Application Closed
Number of Applications Allowed: 2
Images | Minimum:Min. 1, Maximum:Max. 8
Total Samples | Minimum:Min. 1, Maximum:Max. 8
Eligibility: National
State: Alabama
General Information
Rosa Parks and Helen Keller are exemplary figures of Alabama’s history of determination and passion. Rosa Parks’ bravery in the face of the Montgomery Bus Boycott has inspired not only Alabamians--but also people around the world--to fight for justice in the face of inequality and discrimination. Similarly, Helen Keller learned to communicate, even in light of her inabilities to both see and hear. Her unique story of overcoming massive social and developmental hurdles has served as an inspiration for people with disabilities and has offered a lesson for all in the capabilities of the human spirit. The legacies of these two women will forever be a vital part of the story of the state of Alabama.
In order to preserve the legacies of these women and to honor their inspiring stories, Alabama Act 2019-178 created the Alabama Women’s Tribute Statue Commission (“AWTSC”) to fund, commission, and place statues of Rosa Parks and Helen Keller on the grounds of the Alabama State Capitol.
The AWTSC is issuing this Request for Proposals (“RFP”) to artists, including teams of artists, for the submission of their proposals for the design and fabrication of statues of Rosa Parks and Helen Keller to be placed on the grounds of the Alabama State Capitol. Responses may be for the Rosa Parks statue, the Helen Keller statue, or for both.
Specifications for the Project
Rosa Parks
The statue of Rosa Parks will be placed in an area of prominence on the west front of the Capitol facing Bainbridge Street. The Alabama State Legislature has directed that it be designed and created to convey to future generations the importance of Rosa Parks to the State of Alabama, the United States, and the world. The statue should be made of bronze and should closely resemble the general sizes, proportions, and style of statues located in close proximity to this area. For reference, a statue near the anticipated installation site measures approximately 9 ft. 6 in. x 4 ft. 2 in. x 2 ft., and rests on a granite base of approximately 10 ft. 1 in. x 7 ft. 9 1/2 in. x 6 ft. 8 in. A pedestal is required and is a part of this RFP.
Helen Keller
The Alabama State Legislature has requested that the statue of Helen Keller be designed and located in a manner that allows the statue to be readily accessible to, and touchable by, people with disabilities. Although the Alabama State Legislature has directed that the statue should be placed on the grounds of the Capitol, no determination has been made of the location which will best meet the needs of people with disabilities to access and touch the statue. Depending on the artist’s design, a pedestal may, or may not, be needed.
Site Specifications
Artists shall work with the AWTSC, the Alabama Department of Finance, and the Alabama Historical Commission to determine the location and sizing of the statues. If a site requires grading or other site-specific work, that work is outside the scope of this RFP and will be handled separately. Physical installation of the statues and pedestal(s) are outside the scope of this RFP.
Selection Process
The AWTSC will review all applications and will select up to three artists for follow-up interviews for each statue. The semi-finalist artists will receive $2,000 as a stipend to create and present a design proposal in the form of a maquette. Out-of-town artists will be reimbursed for pre-approved travel expenses in accordance with IRS regulations so that they may attend both a site visit and proposal presentation in Montgomery. In selecting the artists, the Commission members will consider input from the general public, representatives of various community organizations, agencies, and boards. Until a definitive written agreement is entered into, no artist should rely to his or her detriment on this RFP, his or her response to the RFP, or any oral or written discussion with the AWTSC. No rights of any artist are created, and no obligations of the AWTSC shall exist, until a definitive written agreement is entered into. An artist who submits an RFP to design and create both statues may be selected for only one statue, at the discretion of the AWTSC.
Application Requirements
Application and Submission Requirements
To be considered for this opportunity, each interested artist must submit the following materials by 5:00 p.m. Central time, Tuesday, January 4, 2022.
1. A letter describing the artist’s interest in the project, as well as the artist’s preliminary vision and plan for the statue(s);
2. A statement explaining which statue the artist hopes to design (submissions may be for one or both statues);
3. A description of the process and method the artist would use to create the statue(s);
4. A proposed budget for the project—detailing the cost for the statue(s), including expenses for a pedestal (see discussion above as to a pedestal for the Helen Keller statue) and other materials;
5. A professional resume;
6. The artist’s website;
7. Previous relevant art commissions (images of previous work should be attached in the Work Samples section);
8. A list of previous works that includes title, year, dimensions, medium, brief description, and project cost for each work (not to exceed twenty projects);
9. Name and contact information of at least three individuals who can speak to the range and quality of artist’s experience and artwork as well as follow through with commissioned works. The professional references should be art or design professionals who have detailed knowledge of the artist’s work and working methods, including fulfilling deadlines, working with the community and other relevant aspects of the artist’s work; and
10. Any other information that the artist feels would be helpful to highlight her or his experience, qualifications, or history of work.
Eligibility Criteria
The following criteria will be used in selecting the artists for the statues:
1. Demonstrated successful experience on projects of similar scope;
2. Demonstrated experience developing and implementing projects in public spaces with a budget of $150,000 or greater;
3. Demonstrated experience with statues placed in historic locations;
4. Demonstrated experience and success in designing and fabricating permanent sculptures in outdoor, public locations;
5. Demonstrated success in coordinating project activities with partners and public entities;
6. Ability to meet deadlines of projects of similar scope;
7. Durability of previously-installed outdoor sculptures;
8. Pricing proposal for the project;
9. Ability to fulfill the artistic vision of the AWTSC;
10. Any qualifications or experiences that the AWTSC finds relevant; and
11. Level of expertise and recognition as demonstrated by the following:
o Portfolio of previous works;
o Participation in gallery or museum exhibits; and
o Awards, grants, or other types of recognitions and accomplishments.