CALS seeks RFQ from qualified artists

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) FOR A QUALIFIED ARTIST TO CREATE A MEMORIAL TO AFRICAN AMERICAN CIVIL WAR SOLDIERS WHO SERVED WITH THE UNION ARMY IN ARKANSAS

Nate Coulter, the Executive Director of the Central Arkansas Library System (CALS), has appointed a committee of local historians and CALS staff members to accept RFQs (Requests for Qualifications) from qualified artists who are interested in designing, creating, and installing A MEMORIAL TO AFRICAN AMERICAN CIVIL WAR SOLDIERS WHO SERVED WITH THE UNION ARMY IN ARKANSAS. CALS will select the site and provide landscaping and lighting as necessary. CALS will also be responsible for building an appropriate foundation or devices to permanently attach the monument to its place of display. The piece will be on or near CALS’s downtown campus in Little Rock, Arkansas.

The role of the committee is as follows:

  1. To advertise, accept, review, and rank all applicants based solely on that person’s qualifications to complete the project.
  2. To recommend to the Executive Director the most qualified artist for the project.
  3. To work with the selected artist to fashion a theme or message for the Memorial while still giving that person artistic latitude.

BUDGET

CALS anticipates spending a minimum of $150,000 on the project, with the final cost dependent on the size of the piece and the materials used. The budget may increase from successful private fundraising and grant requests.

 

THE APPLICANT SHALL PROVIDE:

  1. A letter of interest with appropriate contact information. The applicant must include a resume that details academic degrees, workshops, and practical experience, and shows the ability to maintain projects both on budget and on schedule. Any other information that might help members of the committee understand the person’s artistic experience should be included.
  2. A DVD, flash drive, or other digitally formatted device showing examples of the applicant’s major works and a statement about why those works are pertinent to this project. Please include all public art works even if not deemed major commissions.
  3. A statement about the applicant’s approach to durability, workmanship, and maintenance requirements. The committee would also welcome any observations about how the final product might be best exhibited to minimize vandalism.
  4. The names and contact information of three persons who are familiar with the artist’s works.
  5. Note: Applicants may submit joint RFQs, providing that one person is designated as the principal of the project. Applications will be accepted from any artist living in the United States or its territories.
  6. Any questions prior to submission of a proposal should be sent to Colin Thompson at colint@cals.org

 

Mail two copies of all submission materials to:

Colin N. Thompson, Art Administrator

Roberts Library of Arkansas History & Art

Central Arkansas Library System

100 Rock Street

Little Rock, Arkansas 72201

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION IS APRIL 30, 2023

 

SELECTION PROCESS

The committee will use the SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS to rank the applicants. No fewer than three applicants will be selected for interviews. After those interviews, the committee may make its final recommendation to the director or it may ask one or more of the interviewees to develop that person’s ideas for a suitable memorial into a more detailed presentation with, if appropriate, study sketches, a maquette, slideshows, or other aids that the artist(s) wishes to use and that would be useful for the committee in making its final determination.

CALS will pay reasonable travel expenses for the interviewees and a stipend for the more detailed presentations.

CALS reserves the right to reject all submissions and re-advertise for new applicants. The notice to proceed with the artwork is subject to the availability of funds.

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