INTRODUCTION

CNL Projects, LK Architecture and the City of Wichita invite artists and artist teams with a demonstrated history of completing complex, permanent, outdoor public art projects (and/or other relevant experiences) to submit their qualifications for one of three public art commissions for a $592,000 Arkansas River Public Art Project. This project aims to enhance the aesthetics, safety, and accessibility of the Arkansas Riverfront through downtown Wichita, building upon its character and topography to create unique experiences and spaces for the public. The project will complement and support adjacent development cohesively and seamlessly, creating opportunities for public art to enhance the experience of the riverfront and Wichita. 

PERCENT FOR ART & CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN

This project is funded through the Percent for Art Ordinance and the City of Wichita’s Capital Improvement Plan. In 2019, the Wichita City Council approved an ordinance that allotted 2% of capital improvement funds to a pool of funding allocated for the commissioning of on-site artworks that then become part of the citywide art collection. The administration of the Percent for Art Program is overseen by the Design Council, an 11-member advisory board. 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The selected artist(s) will collaborate with CNL Projects (Art Consultant), LK Architecture and the City of Wichita to conceptualize, design, fabricate, and install engaging, site-specific, permanent public art installations at one of three distinct, identified locations along the Arkansas Riverfront. Artists will select only one area for proposal based on the identified locations listed below. This commission involves the creation of new, integrated artworks that enhance the functionality and aesthetics of the designated areas. Each new commission should engage the general public and host one changing, perceived changing, or interactive element.

The project encompasses the following: 

Design-team collaboration: The artist(s) will work closely with CNL Projects, LK Architecture, and the City of Wichita to ensure the seamless integration of the artworks into the overall design scheme of the riverfront development.

Commission of new works: The project entails the creation of original, site-specific artworks that respond to the unique context and character of each location.

Integrated art: The artworks will be thoughtfully integrated into the existing and proposed infrastructure and landscape, enhancing the functionality and visual appeal of the spaces.

Functional art: In some instances, the artworks will serve functional purposes, such as providing shade or concealing electrical systems, while also contributing to the artistic and aesthetic value of the riverfront.

The project will be overseen by the City of Wichita’s Design Council, which will provide guidance and feedback throughout the design phase. The City of Wichita, LK Architecture and CNL Projects will manage and oversee both the design and implementation phase. All parties are committed to ensuring that the selected artworks reflect the community's values and aspirations, contributing to a vibrant and engaging public realm along the Arkansas Riverfront.

ART GOALS OR CRITERIA

The artwork should:

➔     Enhance the aesthetics and character of the riverfront

➔     Create unique and memorable experiences for visitors

➔     Foster a sense of community and place

➔     Reflect the natural and cultural heritage of Wichita

➔     Be durable, safe, and low maintenance

ART LOCATION DESCRIPTION

The art locations for this project have been predetermined by CNL Projects, LK Architecture and the City of Wichita. Each location invites artists to design a compelling sculptural artwork that evokes a sense of change over time, either through a changing element or the perception of a change, adding moments of discovery and surprise. Should an artist be selected as a finalist, they must identify one area to respond to. The three distinct areas designated for public art installations are as follows:

Area 1: Utility Infrastructure

➔     There are several electrical systems located along the riverfront by necessity. The exact locations and dimensions of these systems will be provided to the selected artist(s). The artist will design and fabricate sculptural elements that conceal or distract from the electrical systems, while also adding artistic value to the site. The sculpture should be durable, engaging, and visually appealing, complementing the surrounding environment. We are open to artwork submissions that have a changing, perceived change or interactive element. 

Area 2: Seating Areas

➔     The seating areas are arranged along the riverfront walkway. The ground surface is primarily concrete with surrounding landscaping. The artist will design and fabricate seven overhead structures, one for each seating area. The structures should enhance the visual appeal of the space. We are open to artwork submissions that have a changing, perceived change or interactive element. 

Area 3: Walls

➔     Several sections of retaining walls along the riverfront have been identified for an artistic intervention. The walls are constructed of concrete with a limestone, veneer finish, and vary in height and length. The artist will design and implement a solution that adds color, texture, visual interest, and/or light, to these walls. Any incorporation of lighting design should be energy-efficient and consider the overall aesthetic of the riverfront, both during the day and at night. 

ART LOCATION DETAILS

View Art Location Renderings

Area 1

➔     Functional Intent: Screening of existing utility infrastructure that cannot be relocated.

➔     Area:  approx. 900 SF

➔     Approximate screening height: 6’-8’

➔     Must be able to maintain access via gate if entirely enclosed.

Area 2:

➔     Functional Intent: Sculptural installation that is structurally overhead and integrated with custom oval benches.

➔     7 locations

Area 3:

➔     Functional intent: Engagement with the pilaster wall face and/or top of wall

➔     Area: Wall Width: 12’, Wall Height Varies 42” minimum.  

➔     Wall Cap: 12’x3’

➔     3 distinct Locations

➔     Public Art must be able to be attached or applied post wall construction.

➔     Light can also be integrated into the design.

BUDGET

The total budget for all three distinct artwork locations is $592,000. The proposed artwork commission includes all costs and fees for the artist to execute the project from design through structural engineering, fabrication, site preparation, and transportation/delivery to the site. Installation, structural engineering, site preparation, and delivery will be managed by CNL Projects, the City of Wichita and LK Architects, and coordinated with the project construction team.

SELECTION PROCESS

A selection panel consisting of representatives from the City of Wichita, CNL Projects, LK Architecture, the Design Council, and community stakeholders will review all submissions. A total of 3-10 finalists will be selected to respond to an RFP and develop proposals for one or more of the identified areas. Finalists will be invited to participate in virtual interviews. The final selection will be based on the criteria outlined above. 

PROJECT TIMELINE

**All dates are approximate and subject to change. 

RFQ open via online application system: September 16, 2024

Artists questions due: October 7, 2024

Artist virtual information session: October 11, 2024, at 3pm CST

Qualifications due: November 4th, 2024

Review of qualifications: November 5-10, 2024

Notification of finalists and RFP distributed: November 12, 2024

Finalists’ design proposals due: December 20, 2024

Finalists’ presentations/ interviews: Week of January 13th, 2025

Final artist(s) selection: Jan 24, 2025

Contract: February 7, 2025

Fabrication: February 2025-December 2025

Installation: January 2026-March 2026

Completion: April 1, 2026 

DESIGN PROPOSAL FEE

Finalists will be paid $1,000 to develop proposals.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Applicants will be shortlisted based on a competitive review of the following:

Artistic excellence: demonstrated vision, professional process and presentation, and quality craftsmanship in examples of past work; examples provided should be relevant to how the artist will approach this public art opportunity.

Creative process: examples of past work should illustrate the artist(s) unique approach to their artistic design process; examples provided should be relevant to how the artist will approach this public art opportunity and demonstrate a pragmatic approach to project development and installation.

Ability: demonstrated experience with artistic medium and fabrication (or management of fabrication and production) and executing large-scale outdoor artwork (or other relevant experience), effective communication strategies including updates with all key stakeholders, delivering contractual milestones, and managing allocated budgets in a timely fashion.

Meaningful relationship with the creative and conceptual aspects of their artistic process and the purpose of this project as expressed in the Letter of Interest (LOI).

HOW TO APPLY

Application is available via CaFÉ (www.callforentry.org).

QUESTIONS

All inquiries should be emailed to cortney@cortneylederer.com by October 7, 2024, 11:59pm CST.

Application Requirements

SUBMITTAL CONTENT

Each artist or artist team must submit an entirely digital application.

1. Six (6) to ten (10) total images of past large-scale public art (or other relevant projects) and infrastructure projects by the artist or artist team’s lead artist(s).
2. Optional: One (1) video, edited to no more than two (2) minutes in length, may also be submitted, but is not required.
3. Annotated Image List: An annotated image list that includes the title, media, year completed, dimensions, location, project budget, timeline, and client or commissioning entity for each corresponding image.
   1. The annotated image list may include thumbnails of submitted images but does not replace the need to upload individual image files in fulfillment of number 1 above.
   2. Image annotations may include very brief descriptions of how the image illustrates one or more of the selection criteria.
   3. If a video is submitted, please include two to three (2-3) sentences to describe its context.
4. A one (1) page Letter of Interest (LOI) stating why The Arkansas Riverfront Public Art opportunity is meaningful and appropriate for the applicant’s work, as well as potential approach to this project. In this letter, please outline what area/location you are most interested in and why.  If the artist does not have a demonstrated history of public art, please share your ability to conceptualize, communicate and support the delivery of a public artwork
5. A resume or curriculum vitae (CV) (not to exceed 2 pages).
   1. If applying as an artist team, provide a resume or CV for each team member and a list of key team members and their roles/affiliations in one PDF.
6. Three (3) professional references

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Eligibility Criteria

The Arkansas River Public Art Project welcomes submissions from artist and artist teams based nationally. The project encourages participation from artists with:

• A demonstrated history of completing complex, permanent, outdoor public art projects of comparable budget, scale, and scope (and/or the ability to conceptualize, communicate and support the delivery of a public artwork).
• A strong understanding of public art considerations including materials, fabrication, installation, maintenance, and public safety.
• A demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with communities, stakeholders, and project teams
• A commitment to creating engaging, inclusive and accessible artwork.

The City of Wichita boasts a vibrant arts community and numerous local firms capable of assisting with the development, fabrication, and installation of public art. The selection committee values local involvement and will give preference to artists who demonstrate a plan to utilize these local resources, which may include:

• Engineers for developing stamp drawings
• Concrete firms for pouring footers
• Fabricators
• Installation crews
• Lighting specialists
• Landscape architects

The City of Wichita is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment. It is the declared policy and practice of the City of Wichita to extend equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age, political affiliation, sexual orientation, disability, or other non-merit factors.