(Bloomington, MN) Bloomington’s Creative Placemaking Commission in partnership with Artistry seeks proposals for permanent or temporary sculptures that will be on display in Bloomington’s South Loop district – specifically at Bloomington Central Station Park (for temporary or permanent sculptures) or River Ridge Park (for temporary sculptures). Due to the impact of COVID-19 and the unforeseen duration of the impact and health guidelines, our intention is to create more opportunities to physically distance while enjoying the outdoors. Sculptures will be included in our South Loop Guidebook within the Otocast Audio Guide App allowing for a safe and fun way to find and learn about the new sculptures as well as other creative placemaking projects in the area. The selected sculptures will, independently and collectively, bring beauty, delight, interest, and a sense of whimsy to the area and will be enjoyed by South Loop residents, workers, and visitors. As with many creative placemaking and public art projects, these sculptures will be engaging, create interest and a more pedestrian-centric environment. They will also help drive economic and development advancements by making the area more attractive, welcoming, and dynamic.

Eligibility:

Applicants must be 18 years or older and residents of Minnesota with preference given to Bloomington and South Loop residents and those who work in the South Loop. Sculptures may be created specifically for this Call or may be existing. 

Compensation Budget: $5,000 - $12,000

The Creative Sparks Review Panel will select 3-5 sculptures within a range of up to $5,000 (for temporary sculptures) or up to $12,000 (for permanent sculptures), depending on what the applicant has determined is necessary to commission/create and install the sculpture.  The Budget must contemplate the sculpture’s installation including pouring concrete for the platform and/or anchoring a base as required by a licensed engineer. The budget must also include transportation, equipment, and any other expenses associated with the creation and installation of the sculpture.

How to Apply:

1.       Artist Statement (in 3000 characters or less): Please provide a narrative description of the proposed sculpture concept and information about any inspirational or symbolic aspects of the sculpture or why it would be a good fit for South Loop or Bloomington.  Include how the sculpture will be anchored (pedestal, concrete platform, ground, etc.) if permanent or temporary and life span of sculpture if temporary. Identify your all-inclusive budget (between $5,000 - $12,000) that includes or considers creation, transportation, equipment, installation, etc.

2.       The Sculpture Design: You will be asked to download one design per applicant. However, you may provide two separate views of the same design as two individual images.

• The artwork sample or drawing must be saved as standard JPEGs (file dimensions should be 1200 pixels or more on the longest side; file resolution of 72 ppi/dpi (standard web resolution); file size under 5 MB.
• Information about the artwork sample (image) including title, medium, size (including any footing if applicable), and date of completion (or anticipated date of completion). This information will be requested when you download your images to your portfolio on CaFE™.

Please Note: The size of the sculpture is up to the applicant, but sculptures must be securely anchored with a base or platform that is appropriate for the sculpture’s height and weight.  The review panel will be considering such factors as potential vandalism and climbability so applicants should also consider how their base might help deter from these factors. If a pedestal/base/footing for the sculpture does not currently exist, you can describe it in your statement. If doing a mock-up of a potential sculpture, please include the pedestal/base/footing in the drawing.

All proposals must be received via CaFE™ no later than Monday, March 1, 2021 (11:00 pm CST).

WHY SOUTH LOOP?

The South Loop is uniquely positioned and home to the Mall of America, the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, numerous hotels, 4 light rail transit stations, a residential area, and significant new development opportunities. The City of Bloomington adopted a long-range plan to transform the area into a densely populated, walkable urban neighborhood featuring new housing, a variety of businesses, world-class recreation, entertainment options, and hospitality. In 2014 the City of Bloomington and Artistry initiated a Creative Placemaking Plan knowing that the arts and other creative activities can transform the neighborhood physically, socially, and culturally. The goals of the Plan are to create Urbanism, Animation, Involvement, Leadership, and Investment.

Creative Spark Sculptures will expand on the creative enthusiasm and enjoyment already experienced in the South Loop in small but powerful ways; enhancing the area and generating more interest, engagement and excitement.

THE SELECTION PROCESS

Timeline:              

Webinar Information Session: Thursday, February 11, 2021, 6 – 7 PM (See below for info)                                             

Proposals Due: Monday, March 1, 2021

Selected Applicants Announced: by Monday, May 3, 2021

Selected Sculptures Installed: June 1 – September 30, 2021 (dependent on contracting process and complexity of sculpture completion/installation)

All proposals will be evaluated, ranked, and selected by a review panel. Three to five sculptures will be selected by the panel to be installed in summer, 2021.  Selected applicants will sign an agreement for the scope of services that includes the Intellectual Property terms (see legal agreement) and will receive a stipend between $5,000-$12,000 (depending on whether it is temporary or permanent, and as determined by the applicant) to execute and install their sculpture. Recipients will be responsible for completing a Final Report following the conclusion of their project which will identify how their goals were achieved and their stipend used. 

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

An informational webinar will take place February 11. The City of Bloomington’s Creative Placemaking Director, Alejandra Pelinka, will provide information about the application process and details including budget, installation and other aspects of this Call for Art. Attendees will be able to send real-time written questions to be answered during the webinar.  Pre-registration is not necessary.

Informational Webinar: Thursday, February 11, 6:00 – 7:00 PM. To join the webinar, click on this Webex link.

Event number: 177 215 1450. Event Password: 3WAwQvx8U85.

Unable to attend the webinar but still have questions?  The webinar will be recorded and made available for viewing. All inquiries, questions, or clarifications specific to this Call must be submitted by email no later than February 22. A Question and Answer (Q&A) addendum related to this Call will be updated as questions come in and can be found at http://blm.mn/CreativeSparkSculptures.  

Send written questions to Rachel Daly, Director of Visual Arts, Artistry: rdaly@artistrymn.org  and place “Creative Spark” in the subject line.

Application Requirements

Eligibility Criteria