Background & History:

Nestled in the Palouse region of northern Idaho, the University of Idaho was founded in 1889 in Moscow, Idaho. As Idaho's land-grant university the foundation of the university started with a research-driven, innovative spirit beginning in agriculture, engineering and military sciences. 

In 2023, the Associated Students University of Idaho (ASUI)-Kibbie Activity Center Dome was renamed to the P1FCU Kibbie Dome in honor of a 10-year naming right deal with P1FCU, whose contribution will further bolster the iconic building’s mission of being home to various Vandal athletic games, performances and events dedicated to fostering student engagement growth.

The Associated Students of the University of Idaho (ASUI) have been instrumental in making the Dome a reality, providing critical funding for construction and renovation using self-imposed student fees. From its inception, ASUI has recognized the Dome’s potential as a hub for the Vandal community. Today, the Dome stands as a testament to the power of student-led initiatives, fostering the Vandal community and collaboration among diverse student groups across generations.

The university is immensely grateful for the critical support of ASUI, whose dedication and vision have been vital for not only sustaining the Dome but creating the ICCU Idaho Arena and other vital campus resources. In recognition of ASUI’s tens of millions of dollars in support, the university is sponsoring a monument to commemorate their enduring support, celebrating their contributions to student life and the vibrant Vandal community we’ve built together.

Sculpture Design & Placement:

During the brainstorming efforts, ASUI leadership couldn’t think of anything more iconic and recognizable than the university’s mascot, Joe Vandal. He is intimidating yet loveable, a ruthless fighter but an everyday guy. Joe Vandal has key recognizable features including his goatee, mustache, muscles, and winged helmet and is always a welcome visitor to every event. A classic bronze finish will ensure his iconic image is present in the landscape no matter the season and become a legacy moment for future alumni at the university’s most visited facility, the Dome itself.

To ensure the monument embodies the spirit and values of ASUI, a creative committee comprised of both past and current ASUI leadership has spearheaded the initial design process. Drawing on their collective experience and insights, the committee has worked diligently to conceptualize a fitting tribute. Creative direction will be provided to the artist upon their selection. Click the "View Site Details" link above for an artistic rendering of the sculpture and plaza area. The creative committee expects an iterative, communicative dialogue throughout the creative formation of the sculpture to ensure Joe's features are captured.

Application Requirements

Please include the following in your submission:

Introduction:

Include a short biography describing where you are based, background and any relevant experience. Also include a statement that details your current practice and interests and why you think you would be a good candidate for this project. University of Idaho alum are preferred artists and will receive a heavier weighted score than Idaho or pacific northwest natives, etc. (see the selection criteria below).
 

Experience:

Include a narrative to demonstrate successful bronze sculpture experience and capacity to act as a contractor on projects of similar size, type and complexity. Please also provide a list with photos of recent relevant projects, along with the name, location, and overall budget of each.
 

Budget:

The budget for this project ranges between $175,000-200,000 as the selected artist will be integral for how the plaza is designed in which the sculpture will sit in. The plaza could require more or less infrastructure depending on the final design of the sculpture. This budget will need to cover everything needed for the fabrication, shipment, and installation of this sculpture. This includes, but is not limited to, artist fees, materials, travel, labor costs for artist and assistants, insurance, engineer drawings and stamp of approval, contingency budget (if applicable), taxes, business expenses, operating costs, fabrication, freight, and installation. Please confirm your ability to work within our total project budget range.
 

Timeline:

Ideally the sculpture would be installed prior to the first home football game scheduled on September 20, 2025, but could be installed anytime in the fall 2025 football season to align with celebratory events of the P1FCU Kibbie Dome turning 50. If production timelines were delayed, installation could also occur prior to spring 2026 commencement scheduled on May 16, 2026.

Please let us know how our estimated project timeline works (or doesn’t work) within your availability and timeline for a sculpture of this anticipated scale and what completion date would be feasible.
 

Application Documents:

1. Application (via CaFÉ submittal)
2. Letter of Interest
3. Resume/CV
4. Digital Portfolio or Images of Previous Work
5. Professional References
6. Proposal Information
   • Project sketch
   • Methodology
   • Estimated production schedule
   • Cost Estimation to fabricate and install
   • Maintenance requirements

Selection Criteria:

The Creative Committee includes artists, students, past and present ASUI leadership, and University Advancement and Architectural and Engineering Services representation. The Committee will review application documents based on the following criteria:

Deadline:

In order to be considered for this opportunity, all submissions must be submitted digitally via the CaFÉ website. The deadline for all submissions is 11:59 PM MT on Thursday, September 12, 2024. Late submittals will not be accepted.

Selected Artist Announcement:

All artists will be notified by September 31, 2024, of their application status. 

Eligibility Criteria

The project is open to all established and professional artists in the United States, age 18 and over, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, military status, sexual orientation, marital status, or physical or mental disability. Artist teams are eligible to apply, including teams of artists from multiple disciplines.

The selected artist(s) will be required to enter into a contract with the University of Idaho to produce, deliver and install the work of art at a mutually agreed upon time. Contract requirements include submitting a Certificate of Liability Insurance and providing W-9 information into the university’s payment system.