Introduction

The City of Florence and The City’s Public Art Committee (PAC) are pleased to announce plans to create and install several high impact art projects. The PAC believes that these projects will generate community pride and connectivity, provide artists a creative outlet with high visibility, and benefit citizens with quality and meaningful public art while encouraging economic development and tourism.

Background

By creating public art, the Florence community can reap esthetic benefits, create conversations, join together and create buzz for tourists that will increase economic growth. The Oregon Coast is not only known for its natural beauty, but for the art that it inspires! The PAC’s mission is to “Make everyday a celebration of the arts in Florence.”

Art Exposed – Dynamic Public Art Project is an exciting program to enhance the beauty and livability of our community by regularly introducing original outdoor art into Florence to create a unique sense of place and enhance community identity.  Art Exposed provides a creative and unique outlet for artists to display their work, gain notoriety, have a venue sell their work and be able to have a stipend while their work is being displayed.

Artists are encouraged to submit unique pieces that demonstrate extraordinary creativity.  Many cities around the world are engaged in programs of this type. It creates excitement from both the community and visitors.  Art Exposed is the beginning of a series of Public Art activities that will help all Florence citizens and visitors experience art in a new way. 

General Project Information

• Five (5) locations for this art have been selected by the Public Art Committee and are in the high visibility/high traffic area of Old Town along Bay Street.  Details of the locations are listed below and visuals are included in the downloadable Supplemental Materials Document/”View Site Details” 
• Artists are encouraged to submit work for all locations if they wish
• There is a $25 fee per artist to submit work
• Art displayed in this program must be available for sale to the public.  Initial art displayed will be installed for a period of two years
• Each artist will be provided a stipend for the installation of $500.00 
• The City will provide bases for the art and may assist with installation 
• Artist agrees to transport artwork to Florence and work with PAC/City for installation
• All artwork must be the original design and artwork of the entrant and suitable for viewing by all ages
• All artists over 18 years old are eligible
• Should art be purchased prior to the end of the two-year period, the artist shall be given first opportunity to replace art with a suitable piece to be approved by the Public Art Committee.  If the artist chooses not to replace the work, the space will be made available to a new artist through a new “Call to Artists” 
• The City of Florence will collect a 30% commission on any art sold
• Selected artwork is schedule to be installed the week of April 23rd, 2018
• The deadline for submissions is Sunday, February 25th, 2018

Reasons to Apply & Participate

• Showcase your talent in a high visibility location
• Work with an art friendly community
• Media attention throughout the region
• Artist recognition
• Stipend
• Create aesthetic impact

General Application Process

1. Application Submission via CallForEntry.org
   a.) CallForEntry.org is a very well-recognized site for coordinating all types of art and they are very experienced in managing submissions
   b.) Artists must create a profile to apply to this call, which is free and will allow you to also see other calls that you might be interested in
   c.) For more information on CallforEntry.org and creating a profile: callforentry.org/faq.phtml
   d.) Progress of your application can be seen when logged into your profile
2. Finalists will be selected by the City of Florence Public Art Committee
   1. The deadline for submissions is Sunday, February 25th, 2018
   2. The Public Art Committee is having selections reviewed during the week of March 19th, 2018
   3. Artwork is schedule to be installed the week of April 23rd, 2018

Eligibility

• All artists, over 18 years old are eligible
• Entries must be the original design and artwork of the entrant and suitable for viewing by all ages, (see design guidelines)

Design Guidelines

• There is no required “theme” and creativity & innovation of design are encouraged
• Artwork must be the original design, artwork of the entrant and suitable for viewing by all ages
• Artist must be 18 years old to be eligible
• Artists must submit images of the specific work they wish to enter.  If work in progress, they must submit their final drawings, current images of work and their completion timeline
• Designs must not include any breach of intellectual property, trademarks, brands, business names, corporate or organizational branding or images of drugs
• An area on or near the work will be specified for use in presenting a plaque that indicates the name of the artist and possibly other information (name of the piece, sponsor, etc…)
• Artists may not submit work that has been sold or re-fabricated in any way
• The artwork created may not be used for advertisement or to promote a business, product, or viewpoint
• Artists may submit work of their own or as part of a team
• Artwork can be of any medium, but artists should consider structural and surface soundness and materials that can withstand coastal conditions as well as inherent resistance to theft, vandalism and excessive maintenance and repair costs. Artists should outline in their proposals their history with the material being submitted as well as a suggested maintenance schedule
• Artwork must not exceed 1,000 pounds in total weight, except for the piece in the Rain Garden, which cannot exceed 500 pounds.   Artwork must include a 36” diameter plate on the bottom with four 1 inch diameter bolt holes to accommodate 3/4 inch bolts on 22 inch spacing to be used to attach to the base provided by the City (see Supplemental Materials Document/"View Site Details" and diagram on Art Base Information Page) 
• There are five (5) distinct locations along Bay Street in Old Town Florence (see Supplemental Materials Document). When submitting, artist must specify the number and the location for which they are submitting.  Please note the unique requirements for each location.
• Artists can submit one (1) entry for each location
• There is a $25.00 entry fee for each artist
• Each work will be evaluated to require that it does not present a hazard to public safety, and must conform to ADA standards
• The art must be for sale and reflect the artist’s current pricing structure
• The artist will be paid a stipend of $500.00 for a two-year period and the City of Florence will collect a 30% commission on any work sold during that period.  A contract will be signed prior to installation
• Accepted work that differs significantly from work represented will be disqualified

Location Information

Location #1 – River Roasters

This work will be located approximately 12 feet East of the edge of the short railing adjacent to the River Coffee Roasters patio, which would place it just to the left of the existing stump/planter.    This is a very high traffic location.  To ensure that the work does not interfere with the view of the bridge, this piece can be no more than 4 feet tall, and cannot exceed the 36” plate in size at the base.  Artwork must include a 36” diameter plate on the bottom to attach to the base provided by the City (see Supplemental Materials Document/”View Site Details").

Location #2 – Rain Garden

This work will be located in the middle of the “Rain Garden” between Bay Street and the walkway in the middle of the Center, which contains a bench.  A pedestal will be built in the Rain Garden to be the same height as the walkway, so the piece will be installed on that base.  This is also a high traffic area and the work shall be no more than 6 ½ feet tall and three feet wide at its widest point.  Artists should strive for a very “open” look to match the surroundings and the view of the bridge.  The artwork for this location cannot exceed 500 pounds, and must include a 36” diameter plate on the bottom to attach to the base provided by the City (see Supplemental Materials Document/”View Site Details").

Location #3 – East Side of the Interpretive Center

This work will be installed directly in the space in front of the trees, but slightly to the left of center to ensure bridge visibility.  This piece shall be no more than 7 feet tall and three feet widest its widest point.  It must include a 36” diameter plate on the bottom to attach to the base provided by the City (see Supplemental Materials Document/”View Site Details").

Location #4 – Gazebo Park

This work will be located approximately 8 feet from the western edge of the brickwork and be located just behind the railing, in front of the larger shrubbery.  The work can be no more than 7 feet tall and three feet wide at its widest point.  It must include a 36” diameter plate on the bottom to attach to the base provided by the City (see Supplemental Materials Document/”View Site Details").

Location #5 – Maple Street Park

This Sea Lion that currently is in this spot will be moved across to the West side of the Park and the “Art Exposed” piece will be placed where the Sea Lion is now.  The work can be no more than 7 feet tall and three feet wide at its widest point.  It must include a 36” diameter plate on the bottom to attach to the base provided by the City (see Supplemental Materials Document/”View Site Details").

Information Needed for Each Location Submission

To maximize space and ability to provide information, PDFs are recommended.

Information for EACH piece and location must include:

• Location Number
• Location Description Name
• Short Description of Work
• Title of Work
• Date Created
• Current Price of Work
• Medium
• Height
• Widths at Widest Point
• Widths at Base
• Weight
• History of use with Materials used
• Recommended Maintenance Procedures & Schedule (including vandalism repair/cleaning)
• Other pertinent information
• A statement of the artists “vision” when creating the piece
• Images of work at different angles
• IF work is in progress, include your final schematics, project completion timeline and images of work of where it is at in progress. Please also include examples of other similar work, including location, medium and pricing
• Note: Accepted work that differs significantly from work represented will be disqualified (completed or work in progress submissions)

Evaluation Criteria

1. Demonstrates Excellence
2. Meets Project Goal
3. Artist Qualification
4. Application Process

• Follows instructions carefully
• Completes all application requirements

Appendix/Artist Resources

City of Florence City Website

City of Florence Public Art Committee

City of Florence Safety Code

Interpretive Center Information

Gazebo Park (Old Town Park) Information

More info about the public art committee and public art in Florence 

Application Requirements

Eligibility Criteria