Project Goals

• Transform the neighborhood with a visually appealing artwork that inspires and uplifts residents and visitors.

• Improve walkability and wayfinding comprehension for foot traffic in the designated area.

 

The primary goal is to revitalize an underutilized public space, creating a pedestrian plaza for visitors and locals alike to enjoy. The artwork will be a defining and distinguishing feature of the neighborhood and a celebration of Kodiak. A successful design should reflect the identity of the waterfront neighborhood. Artists may look to the natural surrounds for inspiration, or to local architectural or cultural traditions.

 

The defining pattern in the artworks may be repeated as a wayfinding trail through the area crosswalks and the adjacent museum district. Final design concepts should be easily transferable using stencils or similar process.

 

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to professional visual artists living in Alaska who have the ability to create an exemplary large-scale public art installation. Prior public art experience is not a requirement, however artists should have demonstrated technical skills, and proven experience executing their ideas from concept to completion.

 

Submission for Procedures - Request for Qualifications Stage

Artists responding to this RFQ should submit a statement of interest, artist resume and work samples via email to katie@kodiakarts.org with Kodiak Asphalt Art Initiative in the subject line. Documents must be submitted as PDF files, and work sample images should be submitted as JPG files.

1. Statement of Interest. Explain why you are interested in creating an original design for the Kodiak Asphalt Art Initiative. Explain why you would be a good candidate and how your experience informs how you would respond to the goals of the project.

2. Artist Resume. Must include artist’s name, address, email, and phone number.

3. Work Samples. No less than five (5) and no more than ten (10) images of existing artwork to demonstrate completion of artwork at a comparable scale.

Questions about the project or submittal should be directed to the contact persons listed above.

Artist Information Session

An information session for artists interested in responding to the RFQ will be held via Zoom video conferencing on Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at 5:30 pm. Please see meeting link below to join.

 

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89769091301

Meeting ID: 897 6909 1301

 

Selection Process

The Asphalt Art Selection Committee will review qualified submissions. A short list of up to 4 (four) artists or artist-teams will be identified and contracted to develop a site-specific concept design, comprised of drawings and/or digital renderings with accompanying text as necessary, that responds to the scope and goals of the project. Each artist or artist team will be invited to an interview with the selection committee to present and discuss their designs. The shortlisted artists or artist-teams will receive a $250 stipend in compensation for the concept design work following successful submission of design concepts. The Selection Committee will identify one design concept for further development and implementation at the site.

 

Evaluation Criteria

The selection of shortlisted artists or artist teams from the RFQ submissions shall be based on whose qualifications best meet the goals and scope of the project. In making those determinations, the Asphalt Art Selection Committee will consider the following evaluation criteria:

1. Excellence - Artists’ submitted work samples are original, creative, and of high quality and enduring value. If cultural symbols are used, they are used respectfully and with knowledge of their cultural significance.

2. Experience - Artist or artist team has created and managed projects of a similar scale and budget, and has demonstrated experience collaborating with partners on a public art project.

3. Preference for Kodiak Island artists or artist teams may be considered.

 

Selection Process Timeline

RFQ Released - Late December, 2021

Artist Information Session (Virtual Via Zoom) - January 5, 2022

RFQ Artist Submissions Due - January 21, 2022

Shortlisted Artist Selection - Late January, 2022

Shortlisted Artist Concept Design Development - Late January - Late February 28, 2022

Shortlisted Artist Information Session - February 4, 2022

Shortlisted Artist Concept Design Submission Due - February 28, 2022

Shortlisted Artist Interviews -  March 7 - 11, 2022

Final design selection - Mid-March 2022

 

This project is made possible by the Bloomberg Philanthropies Asphalt Art Initiative with additional support from the Rasmuson Foundation, City of Kodiak, and local partners.