HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-05-2015 Public Art Advisory CommitteePublic Art Advisory Committee
Thursday, February 5, 2015
3:30PM
****Lobby Conference Room****
410 E. Washington
AGENDA
Call to order
Introduction of new member Sayuri Sasaki Hemann
Election of Officers - Chair and Vice Chair
Public discussion of any item not on the agenda
Consideration of the minutes of the December 4, 2014 meeting
Recommendation of artist for design phase of the Black Hawk Mini Park Art
Project located on the Pedestrian Mall
Continued discussion of future projects - Review of available budget, College
Green Park Stairs Art Project, Matching Fund Call for Proposals
Updates : Poetry in Public, NEA Our Town Grant
Adjournment
MINUTES
PUBLIC ART ADVISORY COMMITTEE
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2014
HELLING CONFERENCE ROOM — CITY HALL
Members present:
Not present:
Staff Present:
CALL TO ORDER
Meeting called to order at 3:31 pm.
PRELIMINARY
John Engelbrecht, Mike Moran, Tam Bryk, Brent Westphal,
Rick Fosse, Ron Knoche
Bill Nusser and Elizabeth Pusack
Marcia Bollinger
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA
No new business.
FAREWELL TO COMMITTEE MEMBER FOSSE AND INTRODUCTION OF RON KNOCHE
Fosse introduced Ron Knoche who will be replacing him as the Public Works Director once he
retires at the end of the month. Fosse noted that he is the only remaining member of the original
Committee. Engelbrecht then read a resolution highlighting Fosse's history with the Committee.
Fosse then asked everyone to introduce themselves to Knoche. Fosse then discussed with the
Committee a few final thoughts upon his departure. He stated that the bylaws are important and
he stated that they should be renewed every year. He also distributed the Visual Rights Act and
discussed why the Parks and Public Works Directors were standing members. Fosse stated that
he thought that the Committee currently functions well and that the Committee has selected
higher quality art with limited funding.
CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES OF THE JULY 17TH, 2014 MEETING
MOTION: Moran moved to approve the November 6`", 2014 meeting. Westphal seconded.
Motion passed 5:0.
DISCUSSION REGARDING POTENTIAL PROJECTS UTILIZING FY15 FUNDS AND
GENERAL DISCUSSION REGARDING FUTURE FUNDING.
Bollinger stated that she would like to clarify how much money they have left with the current
commitments. Commitments include the Yotopia Mural and the UAY project as well as some
pieces who have experienced damage and in need of repair. Bollinger stated that the
Committee had about $9,000 left for allocation. Bollinger then brought up a project in which
public stairs are painted, which was suggested by a local citizen. Bollinger then showed
examples of this type of work in other cities. Bollinger also stated that more murals are a
possibility or artistic bike racks, but that there are not many City owned locations left for murals.
The Committee then discussed possible projects. Moran stated that he would like to see the
stair project happen at College Green Park but they need some repair work completed on them
yet this spring. Engelbrecht stated that he liked the idea of matching grants. He also stated that
he liked the idea of the stairs but did not have an idea of what a project like that would cost.
Bryk stated that she was concerned with paying an artist too little and not getting a quality piece
She went on to state that to get a quality you would need to pay more than what we can pay
with the current budget. Bryk went on to state that she would like to see more professional work
in the City. Bryk agreed that matching grants may be a good way to go because the Committee
would get more bang for our buck that way.
Bollinger stated that creating a joint project with the University of Iowa might be an option. The
Committee agreed. Bollinger also stated that another option is offer a "matching grant" program
and request proposals. If successful it could be an annual project. Engelbrecht than asked how
the Committee would like to proceed. Bollinger suggested creating a call and see what
happens. The committee that decided that they will do the needed repairs on damaged pieces,
figure out the financial responsibilities to the existing 2 projects, at the next meeting come up
with parameters for a call for proposals for matching funds, and look into what would be
required for the stairs project.
UPDATES
The Pedestrian Mall Streetscape Art project was then discussed. Bollinger stated that Cecil
Balmond from London is the third and final artists to come to Iowa City. He is the only one
without an Iowa connection and that his art pieces are all over the world. After the meeting with
Balmond, the subcommittee will have to make a recommendation to the Public Art Advisory
Committee who will then make a recommendation to the City Council.
The Our Town and the Public Art Challenge Grants were then discussed. Bollinger stated that
she was working with a University of Iowa professor Loyce Arthur and Lisa Barnes with Summer
of the Arts. Lisa Barnes and the City would be requesting the grant with support from the
University. She also stated that they are prioritizing the Our Town grant because the deadline is
coming up soon.
Engelbrecht then discussed the "I Am, I Will, I'm Afraid" art piece created by UAY. Engelbrecht
stated that he was not sure that there is an update and that he was unsure if the building
location has been determined at this time.
Bollinger also stated that she is working with her intern to update the Public Art Map. She stated
that there is currently a map but that it is outdated and includes temporary pieces that are no
longer in place. She also stated that she is looking into creating an artist database like what is
on the Iowa Arts Council website. Bryk stated that she thought two running databases would be
a good idea. That one would just include email addresses and the other would include artist
profiles. She feared that if the only option artists had was to create a profile, it may deter artists
from putting their names on the list.
OTHER
No other news.
ADJOURNMENT
Fosse motioned and Moran seconded a motion to adjourn at 4:38 PM.
Minutes created by Ashley Zitzner.
Public Art Advisory Committee
Attendance Record
2013-2014
Name
Term
Expires
2/6/14
3/6/14
4/10/14
5/1/14
6/5/14
7/17/14
11/6/14
12/4/14
Bodkin Bryk, Tam
01/01/16
O/E
O/E
O/E
O/E
X
X
X
X
Engelbrecht,
John
01/01/15
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Westphal, Brent
01/01/17
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
O/E
X
Nusser, Bill
01/01/17
O/E
O
X
X
O
O
X
O/E
Pusack, Elizabeth
01/01/15
---
X
X
O
X
O
X
O/E
Fosse, Rick
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
O/E
X
Moran, Mike
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Key:
X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
--- = Not a member
Ir ,
CITY OF IOWA CITY
UNL5CO CITY OF LITLRATURL
CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM[
Date: February 3, 2015
To: Iowa City Public Art Advisory Committee (PAAC)
From: Artist Review Panel — Black Hawk Mini Park/Pedestrian Mall Art Project
• John Engelbrecht, Public Space 1, Public Art Advisory Committee
• Bill Nusser, Iowa City Downtown District, Public Art Advisory Committee
• Sean O'Harrow, University of Iowa Art Museum
• James Throgmorton, Iowa City City Council
• Brent Westphal, Neumann Munson Architects, Public Art Advisory Committee
• Shirley Wyrick, Iowa City Artist
Re: Recommendation of Artist for Design of Black Hawk Mini Park Art Project
Since September 2014, members of an Artist Review Panel (listed above), Genus Landscape
Architects representatives Brett Douglas and Angie Coyer and City staff Geoff Fruin and Marcia
Bollinger have participated in a process designed to result in a recommendation of an artist to
the PAAC for the design for an art piece to be located in the area known as the Black Hawk Mini
Park (BHMP) in the downtown pedestrian mall. This area, located directly north of the
Park@201, west of the Iowa Artisans Gallery and south of Washington Street is included in the
first phase of the Iowa City Downtown and Pedestrian Mall Streetscape Plan improvements that
are scheduled to begin in 2016. The streetscape plan calls for a feature/signature public art
piece to anchor the park and create a focal point to the north entry of the Ped Mall — enabling
the area to once again become "a park for all people". Developing a design for the art piece at
this time will allow for Genus Landscape Architects to finalize their streetscape design for the
area by coordinating with the artist to include any necessary spaces, lighting, and features that
will best showcase the art piece once it is in place. The Call for Qualifications and related
section of the Streetscape Plan are attached to this memo.
The process included:
• Development of Request for Qualification — July 2014
• Review of 26 Submissions — September 2014
• Interview with three semi-finalist artists — October 2014
• Visit by semi-finalist artists to Iowa City — including a tour of the BHMP site and
pedestrian mall with members of the artists panel, staff and consultant and public Open
Houses — November/December 2014
• Development of recommendation for finalist — January 2015
The following are the semi-finalists, websites and links to their Open House Presentations:
Vito Acconci — Acconci Studios, Brooklyn NY - acconci.com
Open House presentation: http://ec4.cc/kdf332ba
Hans Breder — Iowa City, Iowa - hansbrederfoundation.org
Open House Presentation: http://ec4.cc/kda73577
Cecil Balmond — Balmond Studios — London, England - www.balmondstudio.com
Open House Presentation: http://ec4.cc/vd6f598f
February 3, 2015
Page 2
Promotion of the three Open Houses included email distribution to area artists, arts
organizations and galleries as well as individual press releases distributed to all area media
resources. Attendees of the open houses were also encouraged to provide their contact info to
they could receive further notices and updates. The above information has been available on
the Iowa City Public Art website www.icgov.org/pip for the past 2 months.
The Artist Review Panel convened in January to develop a recommendation. The following is a
summary of the discussion:
Vito Acconci — The presentation at the Open House suggested that the primary interest
Acconci had in the project was related to developing a statement throughout the whole
pedestrian mall, rather than limiting it to the BHMP space. Because the goal of the
project is to recreate the BHMP space as a "park for all people," there was concern that
Acconci's creative focus might impact elements of the pedestrian mall's overall design
which have already been developed by the Genus Landscape Architects. Many
examples of his work that were presented had not been commissioned or created so
determining what form and scale his concepts for the BHMP might take and an
approximate cost was difficult. Defining who would be involved in the design team was
also uncertain. The panel felt that Acconci's connection to Iowa City as a student at the
Iowa Writers Workshop in the 1960's was a compelling reason for inviting him to Iowa
City, although he had visited Iowa City infrequently since that time.
Hans Breder — Originally from Germany, Breder has lived in Iowa City since the 1960's,
retired as a professor in the School of Art and Art History at the UI and is familiar with
the site, its history and the community. Although not required as part of the interview or
Open House process, Breder developed a draft design of an art piece for the space and
he expanded the concept before sharing it at the Open House. His incorporation of
digital media into the piece was felt to be creative and it met the criteria of being
interactive and current. But concern was expressed regarding maintenance and
providing necessary updates to refresh the featured media. The scale of the artwork
and its "spiritual" nature were not thought to best serve as the "signature work" for the
heart of Iowa City.
Cecil Balmond - The panel members felt that Balmond combined art, architecture,
engineering and business savvy. He expressed himself clearly and was very
comfortable interacting with the public. Balmond offered, as he has done with other
commissions, to participate in fund raising efforts by approaching and meeting with
potential sponsors and providing prints of his own work in appreciation for donations. He
also suggested methods of reducing costs by working with local suppliers and
contractors as he has also done for other works. It was felt his vision for the artwork,
which promises a large-scale piece, featuring a ground level interactive environment,
most closely meets the expectation for a "signature" art piece. His estimates were clear
but he is willing to adjust the design so as to stay within the allowable budget.
Balmond researched Iowa City extensively prior to his interview and visit and was
familiar with the BHMP/pedestrian mall site, the history and the community in general.
Although he has no direct Iowa connection, his wife is from the mid -west
(Nebraska/Arkansas) and he has visited the region regularly.
The Artist Selection Panel would like to recommend to the Iowa City Public Art Advisory
Committee that Cecil Balmond be named as the artist responsible for the design of the public art
piece to be located in BHMP. Balmond would be under contract with the consultant, Genus
Landscape Architects to complete the design work as part of their contract with the City. PAAC,
February 3, 2015
Page 3
if in agreement with this recommendation for the Artist Review Panel, would make a formal
recommendation to the City Council to include Cecil Balmond in the City's contract with Genus
as the selected artist for the design of the artwork for BHMP.
105
PEDESTRIAN MALL PLANNING I INTRODUCTION
NI PARK
:ET ENTRY
PEDESTRIAN MALL PLANNING INTRODUCTION
The nationally renowned Ped Mall is widely recognized as
an iconic destination with a high level of resident, student,
and alumni attachment. It has 'good bones' and a sol-
id foundation is already in place. Therefore, the intent of
the current planning concept is to 'freshen up' and rein-
vigorate the Ped Mall while maintaining the original intent
of creating a public gathering place for all ages from all
walks of life.
To enrich the experience of the Ped Mall, a series of sec-
ondary destinations are proposed and include Black Hawk
Mini Park, a Sound Garden, and a Video Garden. The
children's play zone is expanded with an interactive and
educational Eco LAB. The entries become more welcom-
ing and are reimagined with new wayfnding kiosks, light-
ing, and the introduction of additional sunlight and views
through selective tree pruning. The Weather Dance Foun-
tain and performance space is strengthened with a per-
manent stage canopy and improved seating opportuni-
ties. The secondary destinations are meant to be uniquely
different from each other and envisioned to engage mul-
tiple user groups. Secondary destinations are described in
the following sections.
P 1 106
Throughout the master plan process, stakeholder and
public feedback consistently indicated a strong interest in
improved Ped Mall lighting. Additionally, many of the exist-
ing globe lights are reaching the end of their life cycle. For
the functional lighting of the Ped Mall, a conversion of the
existing system to LED is recommended. A multi -layered
lighting framework is also proposed and includes up light-
ing of trees, architectural lighting of proposed shade can-
opies, and accent lighting of public artwork. The lighting
framework and other component -related recommenda-
tions are addressed within the Ped Mall framework section.
Black Hawk Mini Park is currently a construction staging
area for Park@201 and once construction is complete, the
park can once again become a 'park for all people'. The
planning concept calls for a feature public art piece to
anchor the park and to create a focal point to the north
entry of the Ped Mall. A series of diverse spaces are cre-
ated within the park to enhance the public realm and to
appeal to a wide range of users. More detailed narrative,
conceptual plans, and renderings for Black Mini Park fol-
low the Pedestrian Mall Goals + Objectives.
IOWA CITY DOWNTOWN AND PEDESTRIAN MALL STREETSCAPE PLAN UPDATE. DRAEf
PLAN KEY
OE%ISTINGTREES @ PROPOSEDTREES
Z BUILDING FACE
CLINTON ENTRY
0
CAFE / VIDEO GARDEN
B
P1112 PI113
WEATHER DANCE FOUNTAIN / PERFORMANCE ---iP 1114
PEDESTRIAN MALL GOALS + OBJECTIVES
Enhance the Public Realm.
• Celebrate the history and culture of Iowa City.
• Create a memorable public space at Black Hawk
Mini Park.
• Improve the children's play area and the 'Weather
Dance' fountain stage space.
• Create a focal point and Ped Mall gateway at
Dubuque and Washington.
Build on Existing Strengths.
• Reinforce the public artwork program.
• Enhance the tree planting program.
• Enhance the opportunities for families including the
play area at the Library.
Address the Aging Infrastructure.
• Evaluate the adequacy and condition of existing
utilities.
• Make recommendations on utility improvements.
• Improve the special event infrastructure.
PEDESTRIAN MALL PLANNING I INTRODUCTION
PL06 NORTH ENTRY / BLACKHA WK MINI PARK
11018 CAFE / SOUND GARDEN
PLAYGROUNDZONE
LINN STREET ENTRY
P�116
P1117
Fes'-
Enhance Our Environmental Stewardship and Become a
'Green' Downtown.
• Explore and incorporate green infrastructure
strategies.
• Promote the use of sustainable and low maintenance
materials.
• Improve recycling opportunities
Develop a Multi -Layered, Flexible Lighting Framework.
• Create a lighting framework that informs use and
enhances wayf nding.
• Create opportunities foryear-round and seasonal
lighting.
Enhance the Wayfinding Network.
• Create a gateway into the Ped Mall at Washington
and Dubuque.
107
FEBRUARY 2014
PEDESTRIAN MALL PLANNING I NORTH ENTRY AND BLACK HAWK MINI PARK
91_\.111 XM
A THRESHOLD
K
SEAT WALL
B WAYFINDING KIOSK
L
SHELTERED BIKE PARKING
C PROPOSED TREE
M
EXISTING WALKWAY
D EXISTING TREE
N
PROPOSED RE -LOCATION SOLAR BALANCE
E PROPOSED PAVING BAND
O
PROPOSED PUBLIC ART
F PROPOSED BENCH (TYPICAL.)
P
RECYCLING STATION
G PEDESTRIAN SCALE LIGHT (TYPICAL.)
Q
MOVEABLE TABLES AND CHAIRS
H EXISTING PAVING
R
PROPOSED RE -LOCATION BALANCE IN PLACE
I RECYCLING STATION
S
PLANTING AREA
J GRAPEVINE LIGHTING+ PERMEABLE PAVING
T
PLAY AREA
U
STORYWALL WITH UPLIGHTING
V
NEW UNIT PAVERS (TYPICAL.)
P 1108
IOWA CITY DOWNTOWN AND PEDESTRIAN MALL STREETSCAPE PLAN UPDATE. DRAFT
PEDESTRIAN MALL PLANNING I NORTH ENTRY AND BLACK HAWK MINI PARK
NORTH ENTRY AND BLACK HAWK MINI PARK
The planning concept for Black Hawk Mini Park creates a
series of diverse experiences that will appeal to multiple
user groups. To mark the point of arrival and the transition
from streetscape to Ped Mall, a threshold is proposed at
the north end of the Ped Mall along Washington Street.
The threshold functions as a 'safety buffer,' subtly separat-
ing pedestrians from the adjacent traffic. It could be a low
wall, a planting area, or public art. It is imagined to be low,
not exceeding 36" in height, and to afford views across
the entry and viewing south within the Ped Mall.
Moving into Black Hawk Mini Park, a signature public art
piece is proposed to anchor the north end. The feature
piece may be interactive public artwork, a memorable
water feature, or a structure such as an arch or obelisk.
It is imagined to be significant enough to be visible as vis-
itors and guests arrive to the downtown along Dubuque.
The proposed threshold and the public art piece will work
together to create a memorable and identifiable place
and experience unique to Iowa City. To accomplish this,
the planning team recommends the involvement of a
public artist during the next design phase. The artist will be
an integral part of the team, fully collaborating with team
members and stakeholders.
Black Hawk Mini Park's history as a 'park for all and a cel-
ebration of free speech' is shared through a large 'story
wall' at the southeasterly corner. The 'story walls' will rec-
ognize the people and events that have shaped Black
Hawk Mini Park and Iowa City. Up lighting of the story walls
lends drama and interest to the space at night.
A range of seating types are offered: benches, seat walls,
movable tables and chairs, and limestone planterwalls at
seat height. The movable tables and chairs will be placed
Within intimate seating areas offering options to individu-
als or small groups. Per William H. Whyte, movable tables
and chairs "give people a sense of empowerment, allow-
ing them to sit wherever and in whatever orientation they
desire." The success associated with movable tables and
chairs has been observed in many notable public spaces
such as Bryant Park and the new Grand Park in Los Ange-
les. Relatively affordable, the tables and chairs are offered
in a range of easily identifiable, bold colors. Considering
this is a new seating type for Iowa City, a trial period with
four or five sets is recommended. This would allow an un-
derstanding of the labor involved with the placement and
securing of the pieces. A trial period also offers the City
a chance to measure public response and use prior to a
more significant investment.
Canopy trees and colorful ground plane plantings define
the seating areas. A small children's' play space is pro-
posed at the south end and offers sculptural mounds for
rolling and climbing and interactive artwork such as sound
columns, dance chimes, and rain makers.
The "Spin} of Black Hawk"
"A little park with big history"
Black Hawk Mini Park took its name from the
Sauk leader Black Hawk, whose image, in the
form of a large crural, gave political and social
meaning to the site. "The square became the
site of demonstrations related to not only urban
planning, but also to the Vietnam war and the
Amencon Indian movement."
[ From "Paint the Town," little village, Nov. 2010 ]
[ "Spirit of Black Hawk", Iowa City Public Library ]
109
FEBRUARY 2014
IaaIII 1:4I1111INTIIIIIII1"02[UC4I714211 %12IIll 111 A: II 1I121Ill *11
A significant public art piece anchors the north entry and Black Hawk Mini Park.
NEW PUBLIC ART PIECE
A feature public art piece
stands in the center of the
north edge of black hawk mini
park. The public art piece will
be designed to support sec-
ondary performances to recall
the history of black hawk mini
park as the 'free speech' park.
The piece may be interactive
public artwork, a memorable
water feature, a structure such
as an arch or an obelisk, or
other to be determined during
subsequent design phases.
P 1 110
INTERACTIVE
WATER FEATURE
STRUCTURE
r �
S'
Images offer general representations of what the piece could be, they are not indicative of a
site specific i nsta Ila tion.
IOWA CITY DOWNTOWN AND PEDESTRIAN MALL STREETSCAPE PLAN UPDATE. DRAFT
PEDESTRIAN MALL PLANNING I NORTH ENTRY AND BLACK HAWK MINI PARK
Intimate seating areas have been created to offer seating options to individuals and groups.
A small children's play area offers sculptural mounds for climbing and interactive art pieces.
Unique play opportunities
To offer a dynamic destination for children
at the north section of the Ped Mall, sculp-
tural mounds or sirrilar are proposed at the
new children's play area.
Seating choices
A place to sit is an invitation to stay and
movable fables and chairs have proven
to be a great option. They give people the
chance to sit where they like, in whatever
groups they choose, and to face one an-
other or not.
Interactive artwork
Child -themed interactive art pieces can
inspire, educate and allow individual ex-
pression. They can enlighten and entertain
in a setting accessible to all.
111
FEBRUARY 2014
PEDESTRIAN MALL PLANNING I DESTINATION SPACES I CLINTON STREET ENTRY
Existing conditions
An enhanced sense of arrival will improve
the Clinton Street entry.
P 1112
"Ja&' sculpture
Accent lighting at existing artwork will cre-
ate a series of focal points to enhance the
experience through the Ped Mall.
CLINTON STREET ENTRY
The Clinton Street Entry becomes
more welcoming and is reimagined
with a new wayfnding kiosk, recon-
figured seating, and a 'story wall'.
The internally illuminated kiosk acts
as a beacon of light, welcoming and
providing a sense of arrival to a spe-
cial place.
PLAN KEY
A Wayfnding kiosk
B Uplighting of trees at entry room
C Seating
D Story wall
E Existing public artwork
F Recycling station
Wayfinding Kiosk
A new wayfinding kiosk is proposed to wel-
come guests and provide user orientation.
IOWA CITY DOWNTOWN AND PEDESTRIAN MALL STREETSCAPE PLAN UPDATE. DRAFT
PEDESTRIAN MALL PLANNING I DESTINATION SPACES I CAFE / VIDEO GARDEN
CAFE / VIDEO GARDEN
The proposed Cafe / Video garden
includes a community table available
to all Ped Mall users. A new structure
shades the dining table and is illumi-
nated for night time use. A state -of -
the art video wall adds new public
art opportunities to the Ped Mall.
PLAN KEY
A Story wall
B Proposed shade structure
C Community dining table
D Newpavement
E Recycling station
F Mobile vendor cart
Existing conditions
The existing fixed seating limits choice and
feels undersized for the Ped Mall.
Community table
A community fable is offered for patrons of
limited service restaurants or just sifting out-
doors working, or people watching, or for
viewing the video art. An overhead struc-
ture is proposed to shade and define the
community dining fable.
Story wall with LED video
To recognize and celebrate technological
advances and to engage a new genera-
tion of users, sound and media are intro-
duced as new types of public artwork A
state-of-the-art LED video wall anchors the
Video Garden and can be used for both
video arts and movies. Its location adjacent
to FilrrScene reinforces the exafemenf and
energy of film and video as art forms for the
Ped Mall.
113
FEBRUARY 2014
PEDESTRIAN MALL PLANNING I DESTINATION SPACES I WEATHER DANCE FOUNTAIN AREA
Friday night concert
The events held at Weather Dance Fountain
performance space are immensely popular
and appeal to multiple user groups.
PI114
WEATHER DANCE FOUNTAIN AREA
The Weather Dance Fountain and
Performance Space provides an in-
teractive and unique experience for
Ped Mall users.
PLAN KEY
A Reorganized planters
B Amphitheater seating
C Story wall
D Seat wall
E Expansion of enhanced paving
F Permanent stage
G Wayfnding kiosk
Weather Dance Fountain
Irrproving the slip resistance quality of the
granite paving is recommended and to be
explored during subsequent design phases.
Artwork at paving
The existing artwork in the paving and walls
inspires the proposed planning concept
and should be maintained as part of future
enhancement plans.
IOWA CITY DOWNTOWN AND PEDESTRIAN MALL STREETSCAPE PLAN UPDATE. DRAFT
City of Iowa City Public Art Program
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATI®NS
DEADLINE. August 22, 2014
INTRODUCTION
The City of Iowa City Public Art Program
is seek-ing artists and artist teams inter-
ested in creating a signature art project as
part of the current downtown Iowa City
Pedestrian Mall Streetscape project. (For
more information on the City's recently
adopted Downtown and Pedestrian Mall
Master Plan please visit www.icgov.org/
downtownstreetscape). The specific loca-
tion for the art piece is in the area known
as the Black Hawk Mini Park – an area of
high visibility and pedestrian traffic in
downtown Iowa City. Attached is a por-
tion of the Master Plan that specifically
relates to the area proposed for the art-
work. This Request for Qualifications
(RFQ) is open to professional artists work-
ing in any medium, style or technique with
an emphasis on interactive works that
stimulate thought, conversation and crea-
tivity for viewers and establish a sense of
place.
ARTIST ELIGIBILITY
Successful artists must demonstrate the
vision, past experience and professional
qualifications required to create public
art—a process that may include public
presentations in addition to production
oversight and execution of artwork in the
public realm. Team applications should
demonstrate the qualifications of its indi-
vidual team members, as well as their
qualifications to work together on projects.
This RFQ is open to professional artists
and art-ist teams with priority given to
those with ties to Iowa City, University of
Iowa and/or the State of Iowa.
PROJECT BUDGET
The total budget for the completed and
installed artwork is undetermined at this
time, however the installation is intended
to be a signature addition to the iconic
Pedestrian Mall. Funds are available to
compensate the artist for concept devel-
opment and collaboration with the City's
urban design team. Such compensation
will be negotiated with the selected artist
or artist team. It is expected that the fabri-
cation and installation of the artwork will
be funded primarily through privately
raised funds after a concept is developed
and presented to the community.
HOW TO APPLY
The submission must include all of the
information and materials described be-
low.
1. Artist's Contact Information including
name, business name (if applicable),
physical address, mailing address,
telephone and email. Teams must
identify one artist to be the primary
contact, as well as contact infor-
mation for each art-ist on the team.
2. Artist Statement of Interest.
3. Explanation of ties to Iowa City, Uni-
versity of Iowa and/or State of Iowa.
4. Maximum Two -Page Resume that
outlines professional accomplish-
ments.
• As part of the resume include three
professional references (name, affili-
ated organization, email address and
phone number).
• For applications involving multiple
artists, include two-page resumes
and three professional references for
each member.
• Fewer references are appropriate if
they endorse the artists as a team.
5. A minimum of six (6) and maximum of
eight (8) images of past works illus-
trating two to four completed site-
specific public art projects. Images
may be submitted via email, flash
drive, CD or through a link to a web-
site.
• Examples must illustrate projects
within the context of a specific site.
These images are the primary way
the quality of your work is evaluated.
6. Image identification: List that provides
project title, location, date completed,
media, dimensions, budget, commis-
sioning agency, project partners, brief
description of the project/conceptual
information.
All application materials must be
emailed to Marcia Bollinger, Iowa City
Public Art Program Coordinator at
Marcia-Bollinger@iowa-city.org no lat-
er than 2:00 p.m. CST on Friday, Au-
gust 22, 2014.
Incomplete and late applications may be
deemed ineligible at the sole discretion of
the City of Iowa City Public Art Advisory
Commission.
SELECTION PROCESS
An artist selection panel will review
applications and select one or more
of the artists and/or artist teams for
the Concept Development Phase of
the project for which a stipend will be
negotiated. Upon completion of the
Concept Development Phase, the
City of Iowa City will work with the
selected artist and/ or artist team to
move into the Fabrication and Instal-
lation Phase. Installation timing and
subsequent further details of this
phase of the project will be entirely
dependent on the acquisition of pro-
ject funding.
J[Z•PJxbd=4•idIPtl=44hl=4
Friday, August 22, 2014 - Response
Deadline
Friday, September 12, 2014 – Com-
mittee recommendation of semi-final
artists.
QUESTIONS
Please contact: Marcia Bollinger,
Iowa City Public Art Program Coordi-
nator at 319-356-5237 or Marcia -
Bol I i nger(o).i owa-city. org.