will not be able to change the shape, structure, or size of the wall.

Timeline

The selection committee will review the submissions to this RFQ in August 2024. Following review, select artists will be invited in September 2024 to submit a complete formal design proposal, including a budget, timeline, and references. Proposal packets and budgets for finalists must include additional lighting needs, signage, foundation or other structural support (if needed), design fees, material costs, labor for fabrication and installation, and all necessary costs involving planning, completion, delivery, and installation of the project. It is the responsibility of the artist to budget accordingly.

If decided by the committee, in-person or video presentations may take place. There will be modest financial compensation for final design proposals and in-person presentations. Any other travel is the responsibility of the individual artist.

Construction is currently underway with completion and occupancy of the North Hall by the fall of 2025. A specific timeline for fabrication and installation will be established upon selection of the finalist(s). This timeline is subject to adjustment. 

The Committee
Artists’ submissions will be reviewed and final selections will be made by a committee appointed by the Wyoming Arts Council and the State of Wyoming. The committee for this project includes administrators, faculty, and staff of the college, artists, community members, architecture and construction project managers, and a Wyoming Arts Council board member.

Application Requirements

Submissions to the RFQ are due July 12, 2024 and must be submitted via CaFÉ. Artists are asked to submit the required documents and images to demonstrate their interest and expertise. 

In reviewing submitted RFQ materials, the committee will consider the following:

• The quality of the artist’s portfolio or previous work samples submitted.
• The artist’s cover letter and how well it addresses this particular project.
• The artist’s experience working with the public art process and demonstrated ability to work with the project architect and facility managers.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident and a minimum of 18 years of age.
• Applicant must demonstrate previous experience and expertise through a supporting portfolio submission (resume and images of current or previous work).
• Applicant must be willing to meet project deadlines.
• Applicant must demonstrate an ability to work closely with and accept feedback from project managers, including architect and construction representatives.
• Applicant must be willing to travel for presentations if selected as a finalist.
• If selected for the project, applicant will sign a contract with the State of Wyoming.
• Final artwork becomes the property of the Wyoming State Museum. While artists retain copyright, the State of Wyoming will receive permission to use images of the artwork for state purposes such as publicity of Art in Public Buildings projects.