Call Description

Salt Lake County plans to contract with an artist or artist team to create one or more unique exterior artworks that will be installed on the site of the new Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Arts Center. 

The complete Request for Qualification can be found HERE. Click the "Download" button in the Supporting Documentation section. 

Project Needs to Address:

·        Aesthetic Compatibility: The artwork must harmonize with the building’s architecture and landscape design, enhancing its overall visual appeal.

·        Safety and Durability: The artwork must meet all safety guidelines, ensuring stability and durability in a public setting. It should be easy to maintain and capable of withstanding environmental conditions.

·        Quality and Craftsmanship: The artwork should be of high artistic quality, reflecting a commitment to excellence and innovation.

·        Scale Appropriateness: The artwork should be appropriately scaled to complement the size and nature of the project site, ensuring a harmonious integration into the environment.

            Encouraged to Address:

·        Unique Venue Identity: The artwork should contribute to a distinctive, iconic presence that resonates with the venue’s character and purpose.

·        Bold Artistic Statement: A transformative work of art that challenges conventional design, leaving a lasting impact and showcasing the venue as a work of art in its own right.

·        Dynamic Lighting Integration: The venue itself is designed to function like a lantern, radiating light from within, creating a warm, inviting glow. The artwork selected for this project should reflect and enhance this concept, with the potential to radiate creative energy. Projects are encouraged to incorporate lighting as a dynamic element, amplifying the artwork's impact and contributing to the venue's luminous, transformative atmosphere.

·        Mission Alignment: The artwork should support the venue’s mission by contributing to a welcoming environment and a sense of belonging for all, reinforcing the idea that these are spaces and places for everyone.

PLEASE NOTE: There will be multiple public art projects for this venue, including one or more exterior pieces and two interior works.  This exterior project will be open to artists legally authorized to work in the United States. One interior project will also be open to artists legally authorized to work in the United States. An additional RFQ will be released for the second interior project, which will be open exclusively to artists who reside in Utah. Artists or artist-led teams are eligible to apply for all three public art projects, provided they meet the specific qualifications for each. Different selection committees will review and select artists for each project.

It is the intent of the County to enter into a contract with an artist or artist team for this site to assure the project requirements are met, to assure the best value for the project, to assure the project budget is not exceeded, to expedite the project to completion, and to encourage a unified approach by all members of the project team.

 Project Background

Salt Lake County is developing the new regional arts center, to be known as the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Arts Center (Arts Center), in Daybreak, a rapidly growing and vibrantly master-planned community in South Jordan, Utah. This community is designed to offer a unique blend of modern living, recreation, and culture, with walkable spaces and a variety of amenities that encourage community engagement. Daybreak is home to significant developments, including the newly constructed Ballpark at America First Square, a state-of-the-art facility for professional and community sporting events, as well as a movie mega-plex, a premier venue for entertainment and cinema. This vibrant mix of recreational, cultural, and commercial spaces is poised to make Daybreak a central hub for residents and visitors alike. The Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Arts Center will be strategically located within this dynamic development, further enriching the area’s growing cultural landscape.

The Arts Center itself is supported by a transformative $25 million donation from the Larry H. &  Gail Miller Family Foundation, reflecting the Miller Family’s deep commitment to enriching the community through the arts. It is also part of Salt Lake County’s dedication to expanding access to cultural experiences across the valley. The Arts Center will be named the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Arts Center. Once operational, it will be managed by Salt Lake County Arts & Culture, a County agency dedicated to supporting the County’s arts and cultural community.

The Arts Center is expected to include an 800-seat theater, a visual art gallery, and classroom spaces for creative exploration and education. Groundbreaking for the Arts Center is scheduled for January 2026 and is anticipated to open in early 2028. This center fulfills a key recommendation from Salt Lake County's 2008 and 2020 Cultural Master Plans, which identified the need for publicly-owned regional cultural centers in the southwest valley. The Arts Center will provide critical space for performances, rehearsals, exhibitions, and community events, benefiting both established arts organizations and emerging artists.

The design of the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Arts Center, led by Method Studio, is envisioned as a dynamic, sculptural building that embodies the energy and expression of the arts. The architectural form features folded planes and creases, creating an interplay of light and shadow that will transform the building into a glowing lantern at night. This design symbolizes the theatrical curtain, representing the threshold between reality and imagination, while embodying the magic of performance and the arts.

As part of Salt Lake County’s commitment to sustainability, the Arts Center will meet USGBC LEED Gold certification standards, which will be confirmed upon completion of construction. Additionally, Salt Lake County’s Art in Public Places program will incorporate site-specific artwork, such as murals and sculptures, to further enhance the Arts Center. This program supports local artists and strengthens community identity by integrating art into county spaces across the valley. The program’s collections will feature a wide range of media, including paintings, photography, mixed media, and sculptures.

The mission of Salt Lake County Arts & Culture division is to support the County’s vibrant arts community through a variety of programs, including the Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP) grant program. Through its spaces, places, services, and programs, the division fosters community engagement and provides opportunities for shared cultural experiences. The Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Arts Center will be a cornerstone of this mission, offering a dedicated space where the transformative power of the arts can flourish for generations to come. 

Application Requirements

The complete Request for Qualification can be found HERE. Click the "Download" button in the Supporting Documentation section. 

SELECTION PROCESS

The Selection Committee, composed of community members, representatives from Salt Lake County Arts & Culture, architects, and arts professionals, will review all submissions and make the final recommendation to the Salt Lake County Mayor.

The process is structured in two phases, designed to ensure a thorough and fair evaluation of each artist's qualifications and creative vision.

Phase One: Initial Qualification Submission

Artists are invited to submit a Letter of Interest and qualifications, which should include:
• A brief written statement describing their approach to the project.
Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Arts Center
• Up to 10 images of relevant past work that demonstrate experience with similar projects.
• A detailed biography, including relevant artistic and professional experience.

If submitting as a team, each artist should prepare an individual application, which will be submitted as a complete package. The Selection Committee will review the materials and select up to five semi-finalists to move forward in the process.

Phase Two: Full Proposal Submission
Semi-finalists will be required to participate in at least two meetings. Before submitting their full proposals, semi-finalists must attend a mandatory virtual meeting on August 15th, 2025, at 12:00 PM MT. This will be an opportunity for artists to meet the architects, project managers, and other key stakeholders, and ask detailed questions about the
project. This meeting will provide critical information and clarify any project details, ensuring that artists have a full understanding of the site and the project’s vision.

Semi-finalists will be invited to present their site-specific full proposal for the project in person in Salt Lake City. Semi-finalists must email second-phase proposals to BWhitehead@saltlakecounty.gov. They must be received before 1:00 PM MT on September 24th, 2025. No proposals will be accepted after the closing date and time.

The full proposal must include:

• A detailed project concept and vision.
• A proposed budget for the project.
• A timeline outlining the completion of the artwork.

In addition, each semi-finalist will be required to present their proposal in person to the Selection Committee on October 14th, 2025. The meeting will take place in Salt Lake City, and each semi-finalist will have up to one hour to present their proposal. Semifinalists will receive a $2,500 honorarium to prepare and present their proposals. This honorarium is inclusive of any expenses incurred for the creation of their proposal,
including travel expenses, hotel, shipping, etc.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
First Phase
- APPLICATION – Exhibit A 
- TWO-PAGE LETTER OF INTEREST -- that explains why the artist is
interested in the project, how the artist’s work is appropriate for the project, and relevant past experience. If submitting as a team, the letter should include a description of how the team works together and clearly explain any collaborative work experiences. Clearly indicate how you might approach the site.
- TWO-PAGE ARTIST’S RESUME -- for team applications, please include resumes for all team members (again not to exceed 2 pages per resume).
- UP TO TEN DIGITAL IMAGES OF RELEVENT PAST WORK. Digital images must be emailed with your proposal submission. If the digital image files are too large to email, please provide a Dropbox link (or
similar file sharing program) with the images. Each image must be saved
in JPEG format and cannot be larger than 1MB. Images must be in the
order listed on the slide identification sheet in Exhibit A. Artists are encouraged to submit images of past work that best illustrates their
qualifications for this opportunity. A slide identification sheet must accompany documentation or use the application form provided (see Exhibit A).

Second Phase
Semi-Finalists will be invited to submit up to three design concepts during this phase. Each concept must include the following materials to support a comprehensive review by the Selection Committee:
1. Written Proposal Narrative: 
Provide a detailed written description of each proposed concept. The narrative should include:
o A brief statement outlining the key themes and inspiration behind your design.
o An explanation of how your concept integrates with the site and complements the surrounding environment.
o A clear plan for adhering to the project’s timeline and any specific considerations regarding fabrication, installation, and project milestones.

The narrative must be submitted in a format of 8 ½” x 11”, with a minimum of 500 words. Please ensure your proposal is thorough and well-articulated, offering the Selection Committee a clear understanding of the concept and its relevance to the project.

2. Budget and Timeline
o Detailed Budget: A comprehensive budget that outlines all projected costs related to the design, fabrication, transportation, installation, and any other expenses related to the execution of the public art project.
o Project Timeline: A clear and detailed timeline for the completion of the artwork, including milestones for each phase of the project (fabrication, transportation, installation, etc.), ensuring alignment with the overall project schedule.

3. Visual Illustration
Provide a visual representation of the proposed design. The illustration should clearly demonstrate how the artwork will look in its intended location and how it interacts with space. This visual representation should allow the Selection Committee to easily grasp the scale, materials, and integration of the proposed artwork within the site.

Once submitted, the finalists will be required to travel to Salt Lake City to present their concepts in person. Please ensure all materials are submitted in a clear and organized manner. Failure to meet submission requirements may result in disqualification from further consideration. This is a critical stage in the selection process, and we encourage
finalists to present their most thoughtful, innovative, and well-prepared proposals.

SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS
First Phase -  The entire submission must be submitted via callforentry.org. Submissions must be submitted electronically and received by July 18th, 2025, at 1:00 PM MT. No proposals will be accepted after the closing date and time.

Second Phase – Semi-finalists must email second-phase proposals to
BWhitehead@saltlakecounty.gov. They must be received before 1:00 PM MT on September 24th, 2025. No proposals will be accepted after the closing date and time.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE FOR THE RFQ PROCESS

Posting Date -  June 3, 2025
Pre-proposal Optional Meeting (via WebEx) - June 20th, 2025, at 4:00 PM MT
Questions Due Date - July 3rd, 2025
Phase 1 - Qualifications Proposal Due - July 18th, 2025, at 1:00 PM MT
Committee Meeting to Review Qualifications - July 29th, 2025, 12-3PM
Notification of Preliminary Review Decisions - August 5th, 2025
Finalist Mandatory Meeting (via WebEx) - August 15, 2025, at 12:00 PM
Phase 2 – Proposals Due - September 24, 2025, at 1:00 PM
Finalists’ Interview with Selection Committee - Tuesday, October 14th, 2025
Award Notice - October 21st, 2025
Anticipated Notice to Proceed - November 2025
Anticipated Install Completion Early 2028 or date to be determined
 

Eligibility Criteria

To participate, artists must be working in the United States and applicants must have a valid U.S. Tax ID Number (SSN, EIN, ITIN, or other).