Request for Qualifications
Submissions to the RFQ are due March 1, 2019 and must be submitted via CaFÉ. Artists are asked to submit the required documents and images to demonstrate their interest and expertise. This is a regional RFQ open to artists residing in Wyoming and neighboring states: Montana, Idaho, Colorado, Nebraska, Utah, and South Dakota. Wyoming artists will be given preference.

In reviewing submitted RFQ materials, the committee will consider the following:

• The quality of the artist’s portfolio or previous work samples submitted
• The artist’s cover letter and how well it addresses this particular project
• The artist’s experience working with the public art process and demonstrated ability to work with the project architect and facility managers

Following review, select artists will be asked to submit a complete formal design proposal, including a budget, timeline, and references. Proposal packets and budgets for finalists must include additional lighting needs, signage, and plans for a foundation (if needed) or other structural support, design fees, material costs, labor for fabrication and installation, and all necessary costs involving planning, completion, delivery, and installation of the project. It is the responsibility of the artist to budget accordingly.

If decided by the committee, in-person or video presentations may take place. There will be modest financial compensation for final design proposals and in-person presentations. Any other travel is the responsibility of the individual artist.

About the Building

The new Casper State Office Building will bring 8 state agencies under one roof: Department of Workforce Services, Department of Family Services, Department of Health, Department of Corrections, State Engineer’s Office, Department of Revenue, Department of Environmental Quality, and the Attorney General’s Office. Located on the former site of the CNW (Chicago and Northwestern Rail) rail yard and roundhouse, the building will incorporate industrial themes that connect to the railroad and design elements that connect it to the Yellowstone District of Casper. The lot is between Collins Drive and Midwest Avenue with the building situated closest on the lot to city center.

Exterior design elements include modern elements like glass, brick to convey a governmental appearance, and punch outs and metal elements to connect it to the Yellowstone District. Landscaping will include rock mulch and berming to reflect the former rail yard site. There are several green spaces around the exterior of the building. A city bus stop is located by the north entrance.

North and south main entrances to the building are centrally located with arms of the building housing the various state agencies. Employees and visitors will enter into a two-story central atrium. Colored porcelain floor tiling will assist with wayfinding. A custom chandelier in the atrium reflects the rail yard and roundhouse and other lighting fixtures resemble boxcars. Other interior finishes include weathered Wyoming wood and milled steel.

Casper, and specifically the downtown area near the new State Office Building, has been undergoing a redevelopment and reinvigoration in recent years. Developments in the downtown include an art center, new restaurants and businesses moving into the area, and a forward looking focus on arts, culture, and building community. Entrepreneurs and business owners have local support and the community has embraced new ideas and organizations.

The building is scheduled to be completed and occupied by late 2021. For images and plans, visit the Arts Council website.

Artwork

The committee is interested in work for outside the building. There are several green spaces around the property and the city’s Rails to Trails path runs along the north and south sides of the building. Exterior artwork will allow for the most interaction with both the general public and building staff and visitors. The front (north) plaza of the building will have flags and agency seals.

Artwork should complement the design of the building, including the rail yard theme and history of the Yellowstone District. Wyoming, and specifically Casper, has a reputation as hard working. That theme is reflected by the agencies that will occupy the Casper State Office Building. The committee is interested in work that connects to themes and ideas of hard work and to the agencies, services, and visitors of the new building.

All styles, genres, conceptual approaches, and mediums will be considered. All proposed artwork must be durable, structurally sound, secure, site appropriate, and easy to maintain. Additional drawings, site plans, and information will be provided to the artists invited to submit complete proposals.

Project Budget

The total project budget available for artwork is $90,000. This amount may be allocated for multiple artists/artworks or for various locations. A more specific budget allocation will be determined by the committee after finalists are selected.

Timeline

The selection committee will review the submissions to this RFQ in March 2019. Following review, select artists will be asked to submit a complete formal design proposal. A decision will be made by May 2019. A specific timeline for development, production, and installation will be established upon selection of the finalist(s). This timeline is subject to adjustment.

The Committee
Artists’ submissions will be reviewed and final selections will be made by a committee appointed by the Wyoming Arts Council and the State of Wyoming. The committee for this project includes administrators and staff from agencies that will occupy the building, artists, community members, architecture and construction project managers, and a Wyoming Arts Council board member.

If you have any questions about the project or need more information on the selection process, please contact Rachel Clifton at the Wyoming Arts Council, 307-777-5305 or rachel.clifton@wyo.gov.

Application Requirements

Eligibility Criteria