Albany County is completing a renovation of the County Courthouse in Laramie, Wyoming. Renovations should be complete in Winter 2021. An opportunity exists for a statement work of public art to be commissioned for the North Entrance. Artists and artist teams are invited to submit qualifications for this landmark work. The budget is $44,000. 

Art Opportunity
OVERVIEW
Albany County is currently constructing a new entrance on the north side of the Albany County Courthouse.  The Albany County Courthouse was designed in 1931 by architect Wilbur Hitchcock and William Dubois.  Construction was completed in 1932.  The interior was remodeled in 2003.  The existing exterior stairs and sally port will be replaced by a new entrance with interior stairway and elevator.  The purpose of the renovation project is to improve ADA accessibility, upgrade building security and correct serious structural problems.  The new entry will provide a new high-ceilinged, well-lit interior space.  While the space is primarily for building access, it provides the opportunity for incorporating a work of art that enhances and complements this stately building.

The project Architect is Malone Belton Abel, P.C. and the Construction Manager At-Risk (CMAR) is Arcon, Inc. both with offices in Laramie, Wyoming.  Construction is nearing completion.  

The Board of County Commissioners seeks to have new artwork created for and installed in this new space.  Work may be 2D or 3D.  Installation opportunities include, but are not limited to, floor and wall space. There will be a 18 in. x 24 in. bronze plaque installed on one of the interior walls acknowledging the Downey family who dedicated the original courthouse, which will be the only space unavailable to artwork.

The artwork should reflect some aspect of Albany County, such as its history, people, geography, and lifestyle. The Board is looking for a work that will engage viewers, encourage interaction, and generate civic pride in Albany County.  Finalists for the project will be provided more information about the area prior to creating proposals. For a brief introduction to the community, see below. 

• The History of Albany County, Wyoming

• The Geography of Wyoming

• Albany County Census Data

ELIGIBILITY
The call is open to all artists age 18 and over, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, military status, sexual orientation, marital status, or physical or mental cognition.  Preference will be given to artists who are Wyoming residents.

BUDGET
The budget for this project is $44,000. This is inclusive of all expenses related to the project, including artist fees, artist travel, fabrication, installation, insurance, and maintenance contingency. 

SELECTION PROCESS
A Selection Committee appointed by the Albany County Board of Commissioners, including Courthouse staff and Community artists, will evaluate submissions based on artistic merit, artist history of completing large-scale work, and interest in the prompt of creating a statement work for Albany County.  

Three finalists will be selected to prepare proposals.  Each finalist will be given an opportunity, either in-person or virtually, to tour the space and meet with community constituents. The finalists will be interviewed and present their proposals in person to the Selection Committee and Board of Commissioners. Finalists will each receive a stipend of $500 for their proposal. Travel expenses will be covered for the finalists. The method of finalist presentations can be adjusted based on pandemic regulations and safety. 

One artist or artist team will be selected for the commission.  

Albany County has enlisted the Laramie Public Art Coalition to facilitate the selection process based on the Laramie Public Art Plan enacted in 2015 and the Albany County Wyoming Public Art Regulatory Framework adopted March 5, 2019.

SELECTION CRITERIA (FINALIST PROPOSALS)

• Creative conceptual vision

• Proficiency with chosen materials

• Ability to work well with a team, including Contractors and Architects

• Appropriateness of the work for the site and community

• Artistic quality

• Durability of the work

• Experience working with public boards and commissions

• Experience completing projects on time and within budget

SCHEDULE

• RFQ released:  1/11/21

• Submission deadline:  3/1/2021

• Selection Panel: Week of 3/22/21

• Finalists Notified: By 4/8/21

• Finalists Interviews and Presentations: 6/21/21

• Artist(s) Selection: By 7/6/21

• Installation of Artwork:  By 3/30/2022

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

RFQ Materials shall include:

1. Letter of interest: Include interest in application and cite examples of relevant past projects.  (Limit to one page/500 words)

2. CV/Resume:  (2 page limit)

3. Professional References:  Complete contact information for three references with a deep knowledge of your past works.

4. Media:  5 digital images of relevant completed artwork. Artists submitting video or sound work can upload up to 3 video or audio files. Label images/media: last name of artist, artwork title, installation date.

5. Media script: Short description of each completed artwork submitted as media (Limit to 200 words per artwork). Please include the budget of the project, other team members, materials, and location. Ensure that the descriptions are clearly labeled and match the submitted media. 

Applications will only be accepted online at callforentry.org.  Contact Laramie Public Art Coalition with questions about the call at publicartlaramie@gmail.com. 

ADDITIONAL MATERIALS

• Construction Drawings

• Draft Agreement between Albany County and Artist

Albany County, Wyoming
Albany County, Wyoming is a county in Southeast Wyoming. The population is about 37,000. The county courthouse sits in the city of Laramie. Laramie is a thriving city, home to the University of Wyoming. https://www.co.albany.wy.us/

Application Requirements

Eligibility Criteria