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3rd Street Underpass Mural Project - closed

Short listed artists for this project have been contacted for proposals.

Call for artists – April 18, 2019 

Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. (DFWI) invites artists and artist teams to submit qualifications for a site-specific mural/artwork to beautify the 3rd Street Underpass. The 3rd Street Underpass is located at 767 E 3rd Street on the eastside of Downtown between Sundance Square and the Hillside Apartments. It provides a gateway into and out of Downtown Fort Worth. This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeks qualified artist(s) that can provide a site-specific mural/artwork that will transform the 3rd Street Underpass with its existing condition into a welcoming gateway.

The concrete bridge walls are owned by Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway. An on-going and consistent condition of the site includes vertical lines of brown rust-like sediment that run from the top to the bottom of the underpass that are caused by water dripping through the train tracks. This condition must be considered and/or integrated with the artwork.

The objective is to have artwork seen from all directions and that the walls are thematically tied providing an attractive and engaging gateway into and out of Downtown. The artwork can encompass all four walls and entrances (totaling approximately 2,900 sq. ft.) or selected areas based on artist’s vision.

Entry Deadline: May 10, 2019

Goals:

  • Transform the underpass and walkway into a welcoming Downtown gateway
  • Broaden viewers’ perspectives of public spaces
  • Increase public awareness of art
  • Create excitement and interest for the community
  • Appeal to a mass audience
  • Incorporate/disguise condition of walls into the design
  • Bring distinction to the walls that frame the entrances to the underpass and line the interior of the underpass

 

Budget:          

The project budget is $37,000.  It is anticipated this amount shall include all fees and expenses associated with this project, including materials, equipment, labor, permits, insurance, taxes, and installation.

 

Application requirements:

1. Artist Statement of Interest: The Artist Statement should provide details on your perspective on approaching a project of this nature, and your perspective on the project’s potential. Please address the following in your statement (maximum of 500 words):

  1. ​What specifically interests you about this underpass project?
  2. What is your experience in public art and collaborating with clients and community stakeholders?
  3. Discuss the concepts and ideas you explore in your artwork and how they are presented in previous projects.
  4. If you are applying as a team, the letter should clearly describe the contribution of each collaborator.

2. Resume + References: Include a current resume that outlines your accomplishments as an artist and three references (maximum of two pages; if a team, then two pages maximum for each team member.)

3. Images and Descriptions of Past Work: Submission must include images of past artwork that demonstrate your qualifications for this project. Applicants may submit up to five (5) digital images that represent previously completed projects. Up to two (2) design concepts from prior projects may be submitted as images of past work, but should be clearly marked as previous project design concept. Each image must be supplemented with a description including: a) project title; b) date of completion; c) location; d) dimensions; e) significant materials; f) budget and g) project description.

If you were the member of a team or otherwise worked with other artists on a project you are submitting for consideration, please clearly state your actual role in the creation of the work.

How to Submit: All required materials may be uploaded to a Dropbox or Google Drive folder and emailed to nicole@dfwi.org.  Please submit artist statements, resumes and references and descriptions in PDF or DOC format and all images in JPEG or PNG format.

 

Eligibility:

Applicants must be 18 years or over. Applications must include all of the listed requirements.  Incomplete applications will not be reviewed or considered.

 

Selection process:

A selection panel will review all completed submissions and identify a short list of qualified artists or artist teams for proposals. DFWI will contact the short list of artists with a request for proposal and interview. Proposals shall include, but are not limited to, design concept(s), project description, line itemized budget, and proposed installation timeline.

A $200 honorarium will be provided to each artist(s) or artist team(s) upon the completion of interview and receipt of their proposal.

It is anticipated that the final artist or artist team selected will enter into a “Work for Hire” agreement with DFWI for all services, including, but not limited to, the design creation, fabrication, delivery, and installation of the artwork. DFWI anticipates working closely with the selected artist and property owners to ensure all requirements are met and the project is successful.

DFWI reserves the right to accept or reject any or all applications received as a result of this request, or to cancel in part or in its entirety this artist selection process, if in the best interest of DFWI. See full reservation of rights here.

 

Selection criteria:

Short listed artists/artist teams will be selected based on the following criteria:

  • Innovation, quality, and creativity in previous projects/artwork
  • Demonstrated proficiency in craftsmanship and technical knowledge
  • Experience and success in creating a public artwork in collaboration or cooperation with city agencies and/or multiple stakeholders 
  • Knowledge of durable materials appropriate to the environment
  • Specific understanding of the existing conditions

 

Project Schedule*:

  • May 10, 2019 - SUBMISSION DEADLINE, Applications close at 11:59 PM CST on deadline date
  • June 2019 - Short list of artists selected for proposals
  • June 2019 – Site visit
  • June/July 2019 - Panel interviews and proposal reviews
  • July 2019 - Selected artist announced and contract execution
  • Summer–Fall 2019 - Project Execution
* Dates may be subject to change.
* Updated 5/9/2019

Questions:

Contact Nicole Browne at nicole@dfwi.org or 817-870-1692.

 

About DFWI

The mission of Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. is to be the catalyst for transforming Downtown into a vibrant place to live, visit, enjoy and conduct business through aggressive leadership of programs, projects and partnerships. Read more.