Request for Qualifications
The Flying Lark, Southern Oregon’s Premier gaming, dining and entertainment destination, requests artists or artist teams submit a statement of qualifications, letter of interest and other materials for the commission of projects for inclusion in a world-class art walk in Southern Oregon that celebrates the magic, power and beauty of horses.  The Art Walk will comprise over 20 pieces of bespoke art including sculptures of varying sizes.

Newly commissioned works are the priority but we are willing to consider acquiring existing pieces that meet our theme and criteria.

Depending on the size and complexity of the work, projects will fall in one of the following budget ranges:

A.    $ 5,000 - $10,000

B.    $10,001 - $20,000

C.   $20,001 - $40,000

D.   $40,001 - $100,000

PROJECT DETAILS AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION

For thousands of years humans have been enamored with the most influential animal of all time...the horse.

This magical, powerful and beautiful animal has permanently altered the path of human evolution, inspiring how we travel, farm, quarrel, recreate and entertain.

To celebrate and honor the horse, The Flying Lark is calling on sculptors, welders, glassblowers, muralists and specialists in other mediums to help create a world-class Art Walk in Grants Pass, Oregon.

The experience will consist of over 20 bespoke pieces of varying sizes and styles.  We anticipate the artwalk becoming a major destination for art enthusiasts as well as tourists who travel to the Southern Oregon region for recreation, food and adventure.

We are searching for a diverse slate of artists from varying disciplines and backgrounds who are genuinely enamored with horses and are enthusiastic about expressing the power, magic and beauty of horses through their unique perspective and experiences.

Examples of proposed work meeting the goals of the project include outdoor pieces that are resilient in all types of temperatures.  This includes free standing sculptures of varying sizes (from 4’ - 25’ in height and 5’ -10’ in width and depth), outdoor furniture concepts for public gathering, large format murals both on walls and on asphalt, concrete inlay works and one sculpture including the use of water.  We seek fresh, innovative concepts that use artistic excellence to demonstrate any element of what makes the horse, one of the most influential animals in the history of mankind, so impactful.  Sculptures of the full form of a horse are encouraged as are non-literal or partial horse forms, including any representation of interesting horse related facts or insights in the categories of language, culture, history, entertainment, equine equipment or other substantive horse-related impact or influence on humankind.  Pieces that incorporate upcycled materials, audience interactivity and are kinetic in nature are all also encouraged.

THEME

Showcasing the magic, power and beauty of horses in as creative and unexpected of ways possible.  From the impact on common daily phrases and language, every day calculations such as horsepower for engines, how we farm, entertain, travel, recreate and beyond.  The horse has had an incredible impact on mankind.  We’re looking for exciting ways to showcase this amazing and impactful animal. 

MEDIUM

Artists working in any medium are eligible to apply. We are especially interested in innovative and unexpected work that intrigues, challenges and delights viewers.

LETTER OF INTEREST

Applicants should briefly describe their interest in the project, experience in the proposed medium, and include a description of how their work could be used to meet the goals of the program. Letters of Interest are limited to two (2) pages.

ELIGIBILITY

Artist(s) must be over 18 and permitted to work in the United States. 

PROJECT BUDGET

Depending on the size and complexity of the work, project will fall in one of the following budget ranges:

A.    $ 5,000 - $10,000

B.    $10,001 - $20,000

C.   $20,001 - $40,000

D.   $40,001 - $100,000

Artists must specify which budget range their project will fall under.

The artist’s budget will include: all artist fees and costs associated with design, fabrication, travel, transportation to the site, site preparation, insurance, permits, installation, shipping and transportation of materials to the site, protective coating (if applicable), any equipment needed for installation, any applicable taxes, time spent in progress meetings, and any other costs incurred by the artist for this project.

Artists will be required to participate in one Meet the Artist type event.

Artists will be required to participate in video footage for a “making of” video to showcase the development, transportation and installation of the work

Artists reaching Phase 2 of the competition will be paid a $500 stipend to further develop the proposed work into a final format acceptable to both parties before a final green light to commence work on the piece.  As part of this, each artist will be asked to develop an all-inclusive itemized budget for a particular site as part of the proposal submission.

Payments for selected projects will be made directly to the artist using the following schedule:

o   $500 stipend upon submission of detailed proposal for Round 2

o   20% of total agreed upon fee is paid when contract is signed.

o   30% of total agreed upon fee is paid after the work is initiated.  

o   50% of the total agreed upon fee is paid upon completion & successful installation.

TWO-PHASED ARTIST SELECTION PROCESS

PHASE 1

Applications will be juried by a panel

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Artistic Excellence: The artist’s work reflects artistic excellence, innovation and originality as evidenced by quality of craftsmanship and mastery of skills and techniques; demonstrates professional approaches to processes and presentation; and/or communicates a unique vision or perspective.

Professional Experience: The artist’s professional experience is adequate to meet the demands of the project, including a proven ability to meet project budgets, deadlines, and to perform work in a timely and professional manner. Public art experience is required.

Experience working on a project of similar scale: Previous work that can specifically demonstrate the successful completion of projects that include partnering with stakeholders for the purpose of creating public art of this size/scale. Experience with public engagement.

The number of selected artists moving on to Phase 2 will depend on the quality of the proposals received.

PHASE 2

Artists/Artist Teams selected to move on to Phase 2 will be given a specific site type and asked to develop a detailed proposal for their proposed work. Artists will be paid a stipend of $500 upon submission of all required materials, which will include a detailed description of materials, maintenance plan and installation schedule.

Applications will be juried by a panel including the lead curator, select artists and other key stakeholders.

More detailed instructions will be provided to Phase 2 artists at the time of notification, however, artists can expect proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Artistic Excellence: The proposed work reflects artistic excellence, innovation, and originality as evidenced by quality of craftsmanship and mastery of skills and techniques; demonstrates professional approaches to processes and presentation; and/or communicates a unique vision or perspective.

ESTIMATED TIMELINE

March 31                 RFQs due at 11:59 p.m. MST (Mountain Standard Time)

April 1 – April 9        Applications reviewed. Phase 2 artists notified. 

April 16                    Phase 2 proposals due by 11:59 p.m. MST

April  17-23              Review of Phase 2 Proposals

April  26                    Work on pieces begins

May, June, July        Monthly Check-ins, footage for behind the scenes captured

Aug. 15 - Sept. 15    Installation Window

October 1                 Target project completion date

Note: Should changes to the timeline become necessary, artists will be notified.  

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBMISSION OF QUALIFICATIONS

• Current CV/resume. Artists / Artist Teams must submit one resume/CV per team member.

• Letter of Interest limited to two (2) pages. This must include the following:

  1. A general description of your approach to your work

  2. Experience in the proposed medium

  3. A general description of how the proposed project could assist small businesses and/or economic development. 

• Estimated project budget. Specify which budget range project will fall under (A, B, C or D). See Project Budget.

• Images of two (2) to five (5) previously completed works that demonstrate experience in designing, creating, and installing work in the artist’s proposed medium. Please include two to three views of each piece for a total of 15 images max. Do not collage multiple images into one image. Up to five (5) video files may also be uploaded as work samples. 

• Image identification list: An image identification list corresponding to the submitted images. Each image should include location, project budget, commissioning agency, and collaborators (if applicable).

• A brief description of your intended proposed materials for site preparation (if applicable), the work itself, and required maintenance.  If you are using upcycled materials of any sort, please make sure to call these materials out specifically.

• Optional. Artists may include up to three (3) selections of support materials such as reviews, news articles, or other related information. 

Please note: submitted materials will not be returned and incomplete applications may not be considered.

NUMBER OF SELECTED PROJECTS

The Flying Lark will select up to 20 projects for this program based on the merit of the submissions.

SUBMISSION PROCEDURES

Applications may be submitted electronically through CaFÉ.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE

All materials must be received by 11:59:00 p.m. MST on Thursday, March 31, 2021. Late submissions will not be reviewed.

EXHIBITION PERIOD

Only permanent works are being considered.

Application Requirements

Eligibility Criteria