WestWorld Sports Complex Project
Call for Artists/Request for Qualifications (RFQ)
Application Deadline: Monday, July 11, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. MST (AZ)
Total Project Budget: $90,000
Summary:
Scottsdale Public Art is accepting qualifications from artists for a permanent public art opportunity located at the WestWorld Sports Complex in Scottsdale, Arizona. Up to three finalists will be selected and paid a $1,500 stipend to do an in-person site visit and interview on the same day (subject to change due to pandemic restrictions). The final selected artist will create a permanent art installation at the site. Artists working in the states of: Arizona, California, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, and New Mexico; United States, who have experience designing, fabricating, and installing projects with a similar budget and scope, are encouraged to apply.
Applications are due by Monday, July 11, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. MST (AZ).
Overview:
Scottsdale Public Art is seeking to contract with an artist to design, fabricate, and install art at the WestWorld Sports Complex. The artwork should represent the spirit of athleticism, sports, and the natural settings of this Scottsdale site.
Potential enhancements could be:
- Pavement etching, LithoCrete, LithoMosaic treatments, and/or sand blasting in the area surrounding the facility building and/or walkway to the sports fields.
- Incorporate art elements into the railings overlooking the fields.
Site Description:
The Sports Complex will be used by the local community and for large tournaments. It is in northern Scottsdale, Arizona, at McDowell Mountain Ranch Road and Thompson Peak Parkway. Proposed plans show up to five sports fields being built at this location. (link “Proposed plans” to this URL: ScottsdaleAZ.gov/construction/project-list/build-mulituse-sports-fields-in-the-area-of-bell-road )
Public Art Scope and Project Description:
The scope for the public art project focuses on the selected artist designing and installing artistic features that enhance the sports complex facility building area. The facility building area will include a restroom, offices, walkway, shaded plaza area, railing that overlooks the fields, and pathways that lead to the fields. This location has a clear view of the fields and will be heavily utilized. The goal of this art is to bring people together for the enjoyment of sports and the outdoors.
The public art project will consist of selecting an artist who will design, fabricate, and install artistic features that will add public art enhancements that thematically reflect the character of the WestWorld Sports Complex and the natural environment that surrounds the fields. Any work at the site that would require a contractor or design professional, besides the artist selected, and must be completed by a contractor or design professional licensed in the state of Arizona.
Selection Process
An artist selection panel will be convened to evaluate all submissions and select artist finalists for interviews. Pending interviews, one artist and an alternate will be selected for the project. Finalists will receive a $1,500 stipend to cover expenses associated with the in-person site visit and interview. A proposal is not required from finalists selected for interviews.
Selection criteria include the applicant’s professional qualifications, proven ability to complete projects of a similar scope, artistic merit as evidenced by the submitted materials, and demonstrated ability to work with government agencies and stakeholders in the creation of site enhancements for a public art project.
The selected project artist will be recommended by the selection panel for approval by the Scottsdale Public Art Advisory Board, based on the review of images and other application materials. The Advisory Board approves art concepts and the project scope and budget, thereby allowing the artist creative license within the established project plan. Contract and project plan are to be negotiated with Scottsdale Public Art. The Advisory Board reserves the right to reject any or all applications.
Scottsdale Public Art
In 1985, Scottsdale adopted a one percent for art ordinance and established Scottsdale Public Art with the goal of enhancing the quality of life afforded to area residents and visitors. Scottsdale Public Art seeks to incorporate the highest quality art in Scottsdale’s public places to enhance the city’s cultural and artistic identity and presence. Public art in Scottsdale is meant to combine a spirited perspective of traditional and new iconographies as well as celebrate and invigorate the vitality of public life.
Scottsdale Public Art advocates, promotes, and enables the integration of the work and ideas of artists into many facets of planning, design, and building in the community. Public art effectively invites community participation at all phases, from artist selection to dedication.
Scottsdale Public Art is managed by Scottsdale Arts, a private, nonprofit management organization that administers the arts and cultural affairs of the city of Scottsdale, Arizona, and manages Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA), and Scottsdale Arts Learning & Innovation.
Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale is the major resort center of the Phoenix metropolitan area. Although not all local major resorts are located in the city, Scottsdale contains the core of specialty shopping, art galleries, recreational facilities, and many of the cultural and sporting events that attract and sustain the local tourism industry. Because of the lack of services in most areas adjacent to the city, Scottsdale’s retail centers, parks, employment centers, and libraries are heavily used by residents outside of the city. The high quality of the visual environment and character areas in the city is an important component of maintaining the tourism industry and civic framework.
Timeline
Subject to change, depending on a variety of factors:
- Monday, July 11, 2022 — Deadline for response to RFQ at 11:59 p.m. MST (AZ)
- July – August 2022 — Finalist notifications, interviews
- September 2022 — Artist selection and contract development
- October-December 2022 — Design and approval
- January – March 2023 — Fabrication, site prep, and installation
- April 2023 — Project complete
Eligibility
All artists residing in and working in the state of: Arizona, California, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, and New Mexico; United States, are eligible to apply. Scottsdale Public Art supports diversity and inclusion in all public art calls.
Application Delivery
Applications are being accepted via the Submittable.com website.
Specific proposals are not requested at this stage in the process.
All materials submitted become the property of Scottsdale Public Art.
Submission Requirements:
- Digital Images: Five digital images of previously completed artwork.
- Resume or CV: Current professional resume or curriculum vitae (CV), including artist address, email, and phone number. Teams must submit one resume/CV per team member.
- References: Two professional references.
- Statement(s) of Intent: Address how the applicant’s previous experience and current artistic direction will result in a successful public art project.
For Further Information
All questions regarding this request for qualifications are to be directed to Victoria Sajadi, public art coordinator for Scottsdale Public Art, at [email protected]. Please include artist name and contact information in all correspondence.