Request for Qualifications (RFQ) — Scottsdale Public Art 

Entry deadline: Monday, Sept. 25, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. MST (AZ)

Total Project Budget: $8,750 

Project Information 

Scottsdale Public Art is accepting qualifications from artists for two temporary public art opportunities located in Scottsdale, Arizona. Both opportunities are for a new 3D sculptural installation on an outdoor concrete plinth. The first plinth is located on the northeast corner of Scottsdale Road and Oak Street. The second plinth is located on the northeast corner of Scottsdale Road and Roosevelt Street. The size of the concrete mounting surface on the plinths is 40” x 40”. The theming of the artwork is open. Each project has a separate budget of $8,750.  

Up to two artists/artist teams will be selected. Each selected artist will design, fabricate, and install a new temporary art installation at their designated site. The artworks will be on display for one year, with the artworks returning to the artists after the display period.  

Artists living and working in Maricopa County in the state of Arizona, United States, who have less than two years of experience designing, fabricating, and installing projects with a similar budget and scope, are encouraged to apply.  

Applications are due by Monday, Sept. 25, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. MST (AZ)

Selection Process 

An artist selection panel will be convened to evaluate all submissions and select artists. Two artists and two alternates will be selected for the projects.  

We seek to provide opportunity, experience, and education to emerging and established artists who want to enter the field of public art. These opportunities are well suited for artists with no public art experience or for those who have less than two years of public art experience.  

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 a department of the nonprofit Scottsdale Arts. Through its dynamic partnership with the city of Scottsdale, Scottsdale Arts creates diverse, inspired arts experiences and outreach opportunities for the community while fostering active engagement with the arts among individuals, businesses, educational institutions and government agencies. Since its founding in 1987, Scottsdale Arts has grown into a regionally and nationally significant, multidisciplinary arts organization, offering an exceptional variety of programs for both residents and visitors through Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA), Scottsdale Public Art, Scottsdale Arts Learning & Innovation, Canal Convergence and Civic Center Live!  

Scottsdale, Arizona 

Scottsdale is the major resort center of the Phoenix metropolitan area. Although not all the major local 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, Sept. 25, 2023 — Deadline for response to RFQ at 11:59 p.m. MST (AZ)
• October 2023 — Panel Selection  
• November 2023 — Contracts signed 
• November 2023–March 2024 — Design approval and fabrication  
• April 2024 – Installation  
• April 2025 — Deinstall and project complete  

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: Up to 6 digital images of previously completed artwork with project details.  
• 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 combined into one document.  
• References: Two professional references for you. 
• Statement(s) of Intent: Introduce yourself as an artist to the selection panel. Describe why you are interested in this opportunity and explain any relevant past experience.  

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/artist team name and contact information in all correspondence. 

Visit Submittable to apply.