Scope

The Thornton Arts, Sciences and Humanities Council (TASHCO) in, collaboration with the city of Thornton, are seeking to commission artwork to revitalize and preserve remaining tiles on Thornton's Peace Wall. This will be achieved by incorporating existing Peace Wall tiles into 4 new wall-hanging works. These works will be installed in 4 municipal buildings throughout Thornton. The project will produce public art work that honors the history of the Peace Wall while reinterpreting it for current and future residents of Thornton.

The final work should push Thornton into a contemporary setting and help it become a destination-city; engaged in contemporary conversations on arts and culture.

About the Peace Wall

Thornton's Peace Wall was created in response to the September 11th, terrorist attacks. In the wake of 9/11, people around the world looked for positive ways to deal with their anger, their disbelief and their fear. The youth of Thornton were also affected by these events and because of this, the Thornton Peace Wall was proposed to help children express their emotions, unlock their imaginations and be a catharsis for the events. This project helped give youth a voice through the language of art. This wall serves as a constant reminder that peace begins at home.

 The Peace Wall was funded in part by an Adams County SCFD grant.

2020 Peace Wall Project

Since its 2003 installation the Peace Wall has undergone damage due to Colorado's extreme weather. The 2020 Peace Wall project will commission an artist to remove the current tiles from their original location and re-imagine them into unique works that can be enjoyed by residents in all city wards. Phase I of this project will preserve the existing tiles and give this community art piece new life. Phase II of this project will work to re-imagine and re-activate the physical space.  Phase II will be initiated at a future date.

Key Themes and Objectives

This is an opportunity to create public art that will create a positive impact on all who work at and visit city facilities. Artists are encouraged to think “outside the box” to create work that speaks to the original work. Successful proposals will demonstrate a unique and creative re-interpretation of the current piece in addition to the following:

·         Knowledge of tile de-installation and preservation.

·         Experience in the creation of original works of art.

·         Dynamic use of color, composition and style elements that create a strong visual impact.

·         Interdisciplinary practice with an emphasis on creative and innovative materials.

·         Strong understanding of contemporary art and its positive effect on public space and community identity.

·         Understanding of the specialized needs and materials needed for durable, public work. 

·         Understanding of the diversity and unique character that make the city of Thornton a special place to live, work, and play.

The completed art pieces will:

·         Serve as a reminder that peace begins at home

}·         Preserve existing Peace Wall tiles.

·         Honor the spirit of the Peace Wall's creation.

·         Work together as a series while standing out as individual art pieces

To view the complete project narrative, photos, and project summary, please visit the following link: https://bit.ly/2JFVpQF

Eligibility

*Updated to National Call*
This call is open to all artists, design teams, architectural firms, etc., age 18 and over, regardless of race, sex, color, religion, gender identity, age, military status, sexual orientation, marital status, or disability. Preference will be given to those with a proven history of fabrication and installation of public work and knowledge of ceramics.

City of Thornton employees are not eligible.

Artwork and Guidelines

1.       The movement, safety and security of visitors is priority.

2.       The artwork will be indoors. However, the work must be able to withstand a wide fluctuation in temperature and direct sunlight.

3.       Materials used must be durable and require little and/or easy maintenance.

4.       Design should be pleasing and add beauty to the community.

5.       Design cannot contain business promotions or advertisements.

6.       Design cannot include any breach of intellectual property, brands, trademarks, or depictions of illegal activities.

7.       Artists do not need to include the city of Thornton logo in their design.

8.       Artists are encouraged to explore unique imagery, themes and materials.

9.       The design must be family-friendly.

Budget

The project budget is $12,000, which is inclusive of artist fees and costs associated with materials, fabrication, transportation, shipping, installation, insurance, etc.

This project is made possible through funding provided by the Adams County Open Space Sale Tax. The Open Space Sales Tax was approved by Adams County voters in 1999 as a 1/5 of one percent sales tax authorized through 2006. In 2004, voters approved an increase to one percent, or 25 cents on a $100 purchase, and extended the sales tax through 2026. Proceeds from the sales tax benefit parks, recreation, trails, and open space projects countywide.

Review Process and Award Approval

The review and selection process will include 5 rounds:

Round 1: Portfolio Review

The Review Panel (consisting of project and community stakeholders) will review a portfolio of recent work. Applicants are encouraged to submit 5 – 10 pieces of work that highlight their diverse skills and experience. Artists are not required to submit concept designs, but can choose to include them in this first review. Artist who do not submit concepts for the site will not be penalized.

Round 2: Interviews

Interviews with three shortlisted artist will be scheduled between June 22 and June 26. Artists will be interviewed by the Review Panel (consisting of project and community stakeholders). Shortlisted artists should be prepared to talk about their qualifications and how they will approach this project in order to create a final piece of art that is meaningful to the community.

Round 3: Recommendations and Final Approval

Please note that no project is officially awarded without final approval from Thornton City Council. A recommendation will be presented to TASHCO for approval. If approved, TASHCO will then present the recommendation to Thornton City Council. Thornton City Council may request additional information to support the public art recommendation at that time or approve the award.

Round 4: Award

The award process is initiated upon final approval by Thornton City Council. The award winner will then begin to enter into contracts and purchasing agreements with the city of Thornton.

Round 5: Design Approval

The awarded artist's final design must be approved by the Review Panel before fabrication and installation.

Timelines and Commitments

Submission Deadline: May 3, 2020; 5 p.m.

Shortlist Notified: June 15, 2020

Interviews: June 22 – June 26, 2020

Award, design approval, and installation: August – December

Final project deadline: December 31, 2020

Submission Requirements

By submitting your materials in response to this project RFP, you are agreeing to abide by all terms and conditions imposed by Westcafe for use of CAFÉ (callforentry.org [callforentry.org]). You agree to indemnify and hold harmless the City of Thornton or any claim, cause of action, lawsuit and/or damages related to your use of CAFÉ for this RFP.

Incomplete submissions will not be accepted.

Please include all of the following materials to be considered for review:

·         4 – 10 images of your completed work. Please ensure this work showcases your ability to work with ceramic tiles, creativity and ability to meet the demands of the project scope. 

·         Written statement or video detailing your creative process. We are especially interested in your approach to collaborating with a selection panel to create an original piece of art.

·         Resume/ CV with 2 – 3 professional references.

The finalist(s) will submit a site-specific proposal which may include following:

·         Final design

·         Itemized budget.

·         Implementation schedule 

·         Project narrative 

·         Materials list (including supplier information)

·         Warranty information 

·         Maintenance information (including procedures, timeline, and estimated city costs)Contractors (if applicable) 

·         Liability Insurance (if applicable) 

Please submit all materials on callforentry.org.

COVID-19
Due to the impact of COVID-19, all timelines and budgets for this, and other public art projects are subject to change. These changes will be determined  by Thornton City Council. Staff will communicate any changes or delays to applicants as the information becomes available. All efforts are being made to continue supporting creative expression and artists. We thank you for your understanding and patience as we navigate these challenging times.  

Additional Questions?

Please contact Jesse Jimenez, Arts & Culture Coordinator at 720-977-5881 or jesse.jimenez@ThorntonCO.gov

Application Requirements

Eligibility Criteria