Application Closed
Images | Minimum:Min. 1, Maximum:Max. 6
Audio | Minimum:Min. 0, Maximum:Max. 6
Video | Minimum:Min. 0, Maximum:Max. 1
Total Samples | Minimum:Min. 1, Maximum:Max. 6
Eligibility: Unspecified
State: Texas
The City of El Paso Public Art Program
The City of El Paso’s Public Art Ordinance was adopted by City Council April 4, 2006 to promote and encourage private and public programs to further the development and public awareness of, and interest in, the fine arts and cultural properties, to increase employment opportunities in the arts, to encourage the integration of art into the architecture of municipal structures for the City of El Paso and to provide for the citizens of the City high quality, publicly accessible works of art, which contribute to the urban landscape and symbolize the City’s sense of place.
Project Description
The City of El Paso Public Art Program of the Museums and Cultural Affairs Department seeks to commission a professional artist or artist team to design, fabricate and install site-specific artwork or artworks at the Chelsea Aquatic Facility at 900 Radford St in El Paso, TX.
Site Description:
The proposed Chelsea Aquatic Facility will be sited on a 1.2 acre parcel located at 900 Radford St adjacent to Liz Morayma Gonzalez Park, near the intersection of Montana and Radford. It is scheduled to be reconstructed in a modern water park format, making it a unique facility that will likely serve not only the surrounding neighborhoods but also people from throughout the city. The selected artist will work with the design team, once selected, so that the artist and the designers can jointly investigate the best approach for public art at the site.
The new facility will include:
o An approximate 5,000 to 6,000 sq. ft. building that would include offices, restrooms/shower, a lifeguard break room and observation area, ticket booth, and concession area. A four-lane pool, 5 feet deep on one end, 3 feet on other end suitable for lap pool swimming, learn to swim programming.
o Climbing wall located off pool
o A lazy river configuration providing access to all major elements of the Facility.
o Zero-depth water play area with interactive water playground
o Tot splash area with at least three active elements
o Two water slides with deceleration chutes
o Sunning decks and shade areas ( minimum four)
o Parking spaces to service the entire Facility
o Associated equipment, decking, fencing, gate(s), and landscaping.
Public Art Opportunity
This public art project will commission an artist(s) to design and develop an interactive/functional public art piece within the Lomaland Recreation Center/Library. The project will provide the opportunity for the artist to fully engage with the community in developing the concept and design of the artwork.
Vision
Public Art in El Paso will:
o Give voice to the City’s creative spirit
o Shape the look and feel of the City
o Define places that anchor the community
o Contribute to El Paso’s evolution as a dynamic urban place
Project Goals
The Public Art Program Goals are to:
o Enhance the quality of life of residents,
o Support creative and professional growth of the arts community,
o Support economic growth,
o Enhance the experience visitors have of El Paso, and
o Promote authentic images of El Paso as unique place, community and destination.
Budget
Total project budget is $200,000 to include design, fabrication, and installation. The budget is all-inclusive and must cover design fees, travel expenses, all materials and fabrication costs, insurance costs, engineering expenses, shipping and transportation to the site, and installation.
Additional Costs to the project may include:
o Foundation, Infrastructure, Contracting Services, Engineering
o Permitting, Engineering
Artist’s Scope of Work
o Contract with City of El Paso to fulfill the artist’s services
o Collaborate with City and stakeholders to generate artwork proposal(s)
o Conduct research, which includes examining the site, reviewing pertinent documents and plans, meeting with City staff, members of community, and neighborhood associations.
o Prepare verbal, written and visual presentations to show schematic and final artwork proposal(s) to stakeholders
o Fabrication and installation of artwork
Artist Selection Method
o Artists will be asked to provide:
o Artist statement, previous work examples, resume and letter of interest
o Applications will be reviewed by an Artist Selection Panel (ASP), which may be comprised of a representative from the design consultant, one community member, City department(s), a visual art professional, and a member of the Public Art Committee. The ASP will review all complete, eligible applications received by the deadline shown on the schedule.
o The Artist Selection Panel (ASP) will select 3-5 finalists to proceed in the next phase of the project.
o Criteria for artist selection includes, but not limited to:
o Experience, success and/or interest in creating functional/interactive public artworks in collaboration with public entities, including universities
o Experience working with large outdoor sculptures, including those placed in pedestrian walkways and vehicular traffic areas
o Review of resume, letter of interest, and previous successful public art projects
o The selected artists are invited to prepare a proposal.
o The Panel recommends the selection of one of the finalist proposals to PAC.
Art Proposal Selection Method
o The finalist selected will be placed under contract to provide design proposals for the project for review and approval prior to fabrication and installation.
o Review of final design proposals performed by: PAC, prior to final approval.
o Criteria for the review of design proposals include, but not limited to:
§ Meets the definition of Artwork.
§ Demonstrates artistic merit, including excellence in aesthetic quality, workmanship, innovation and creativity.
§ Demonstrates appropriateness in scale and form.
§ Meets the project’s goals as outlined in the Individual Project Plan.
§ Demonstrates feasibility of construction and installation.
§ Demonstrates feasibility in terms of budget, timeline, safety, security, durability, operation, maintenance, conservation, legal and ethical issues.
§ Builds the diversity of the City’s public art collection.
o Artist will then proceed to construction documents, fabrication and installation of the artwork.
Anticipated Schedule
o Artist Selection Panel Review: February 2018
o Notification to Selected Artist: March 2018
o Request for Proposals: TBD
o Stakeholder Review: TBD
o Public Art Committee Review: TBD
Coordination with other departments and stakeholders
o The CID department would be requested to provide construction oversight, assist in contractor selection, permitting procedures, and project management.
o Potential stakeholders for this project include:
o Parks and Recreation
o Libraries
o Community
o Neighborhood Associations
o Coordination efforts and review needs to occur with the following individuals:
o Public Art Manager
o Parks & Recreation
o CID
o Libraries
Community outreach/Neighborhood input
o Input from surrounding neighborhoods
o Meetings could also be held during the design review process to receive additional information and direction from community