Request for Proposals (RFP):  Chicago Tree Project

Chicago Sculpture International, in collaboration with the Chicago Park District, is seeking experienced artists and artist teams to give dying trees in Chicago parks new life. This RFP seeks an experienced artist (or artist team) to turn the tree into a sculpture: a beautiful, original, unique work of art that will become a distinguishing feature in the neighborhood. The approach can be additive and/or subtractive. The trees will be approximately 16-30 ft. tall and may include main side branches. Past projects can be seen at www.chicagotreeproject.org.

CSI will provide the tree/site scaffold and a fence around the site during construction for a one-month period (artists can apply for an extension).  Due to the condemned nature of the tree, the CPD reserves the right to remove it at their discretion.

Please keep in mind the following criteria:

• Your approach will not compromise the integrity of the tree.
• Objects created will not help people to climb the trees or cause attached objects to fall or need maintenance.
• Before you work on the tree, any branches less than 8” in diameter will get cut, as well as any branches that extend 6’ beyond the trunk of the tree.

Requirements

You may propose two concepts, but only one will be accepted. In other words, in the section in which you describe your proposed project(s), describe one or two concepts. Selected artists will be notified of an available tree that matches their concept drawing.

For this RFP, each artist should submit qualifications that address projects of similar scale. We are looking for evidence that the artist is comfortable working with the appropriate equipment and at heights required for this project. Selected artists must follow safety criteria and are encouraged to complete an OSHA scaffolding certification course.  Liability insurance must also be in place while working on the project.

Stipend: $3,500 paid on completion of the tree sculpture

Application deadline: Friday, March 1, 2019, 11:59 pm CST

Application

Submit a maximum of 6 digital images—proposal mock-ups/drawings and work samples of relevant past work.  Indicate which images are of your proposal as opposed to past work.

Use this space to describe your proposed project(s) (limit 300 words per proposal).

Use this space to discuss your qualifications to do this kind of project.  List specific past projects that are relevant to your proposal(s) (limit 300 words).

Work Sample Description List (not to exceed 500 characters for each image).  Please use this space to further explain/describe your work samples images and their relevance to this project. If you completed a project as a team member, the work sample description list should indicate your role for each image submitted.

Bio If you are applying as part of a team, please provide a bio for each team member (not to exceed 200 words per artist).

Resume with name, street address, email, and phone number

Web site

Agreement section

This RFP is open to professional artists or artist teams 18 years of age or older.  Artists whose proposals are accepted, if they are not already CSI members, will be asked to join.  There are many membership benefits, including exhibition and networking opportunities, a presence on our website and access to valuable professional information.  See what we’re all about at:  www.chicagosculpture.org.   

Also, sculptors must have, according to the Chicago Park District, “Commercial General Liability Insurance (Primary and Umbrella) on an occurrence basis with limits not less than $1,000,000 single limit per occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate for bodily injury, personal injury and property damage.  The Chicago Park District is to be named as an Additional Insured on a Primary, non-contributory basis.”

Application Requirements

Eligibility Criteria