To view this call in PDF form, please click here. 

PROJECT SCHEDULE**      

• Request for Qualifications Opens - July 10, 2024
• Virtual Info Session for applicants* - July 16, 2024 at 12 pm MST
• RFQ Submission Deadline - August 15, 2024 by 11:59 pm MST
• Notification of finalist selection - September 2024
• Finalist interviews- November 6, 2024 5 - 7 pm MST
• Notification of artist selection for commission - November 2024
• Commissioned Artist Contracting - November/December 2024
• Artwork development and community engagement - Winter 2024 - Spring 2025
• Final artwork proposal presentation - May 7, 2025 5 - 7 pm MST
• Artwork engineering for construction documents - Late Spring/early summer2025
• Artwork Fabrication & Installation - Late 2025 - late 2026/early 2027
• Installation Completion & Ribbon-Cutting - Spring/Summer 2027

* Attendance to Virtual Info Session is encouraged but it is not an application requirement. 

** Dates provided are estimates based upon current knowledge of preliminary project schedules and are only intended to assist artists in determining their own availability to participate. The above dates in no way represent final approved schedules and are subject to change through future iterations of design and construction phases.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We acknowledge that the land upon which the Salt Lake City Public Art Program operates – the land where we gather, create, and appreciate art – is the traditional and unceded territory of the Shoshone, Goshute, Paiute, and Ute Peoples. The history of this land predates the establishment of Salt Lake City, and we honor the Indigenous Peoples who have stewarded this land for generations. Let us actively work towards dismantling systems of inequality and injustice, as we strive to create a more inclusive and equitable future together.

PROJECT SCOPE & SITE DESCRIPTION

The Salt Lake City Arts Council’s Public Art Program, in collaboration with Salt Lake City Public Lands, West Side residents, and project stakeholders, is seeking to commission an artist or artist-led team to create an iconic public art installation for the West Side, to be located in the Glendale Park, the City’s newest regional park, currently under development. The selected artist or team will be responsible for developing their design and concepts in close collaboration with Salt Lake City’s West Side communities, who have expressed a desire for an artwork that fosters a sense of community and belonging and reflects their shared values. This collaboration aims to maximize the commission's community impact, ensuring that the resulting artwork authentically represents the West Side’s culture, history, and people, ultimately establishing it as a landmark for both the city and the communities it will be designed serve.

The future 21-acre Glendale Park—formerly home to the popular Raging Waters water park and adjacent to the existing Glendale Neighborhood Park—is the largest public lands investment in Salt Lake City in more than 60 years. Funded by the voter-approved Parks, Trails, and Open Space General Obligation (GO) Bond, Glendale Park is the signature project for this effort and will be one of the only parks of this size on the West Side. This new park is part of a larger green space area spanning over 100 acres, which includes the beloved Jordan River Parkway, the 17th South River Park, and the Glendale Golf Course. The park will enhance regional connectivity with these nearby recreational areas and create a safe, active community space that celebrates local culture and diversity. Glendale Park was chosen as the future home of an iconic public art installation for the West Side based on feedback from residents, who expressed a desire for an artwork that serves as a gathering place for community members and is in a park or natural area adjacent to the Jordan River Trail.

Construction for the park’s first phase is currently underway and expected to be completed by Summer 2025. Phase I improvements include an all-abilities playground with assistive technologies, a basketball court, a pavilion, multi-use pathways, a community plaza, and a lawn for picnics and other activities. Phase 2 improvements, which will coincide with the installation schedule for the public art commission from this RFQ, will include a skating ribbon, climbing features, community gathering and event spaces, multi-use trail system and hilltop overlook, skate park, dog park, amphitheater and stage, and development of the Jordan Riverbank, including a restoration area, boardwalks, riverside beach, river access, and boat ramp. Future phases may also include an outdoor pool and aquatic center, but additional funding will be required. 

Several areas within Glendale Park have been identified as suitable locations for a public artwork:

A.     Near 1700 South to function as a gateway element; 

B.     Between the eastern entrance to the parking lot and the proposed outdoor swimming pool;

C.    South of the central parking lot entrance and north of the hiking and sledding hill;

D.    North or northeast of the flex lawn & performance space;

E.     The hilltop overlook where the iconic waterslides used to be located, and;

F.     On a grassy area on the west-end of the park.

Artists may propose another location of their choice within Glendale Park, but they will be required to work with our project design team to ensure its feasibility and integration within the site. The selected artist and/or team will also be required to collaborate closely with the project’s design team to integrate their artwork into the park’s landscape architecture during the design process for Phase 2 improvements.

The selected artist and/or artist-led team will work with the project stakeholders and consultants to implement a maximum of 3 community-centered engagement activities aimed at informing the final artwork design. The purpose of these will be for the selected artist and/or artist-led team to develop a greater understanding of the West Side and directly collaborate with West Side residents in their artistic process for the creation of this artwork. The selected artist/team will be asked to consider the physical, social, cultural, or geographic aspects of the site that may inspire the theme, content or concept of the artwork and provide the community and project stakeholders with information about themselves and their approach to art making. A selected artist or team from outside Utah is welcome, but not required, to collaborate with local Utah artists—across any discipline—to help lead, co-create, and facilitate the community engagement component of this project.

PROJECT BACKGROUND & CONTEXT

The West Side of Salt Lake City, historically home to the Shoshone and Ute tribes, is one of Utah’s most racially and ethnically diverse areas. The West Side became a primary entry point for immigrants from Eastern Europe, Asia, Latin America, the Pacific Islands, Africa, and the Middle East, as well as African Americans. For generations, these various communities have enriched the West Side with their cultural practices, religions, architectures, organizations, and businesses. The West Side of Salt Lake City includes the neighborhoods of Rose Park, Glendale, Westpointe, Fairpark, Poplar Grove, and Jordan Meadows and is represented by Council District 1 and Council District 2. Notable features include the Jordan River, various parks and natural areas, community centers, nonprofits, renowned businesses, and vibrant cultural celebrations.

Despite its cultural richness, the West Side of Salt Lake City has a history of political, racial, and economic marginalization. Residents have long dealt with challenges such as low-wage employment, rising house costs and involuntary displacement, delayed public health and infrastructure improvements, and the lingering consequences of redlining. Salt Lake City’s division by railroad tracks and the Interstate 15 (I-15) highway further exacerbates these inequalities. Today, these disparities are evident in the differences in economic, health, and educational opportunities between the West and East sides. Most residents in the West Side are people of color, with Latinx individuals comprising 48% of this population. 

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall’s 2023 Plan included a focus on strengthening our community by “creat[ing] inclusive and equitable opportunities for all, working intentionally toward safe, affordable, and equitable neighborhoods.” A key initiative of this important objective was to 'begin community engagement and site selection for iconic West Side public art installation(s)." Throughout 2023, the Salt Lake City Arts Council’s Public Art Program, in close collaboration with the Civic Engagement Team, led an extensive effort to involve West Side communities in the process. The initiative engaged residents, organizations, and stakeholders in Salt Lake City, particularly those in Council Districts 1 & 2. Participants shared their thoughts and ideas through an online survey, in-person interactions, and a community conversation event hosted at the Glendale Branch of the City Library in November 2023.

These various engagement efforts, as outlined in the West Side Public Art Engagement Report containing our findings, are the basis for the commissioning of an “iconic public art installation” that will aim to reflect the diverse voices, values, needs, and ideas of West Side residents. As outlined in the Arts Council’s 2021-2026 Strategic Plan, the Salt Lake City Arts Council is working to foster equity in the community, bolster the arts through new and creative partnerships, and empower the arts sector. Equity in Salt Lake City is acknowledging and addressing historic and current disparities experienced by our residents, employees, businesses, neighborhoods, and visitors. Salt Lake City provides access to resources and opportunities that support everyone in overcoming barriers to their success so that our community today, and generations tomorrow, can thrive.

ARTWORK GOALS

The Salt Lake Art Design Board seeks to commission an artist or artist-led team to create an iconic artwork for Salt Lake City’s West Side at Glendale Park that meets some or all the following conceptual and aesthetic goals:

• Demonstrates a compelling artistic vision that enhances placemaking, promotes neighborhood pride, and contributes to the vibrant character of Salt Lake City’s West Side;
• Reflects the diverse cultural heritage, interests, and/or stories of Salt Lake City’s West Side, highlighting the unique identities and experiences of its residents or environment;
• Serves as a gathering place for West Side community members, fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity through engaging design elements;
• Aligns with the overarching goals of Glendale Park to create a community-led vision that provides equitable access to outdoor recreation, enhances environmental quality, and promotes social connectivity;
• Is informed through community-centered strategies that celebrate and reflect the resiliency of the West Side and its residents;
• Considers innovative and sustainable design practices that reflect the West Side’s commitment to environmental stewardship and resilience;
• Demonstrates high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail, ensuring the artwork meets all public safety, structural, and maintenance standards, including accessibility requirements and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other Salt Lake City requirements.

PROJECT BUDGET

The total budget for this commission is $425,000. The inclusion of a public art installation(s) within the future Glendale Park is supported by the voter-approved Parks, Trails, and Open Space General Obligation (GO) Bond and a special allocation for an iconic West Side public art installation through the FY23-24 Capital Improvement Program.

This commission amount is inclusive of any and all costs associated with the commission, including but not limited to: the artist's design fee, consultation fees (such as structural engineering consultation), preparation and submittal of final artwork proposal, design collaboration throughout the length of the project, conducting community outreach and engagement (including any fees or honoraria incurred by working with a local artist), insurance (including Utah Workers Compensation), tools and materials, artwork fabrication, transportation & installation, building or site modifications, travel to and from Salt Lake City, per diem expenses, and a recommended contingency fund to address unexpected expenses (recommended to be set at 10%).
 

FINALIST SELECTION CRITERIA

The selection of an artist or artist-led team is subject to, but not limited by, the following qualifications:

• Professional experience represents a developed and successful body of site-specific public art projects of a similar scope and scale as demonstrated by visual documentation;
• Demonstrates a commitment to leading community engagement efforts with the Salt Lake City’s West Side communities, actively involving them in the design process to ensure authenticity, cultural relevance, and meaningful representation in the artwork;
• ·Experience in developing and implementing community-centered strategies to define the scope and design of artwork and art elements;
• Ability to meet deadlines and budget and to perform work in a timely, professional manner;
• Willingness of the artist to consult and work collaboratively with the Salt Lake Art Design Board, project stakeholders, community members, and design & construction teams;
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of sense of place and design in a context-sensitive manner.
   

PROPOSAL/DESIGN DEVELOPMENT PROCESS & ARTIST SELECTION

The Salt Lake Art Design Board, in consultation with project stakeholders, City representatives, and community members, will choose up to three (3) finalists or a formal in-person interview on Wednesday, November 6, 2024. If selected for an interview, finalists will be given at least four (4) weeks notice. An interview honorarium for travel to and from Salt Lake City will be given to all finalists. If necessary due to scheduling or travel constraints, interviews may be conducted virtually via Zoom. 

After the interview process is concluded, the Salt Lake Art Design Board will recommend an artist or artist-led team, and one alternate, for the commission to the Mayor, who has final approval. Only the selected artist or artist-led team will enter into a commission agreement with the City. The alternate will enter into a commission agreement only in the case that the City and the selected artist are unable, for any reason and in the City’s sole discretion, to enter into the commission agreement.

Artist-led team applications are welcomed. Each team must be led by a person with a demonstrated history of professional activity as an artist. Teams may not substitute team members after submission unless the Public Art Program consents to any proposed substitution. An artist may not apply as a member of more than one team and may not apply as an individual artist if already applying as a team – one person/one application.
 

ARTIST AGREEMENTS & PROJECT ASSUMPTIONS

Finalists will sign a Design/Proposal Development Agreement. If selected for commission, the artist/team will enter into a two-party Artist Commissioned Work Agreement with Salt Lake City Corporation. The selected artist/team must carry general liability and auto insurance and must either provide proof of Workers’ Compensation Coverage or apply for a Workers’ Compensation Coverage Waiver. The artist/team must submit engineering drawings for approval prior to the start date of fabrication.

Salt Lake City will retain the right to remove or relocate the artwork as may be deemed necessary in the future. The selected artist/team will retain copyright to their work but will grant Salt Lake City right to reproduction. In the performance of this project under agreement with Salt Lake City, artist/team shall comply with all applicable Salt Lake City requirements, laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations.

View a sample a sample Artist Commissioned Work Agreement here.

RFQ INFORMATION SESSION, QUESTIONS, AND APPLICATION SUPPORT

All questions regarding this Requests for Qualifications (RFQ) may only be directed to Salt Lake City Public Art Program staff at the email address listed below. Artists may be disqualified if any unsolicited contact related to this RFQ is made with a member of the Art Design Board or project stakeholders other than the Public Art Program staff during the selection process.

We do our best to respond to inquiries quickly, however we may not be able to respond in a timely manner during the final days prior to deadlines stated above. Please give yourself ample time to consider your participation in this project and reach out to our staff, at any stage in the process, with any questions or concerns.

Contact: publicartprogram@slcgov.com

Website: https://saltlakepublicart.org/for-artists/calls-for-artists/

If you do not have access to a computer or WiFi to apply, the Salt Lake City Public Library branches offer free computer and WiFi access. If you require further resources or accommodations to complete the application materials, such as translation and interpretation services to other languages, please email publicartprogram@slcgov.com for assistance.

INFORMATION SESSION: The recording of the applicant info session can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/y3RZdDZbrus

To access the presentation slides covered during this info session, please click here.

Application Requirements

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Submissions that arrive on or before 11:59 pm MST on Thursday, August 15, 2024 and meet all the application requirements will be reviewed.

The applicant’s full name and contact information must appear on all submitted materials. Artist-led team applications are welcomed. If applying as a team, indicate the name and contact information of the team’s representative. Each team must be led by a person with a demonstrated history of professional activity as an artist. Teams may not substitute team members after submission unless the Public Art Program consents to any proposed substitution. An artist may not apply as a member of more than one team and may not apply as an individual artist if already applying as a team – one person/one application.

To be considered for this project, applicants must submit all the required materials via the CaFÉ (www.callforentry.org) website. There is no application fee. No other method of submission will be accepted. Assistance using CaFÉ is available online, by email, or by calling 303-629-1166 during business hours.

Any materials not specifically requested as part of this application or exceeding the maximum page length or format requirements will not be considered or reviewed by the Art Design Board and may result in disqualification. Notifications of disqualifications will not be made.
 

1. LETTER OF INTEREST

A letter not to exceed one page (500 words) outlining your interest, perspective, strength, and experience for this project. Letter must include address, email, phone number, and website of artist.

• Describe how your previous work addressed site and similar goals as stated for this project;
• If applicable, please provide specific examples of your previous experience collaborating with community members in your artistic process. Include details about your community engagement methods and explain what meaningful community engagement means to you;
• Do not submit a proposal for a new commission at this time.

2. RÉSUMÉ OR CV

 A résumé or CV, not to exceed two pages, that outlines professional accomplishment and includes two professional references (name, affiliated organization, email address, and phone number) for both individual applicants and teams.

• If applying as a team, submit a two-page résumé for each team member combined into one PDF.
• References will only be contacted during the interviewing process for the artists/teams selected as finalists.
   

3. IMAGES OF PAST WORK

These images are the primary way the quality of your work is judged. Five to ten (5-10) visuals (up to two videos) of past artwork that demonstrate your qualifications for this project.

• Provide the following information for each: title, year produced, dimensions, budget, medium, location, and a brief description.
• Images of designs for previously proposed projects that were not developed to completion may be submitted but should be clearly marked as such. Previous proposals cannot account for more than 3 of the requested 10 images.
• If applying as a team and the team has not collaborated previously, images of work from all team members as appropriate should be included (please note that teams are limited to 10 visuals total).

Complete all fields in the CaFÉ portfolio section and upload through the "CHOOSE WORK SAMPLES" section. Instructions on how to format images to CaFÉ specifications may be found at https://www.callforentry.org/artist-help-cafe/uploading-media/

Eligibility Criteria

ELEGIBILITY

This Call for Artists is open to all artists or artist-led teams located within the United States regardless of race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, political opinion or affiliation, or mental or physical disability. Strong preference will be given to artists who have experience engaging with community members through their artistic process.