DUE 2/15! Call for Sculptors from City of Lansing

From Leslie Donaldson, Executive Director at the Art Council of Greater Lansing:

This is a Request for Proposal to artists who may wish to propose design of an outdoor sculpture to commemorate the Sesquicentennial of the City of Lansing, Michigan.

The proposals will be reviewed by the Lansing 150 Sculpture Committee which will make its selection based on the experience of the artist in creating sculptures of the scale and materials specified below, the critical acclaim of the artist, desirability of design, likely public response, appropriateness as a signature sculpture conveying the importance and significance of the 150th anniversary of the City of Lansing, cost, materials used and information about fabrication quality, method of attachment to the base, likely maintenance required, safety and engineering considerations, timetable required between time of approval and installation, among other factors.

The sculpture is to be a free-form design, fabricated of polished stainless steel and a height of 18 to 20 feet. Additionally an appropriate plinth (or base) should also be proposed on which the sculpture could be placed for the purpose of providing greater total height and to lessen the exposure to potential direct contact and vandalism. The exact height of the finished sculpture and base will be a function of funds raised for the project. It is possible that the sculpture height could be greater if sufficient funds are raised.

The proposal should include the total cost to the Sculpture Committee of the sculpture including artist's fee, all materials and fabrication. The estimated cost of the plinth based on specified materials and design and height options should also be provided. Estimated cost for delivery and installation should be provided. The proposal should include site requirements relative to load-bearing footings or other such concrete work and lighting recommendations.

Artists should provide biographical information including a listing with photos and locations of completed large scale polished stainless steel sculptures.

The sculpture is intended to be erected in a park-like area on the riverfront in downtown Lansing, Michigan, the exact location is to be determined. The photo shown here http://www.flickr.com/photos/36299945@N00/2141223513/ provides a view of the general area where the sculpture will likely be installed. To the east is the Grand River and across from the River is a convention center. To the south is the Michigan Avenue bridge and a tall clock tower. Across from the Wentworth Park to the west is a Radisson Hotel. To the north is the Ottawa Street Power Station which is being converted into the headquarters of the Accident Fund Insurance Company of America. The State Capitol building is two blocks further west.

To be considered for the project, a proposal should be provided which visually presents the suggested design(s) in whichever medium the artist believes would allow the Committee to best evaluate, assess, and judge its merits relative to proposals that will be received from other artists. The proposal could be presented as a drawing, maquette, digital or photo mock-up, or similar format that fully conveys the design intent of the sculpture.

Proposals should be received by Monday, February 15, 2010 and the Committee will review the proposals and provide a response by March 15, 2010, although the dates are subject to change.

Once an artist and proposal are selected, the Committee will present its recommendation to the City of Lansing for acceptance. The project is intended to be funded entirely by private contributions and presented as a gift to the City.

The proposal can be mailed or emailed to:

Michael G Harrison
Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith, P.C.
313 South Washington Square
Lansing, MI 48933-2193
Phone: (517) 371-8162
mharrison@fosterswift.com


Sharla Clements
Legal Secretary
Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC
313 South Washington Square
Lansing, MI 48933-2193
Phone: 517.371.8188
Fax: 517.367.7188
sclements@fosterswift.com
www.fosterswift.com