Public Art Commission Opportunity—Minnesota State University Moorhead Weld Hall
Request for qualifications due September 14, 2023
Invitational Call for Artists/Design Teams
Minnesota State University Moorhead – Public Art Commission Opportunity – Weld Hall
Call Open : July 19 – September 14 at 11:59 PM CDT, 2023
Art Commission: $100,000 artist fee
Commissions Available: 1 (open to artist teams)
Background
Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) is a public university located in Moorhead, Minnesota, United States. It was founded in 1887 as the Moorhead Normal School and has since grown into a comprehensive university with over 5,700 students enrolled.
MSUM offers over 100 undergraduate majors and minors, as well as graduate programs in fields such as business, education, and healthcare. The university is known for its strong programs in education, nursing, and business, and has a diverse student body with students from all 50 states and over 40 countries.
The campus of MSUM is located on the border of Minnesota and North Dakota, and is situated along the Red River of the North. The university has a strong commitment to sustainability and has been recognized for its efforts in this area. MSUM has also been recognized for its commitment to inclusivity and diversity, and has a number of resources available to support students from diverse backgrounds.
Project Overview
The Minnesota State University Moorhead Weld Hall renovation project is a renovation of the existing Weld Hall building located on the campus of Minnesota State University Moorhead. The Weld Hall building is one of the oldest buildings on campus, originally constructed in 1914. Weld Hall serves over 1,400 students in English, Music, Film, and Publishing. This project preserves the oldest and most distinguished building on campus and brings it into the 21st century by addressing current code requirements, providing energy efficient building systems and creating state-of-the-art teaching environments. The renovation fosters faculty-student engagement and promotes flexible styles of Instruction, including interactive workshop-style classes. The auditorium will be renovated into a multi-purpose auditorium/music performance venue for use as a teaching lab and lecture hall, venue for campus film and music performances and a space for community/workforce training events.
Minnesota State University Moorhead has partnered with Forecast Public Art to facilitate a call for artists or artist teams, with the aim of designing and producing a distinctive public artwork. A goal of the artwork is to showcase the rich history and individuality of the Weld Hall building and add to the campus’s existing public art collection.
Artists are hereby invited to submit qualifications to be considered for the public art opportunity as described below.
Budget
$100,000
This not-to-exceed fee covers artist time, travel, materials, installation, any community engagement and any other costs associated with the project.
Eligibility
This Public Art commission is open to all artists, or a team residing in the Midwest region and/or with a direct connection to Minnesota State University Moorhead are eligible to apply for this artist call.
The definition of the Midwest region of the United States varies, but it generally includes the following 12 states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
Applicants must be 18 years or older and have proven experience with public art and public engagement.
Forecast Public Art and the selection committee will select artists without regard to sexual orientation or gender identity; familial, marital status, or pregnancy; guide dog or support animal; race, color, religion, ancestry, or national origin; gender, age; handicap or disability; possession of GED.
Artwork Site
The proposed artwork locations are as follows. The artist shall assume responsibility for selecting the location that is most suitable for their artistic medium/style.
Artwork Location #1:
Description of Location: South entryway into Weld Hall. Possible locations for artwork include: flooring, glass windows, and/or wall at the top of the stair landing.
Artwork Location #2:
Description of Location: North entry into Weld Hall. Possible locations for artwork include: exterior entryway of building and/or glass windows.
NOTE:
Weld Hall’s front-facing glass windows once displayed stained glass artwork (image below), an integral part of its original design. Although these windows were removed in the 1960s, there is intention to bring them back to grace the building through the current remodel. Inspired by the beauty of stained glass art, we encourage artists to draw from its essence in creating their masterpieces.
Budget
$100,000
This not-to-exceed fee covers artist time, travel, materials, installation, any community engagement and any other costs associated with the project.
Eligibility
This Public Art commission is open to all artists, or a team residing in the Midwest region and/or with a direct connection to Minnesota State University Moorhead are eligible to apply for this artist call.
The definition of the Midwest region of the United States varies, but it generally includes the following 12 states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
Applicants must be 18 years or older and have proven experience with public art and public engagement.
Forecast Public Art and the selection committee will select artists without regard to sexual orientation or gender identity; familial, marital status, or pregnancy; guide dog or support animal; race, color, religion, ancestry, or national origin; gender, age; handicap or disability; possession of GED.
Selection Process
A selection committee has been assembled by Minnesota State University Moorhead which includes arts professionals, architecture and design professionals, students and University staff.
Phase 1
Selection of artist/designers will be based on the following criteria:
- Quality of letter.
- Quality of work samples.
- Ability of artist/team to successfully complete projects based on bio and prior work experience.
- Midwest residing address and/or connection to Minnesota State University Moorhead.
Phase 2
Design concepts must meet the following criteria:
- Design concepts are welcoming and approachable.
- Artwork grabs attention and rewards multiple visits and viewings.
- Artwork does not detract from other artwork in the area
- Artwork creates a connection between the building and public space, and a sense of connectedness for visitors and residents alike.
- Artwork amplifies community identity and has the potential to be a neighborhood landmark.
- Artwork is high-impact and easy to maintain.
- Artwork conveys artistic excellence and innovation.
- Artwork is considerate of all seasons in MN, are considered safe and low maintenance, and consider lighting.
- Artists applying should denote which location(s) they would be interested in should they receive the commission.
The Selection Committee will review eligible applications and select a group of up to three finalists/finalist teams to develop a design concept. Each artist/team will receive a stipend of $1000 to cover fees associated with concept design and Zoom interviews.
Further information will be provided to the finalists. Deliverables include graphic depictions or 3D models of the proposed artwork, a brief narrative description, a budget, and a timeline. Artists/teams will have approximately four weeks to prepare preliminary concepts.
Upon completion of Zoom presentations, one artist/artist team will be commissioned to design, create, and install the artwork.
Schedule
How to Submit
Individuals or teams are asked to provide the following, combined into a single PDF document
1. Letter of Interest
One page letter stating interest in the project, approach to design, contact information, and a statement addressing eligibility criteria.
2. Statement of Qualifications
Please provide information that describes your qualifications and past experience in public art.
3. Work Samples
Please provide:
- Up to 10 work samples from past projects that help to describe your qualifications.
- Up to 10 digital images of your recent and relevant projects.
- Individuals and teams are limited to 10 images maximum.
- Save all images as standard JPEG and label each with the applicant’s full name and number in sequence corresponding with a list of work samples.
- One-page listing of each work sample; please provide a brief description and budget for each work sample.
4. References
Please provide a list of three references.
NOTE: Do not submit a proposal for artworks at this time.
Please submit all RFQ materials to
- yarlyn@forecastpublicart.org
- with the subject line: WELD HALL RFQ SUBMISSION.
- All materials must be received by September 14 at 11:59 PM CDT.
Questions?
Contact Yarlyn Rosario, Forecast Project Manager
Yarlyn@forecastpublicart.org
LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE REVIEWED.
About Forecast
Forecast firmly believes that culture and creativity are important drivers of creating a more just society. As one of the country’s first nonprofit organizations dedicated to advancing the field of public art, we are called to advocate for and advance public art practices that advance justice, health and human dignity. We are invested in public art that plays a crucial role in creating a sense of belonging, and supporting people to realize their potential and live healthy lives. We emphasize access for artists of color, indigenous artists, and groups that are traditionally excluded.
(651) 641-1128
INFO@FORECAST
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