This is an updated RFQ that was originally issued in 2019; artists should read through it carefully as there have been some changes.

About the Facility

The new Agriculture and Animal Science Center will house programs in Agriculture, Crop and Soil Sciences, Equine Studies, and Farrier Science, as well as the CWC Rodeo team and a meat processing program. Currently these programs are off-campus and the new facility will bring them onto the north side of main campus. The building is a pre-engineered metal building in a neutral beige or tan color with a green metal roof.

In addition to the 86,000 square foot building, outdoor facilities will include barns, corrals, and an outdoor arena. The building will contain two indoor arenas – a main arena with seating for 300 and a smaller arena for warm up and English riding. 

A main entrance is located centrally through a vestibule. Through the main entrance is a small central lobby that will provide access to the arena. The building will also house offices, classrooms and lab space, a small lounge area for students, a forge for the farrier program, a slaughter and meat processing area, an animal health unit, and it will serve as a boarding facility for horses.

Exterior landscaping will be minimal or will be xeriscape. Some stonework is featured at the vestibule entrance.

For more information about Central Wyoming College, visit their website. For site plans, possible artwork locations, and additional information about the project, visit the Arts Council website.

Artwork

The committee is interested in functional work for the exterior of the building that creates a communal gathering space for students. They are interested in work that is functional and sculptural, for example lighting, seating, or bike racks. The committee is open to multiple pieces or cohesive elements that work together to create a space that encourages collaboration and community.

The committee is interested in work that highlights the programs housed in the building and that celebrates the growth of these programs. The new facility will allow faculty, staff, and students to do more, expand over the years, and take their programs in new directions.

All styles, genres, conceptual approaches, and mediums will be considered. All proposed artwork must be durable, structurally sound, secure, site appropriate, and easy to maintain. Artwork must be able to withstand Wyoming’s climate and environment, including high winds, drastic temperature changes, and intense sun.

Additional drawings, site plans, and information will be provided to the artists invited to submit complete proposals.

This is a national call. Wyoming artists will be given preference. The committee is particularly interested in artists who are willing to come to campus and provide public programming or meet with students.

Project Budget

The total project budget available for artwork is $82,594.00. This amount includes lighting needs, plans for a foundation (if needed) or other structural support, design or engineering fees, material costs, labor for fabrication and installation, and all necessary costs involving planning, completion, delivery, and installation of the project.

Timeline

Following review, select artists will be asked to submit a complete formal design proposal in January 2022. Proposal packets and budgets for finalists must include additional lighting needs, signage, and plans for a foundation (if needed) or other structural support, design fees, material costs, labor for fabrication and installation, and all necessary costs involving planning, completion, delivery, and installation of the project. It is the responsibility of the artist to budget accordingly.

If decided by the committee, in-person or video presentations may take place. There will be modest financial compensation for final design proposals and in-person presentations. Any other travel is the responsibility of the individual artist.

A selection will be made by February 2022. The hardscape (site concrete) installation will occur in June 2022 and any underground utility work for the artist’s installation, if needed, should be completed prior to this time.  Installation should be completed by December 2022. Final completion of the building is scheduled for January 2023.

A specific timeline for development, production, and installation will be established upon selection of the finalist(s). This timeline is subject to adjustment.

The Committee

Artists’ submissions will be reviewed and final selections will be made by a committee appointed by the Wyoming Arts Council and the State of Wyoming. The committee for this project includes staff and faculty from CWC, artists, community members, architecture and construction project managers, and a Wyoming Arts Council board member.

Application Requirements

Submissions to the RFQ are due December 29, 2021 and must be submitted via CaFÉ. Artists are asked to submit the required documents and images to demonstrate their interest and expertise.

• In reviewing submitted RFQ materials, the committee will consider the following:
• The quality of the artist’s portfolio or previous work samples submitted
• The artist’s cover letter and how well it addresses this particular project
• The artist’s experience working with the public art process and demonstrated ability to work with the project architect and facility managers

Following review, select artists will be asked to submit a complete formal design proposal, including a budget, timeline, and references.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident and a minimum of 18 years of age.
• Applicant must demonstrate previous experience and expertise through a supporting portfolio submission (resume and images of current or previous work).
• Applicant must be willing to meet project deadlines.
• Applicant must be willing to travel for presentations if selected as a finalist.
• If selected for the project, applicant will sign a contract with the State of Wyoming.
• Final artwork becomes the property of the Wyoming State Museum. While artists retain copyright, the State of Wyoming will receive permission to use images of the artwork for state purposes such as publicity of Art in Public Buildings projects.