Public Art: EUG Airport, City of Eugene, OR

Public Artwork: Request for Qualifications

Overview

The City of Eugene (CoE) is issuing a Request for Qualifications from experienced artists or artist-teams eligible to contract with CoE to create a public work of art at Eugene Airport (EUG) located at 28801 Douglas Drive, Eugene, OR 97402. This project is funded by EUG’s Percent for Art mandate whereby a percentage (1%) of eligible airport construction and renovation funds are allocated for public art at EUG.

Deadline

Submissions must be received through Café (www.callforentry.org) by 5PM (MST) on Oct. 25, 2019. Submissions will only be accepted via Café. Submissions received after the deadline will not be considered. Please make note of the time zone and apply accordingly.     

Budget

Project budget is not to exceed $120,000 including, but not limited to, all costs associated with research and reports from licensed structural and electrical engineers as necessary, materials, fabrication, transportation, travel, insurance, and installation. EUG should also be provided with a comprehensive long-term care and maintenance plan from the Artist.

Eligibility

This commission is open to all professional artists, 18 and over, who are located and working within the United States. Specifically, artists working with architecturally-integrated aerial sculpture design and art-glass are encouraged to apply. Applicants should have previous experience serving as principal artists on at least 2 projects with art budgets over $100,000. Preference will be given to applicants with previous airport design and installation experience. The project awardee will be required to obtain airport security clearance.

Submissions will be considered from all artists meeting the aforementioned criteria, regardless of race, religion, national origin, gender identification, military status, sexual orientation, marital status, or physical ability.

Submission Requirements

Artists must submit the materials listed below. Note that images and videos should be titled as follows: last name_first initial_image number. All materials must be submitted via Café (www.callforentry.org) by the stated deadline. Applicants are encouraged to apply early to mitigate any delays due to technical difficulties.

·         2,000-character statement of interest offering a brief overview of the artist’s professional philosophy and approach to placemaking.

·         8 images of past projects, particularly projects of comparable size and scope. Include the title, medium, dimensions, project budget, year completed, and location in the image notes. Teams must remain within the 8-image limit. Images should represent each team-members’ work.  Image specifications: JPEG or JPG, under 5MB with a minimum of 1200 pixels on the longest side. Note that images and videos should be titled as follows: last name_first initial_image number (jpeg/jpg).

·         Resume/CV, not to exceed two pages. Artists submitting as teams must submit individual resumes.

·         3 professional references with whom you have worked or collaborated on site-specific projects. References will be contacted for artists invited to develop site-specific proposals.

·         Optional: Artists may submit one video, up to 3 minutes in length: WMV, MOV, MP4, under 100MB with a minimum resolution of 640x480; minimum 12fps.

Facility Background

The second-busiest airport in Oregon, Eugene Airport (EUG) is also known as Mahlon Sweet Field. EUG is the fifth-largest airport in the Pacific Northwest and is located 7 miles northwest of Eugene, in Lane County. Owned and operated by the City of Eugene, EUG serves 5 counties.

EUG is a single terminal with two runways. The terminal building’s A gates are located on the upper level. B gates, ticketing, and baggage claim are on the lower level. In 2018, EUG’s passenger count exceeded 1 million - an increase of 8.3% over 2017. EUG continues to grow with the region it serves.

Project Description

In 2016, EUG renovated the escalator and elevator core area to improve passenger flow. This open area now offers unique opportunities for artwork, including aerial sculpture and art-glass. Murals, paintings and floor-mounted sculpture are not being considered at this time, but may be considered for other areas as future projects allow. 

Public Art Site Goals

This project offers an exciting opportunity for an artist to create site-specific, architecturally-integrated work that is engaging, memorable and will become an icon for the City of Eugene. While future expansions are planned for EUG, this location serves as the heart of the terminal. All passengers arrive and depart through this vital hub.

Artists chosen as finalists will be asked to produce site-specific concepts that evoke positive feelings through color and movement (whether implied or actual). The work should represent the artists’ interpretation of flight, while incorporating the region’s passion for nature. Figurative, abstract, stationary and kinetic concepts are all welcome. 

This site offers artists the opportunity to work multi-dimensionally, as the work will be viewed from both the upper and lower terminal levels, as well as from outside the terminal.

Location Details

The site chosen for this project is heavily trafficked. As departing passengers pass through TSA Security checkpoints on the lower level, they are directed into an open area and decision point. From this area, they may go up the escalator/elevator to the A gates, or turn left to the B gates. Although well-signed, this area can pose some confusion for passengers. Although not required as part of the concept, EUG welcomes design features that may assist passengers with wayfinding.  

Concessionaires are located both on the upper and lower levels. Passengers traveling to and from the A gates and upper concessions will view the artwork from many perspectives as they traverse escalators and stairs. 

Artists chosen to create site-specific proposals are encouraged to offer artwork design solutions that take full advantage of the open space and natural light in this area. Because the area can be viewed from two levels, artists are also encouraged to design multi-dimensional work that is engaging and dynamic. 

Facility and Site Considerations

Artwork in this area must be thoughtfully designed to complement the existing facility. Concepts must consider on-going maintenance within a public space. The following should be noted:

·         Preferred artwork will accentuate EUG’s existing architectural features, such as the curved wooden beams overhead and the expanse of natural light.   

·         Artwork should not require frequent cleaning, nor should it require costly technological upgrades.

·         Glass panels on the existing window wall are frequently replaced. Art-glass concepts must respond to this challenge, as well as the graduated shading of existing windows. In addition, natural light should be enhanced, not obstructed.

·         Aerial sculpture concepts should not impede access for regular maintenance of ceiling air filters and lighting.

·         Passenger safety is a major concern in this area. Passengers traveling on stairs or escalators must not become unduly distracted to the point of hazard as a result of the artwork.

·         Artwork should not impede passenger flow.    

Evaluation Process and Criteria

Artists’ submissions will be evaluated by the EUG Art Selection Committee. After reviewing all submissions, the Selection Committee will invite 5 Finalists to create site-specific proposals.  Initial submissions will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

·         Artistry: aesthetic appeal based on submitted project images/video; ability to respond to specific site-considerations; placemaking skills

·         Technique: mastery of materials; site integration; scope and scale of previous projects and settings

·         Materials: Suitability of artists’ preferred materials for site; innovation in use of materials

·         Artist’s Statement: Philosophic approach to placemaking within a diverse public space    

Notifications

Notifications will be posted through Café by Nov 29, 2019. Finalists will be notified via telephone and/or email by Art Selection Committee members.

Finalists will be invited to attend an optional site tour where they may view the space, ask questions and gather information for their proposals. Attendance is highly encouraged.

Finalists’ Responsibilities

The five finalists chosen to create site-specific proposals will each be issued a formal Request for Proposals containing additional project details and proposal requirements.

Proposals must include concept, materials, dimensions, estimated weight, installation and hardware requirements, and a detailed budget. Proposals must also include maquettes or digital renderings illustrating multiple perspectives of artwork within the space. All proposal materials, including maquettes and sample materials, will become property of the CoE.

Finalists’ $1500 stipend is inclusive of all proposal development costs, including travel, maquettes, et al. Stipends will be issued at the completion of in-person presentations and are contingent upon artists’ completion of proposal requirements as stated in the Request for Proposals.

Artists will be given 6-8 weeks to prepare proposals.

Awardee’s Responsibilities

The artist or artist-team awarded the project will perform work under a Personal Services Contract through EUG for the duration of the project (a sample contract will be made available for review to artists at the formal issuance of a Request for Proposals). 

The awardee will be responsible for design modification (if necessary), fabrication, engineering, and installation of new artwork within the terminal core. Sub-contractors enlisted for fabrication or installation are the sole responsibility of the artist(s). Artist(s) will work in coordination with EUG’s Art Selection Committee, EUG management and/or designee to ensure safety and security procedures are maintained throughout the project and airport operations remain unimpeded.

The awardee should regard the City of Eugene’s Sustainability and Social Equity objectives during the project’s planning and development.

Sustainability and Social Equity

The City is interested in products and services that have a reduced impact on human health and the environment and that more fully support communities and economies when compared to competing products and services serving the same purpose. For more information regarding sustainability in procurement and related City policy and plans, please refer to the City’s Sustainable Purchasing website at http://www.eugene-or.gov/sustainpurch. The awardee will be expected to support the City’s goals by implementing the following strategies where applicable.

1. Waste Reduction

Pursuant to City Zero Waste efforts, the City aims to prevent waste where possible. In order to increase efficient use of resources, the awardee shall adhere to the following items as applicable.

Unnecessary packaging for goods, beyond packaging compliance or practical safe shipping methods, shall be reduced. Bidder to ship goods utilizing one or more of the following methods:

Ship products in reusable, refillable, or returnable containers. For example, reusable trays or totes, which can be stored and returned; minimal packaging material used inside containers. This includes eliminating or reducing the amount of non-recyclable bubble wrap, foam pellets or other like material;

Eliminate non-essential parts of packaging, such as individual wrapping of components; use packaging made with recycled content, biodegradable, and/or non-toxic materials. No point of purchase material or promotional literature.

The awarded bidder is to duplex all paper materials that are prepared for the City under the contract, whether such materials are printed or copied, except when impracticable to do so due to the nature of the product being produced.  

Awardee is expected to prevent, reduce, recycle or otherwise divert waste generated from the provision of services procured by the City. City may request information about diversion tactics utilized and quantities of waste materials diverted.

2. Idling Reduction

In the interest of reducing air and noise pollution and promoting energy conservation, all gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles and equipment shall be idled only as necessary to perform the required duties, including delivery, and for the essential function(s) of the equipment. A driver of a vehicle must turn off the engine upon stopping at the destination, and must not cause or allow an engine to idle at any location for more than 20 seconds. This idling policy applies except in the following situations:

The health and safety of employees, sub-contractors or public is compromised in turning off the vehicle.

The engine is required to power auxiliary equipment (e.g. hoist, lift platforms, hydraulic tools, inverters, compactors, medical equipment, specialized public safety radio communication and computer systems, etc.)

Vehicle/equipment manufacturer requires additional idle time for warm up or cool down for efficient and proper mechanical or functional operation of the unit.

3. Environmentally Preferred Products

To promote and encourage environmentally sustainable practices for companies doing business with the City, the City requests vendors under City contract use environmentally preferable products in production of City work products. 

The awardee should use environmentally preferable materials that meet performance requirements wherever practical in the fulfillment of the contract. Environmentally preferable products and services have characteristics that include but are not limited to the following:

·         Energy Efficient

·         Reusable or upgradeable

·         Recyclable

·         Contain post-consumer recycled materials

·         Produce fewer polluting by-products and/or safety hazards during manufacture, use or disposal, and/or

·         Are certified by an independent accredited third-party program such as EcoLogo or ENERGY STAR.

The City desires the use of post-consumer recycled content, chlorine-free paper to encourage environmentally preferable practices for City business wherever practical in the fulfillment of the scope of work. 

Social Equity

Economic prosperity through diversity and collaboration is fundamental to the Equity in Contracting program.  Part of Eugene’s City Council Vision states that we will, “Encourage a strong, sustainable and vibrant economy, fully utilizing our educational and cultural assets, so that every person has an opportunity to achieve financial security.” The program aims to reduce barriers for local, small, minority and women-owned businesses to leverage all that our community has to offer, strengthening the business community as a whole.

The City supports the utilization of Minority, Women, Emerging Small Businesses (M/W/ESB), local businesses, Disadvantaged Business Enterprises and Qualified Rehabilitation Facilities (QRF) at both a prime and subcontracting and/or supply chain level. The City encourages eligible suppliers to gain certification and encourages the awardee to use the following voluntary practices to promote open competitive opportunities for disadvantaged businesses in the fulfillment of the scope of work:

Access lists of certified minority, women, emerging small business or disadvantaged business enterprises from the Certification Office of Business Inclusion and Diversity (COBID) by visiting their website at: https://oregon4biz.diversitysoftware.com/FrontEnd/VendorSearchPublic.asp to find certified businesses from whom to procure products or services.

Visit the Oregon State Qualified Rehabilitation Facilities Program website at http://dasapp.oregon.gov/qrf/index.aspx to search for Qualified Rehabilitation Facilities from whom to procure products or services.

Timeline

Applicants should be available for the following project benchmarks:

·         Deadline for submissions: October 25, 2019

·         Finalists Notification: November 29, 2019

·         Site Tour: Early December 2019

·         Proposal Presentation: Mid-January/early February 2020

·         Installation Target: September 2020

Application Requirements

Eligibility Criteria