Call for Artists in East Liberty and Pittsburgh

Do you know any artists in the Pittsburgh area?  There has been a calling for an art commission for a project in East Liberty.  This project is to be included in a new living and retail space being built in East Liberty.  There is an information session on May 29th at 6pm.  You can find out more information below and at Pittsburgh Arts.


Pittsburgh, PA + East Liberty Place South RFQ
Request for Qualifications
Budget: $31,750
Deadline: July 1, 2013
Info Session for Applicants: May 29, 2013 at 6pm. Click here to register and for more info.
Information: Download RFQ

The Community Builders, Inc. is working with the Office of Public Art to enhance their new housing and retail project, East Liberty Place South, by integrating works of art into the project. They wish to commission an artist or artist team to enhance the experience of the building for residents, neighbors, and visitors. The commission budget is $31,750.

A. Project Overview and Goals

The Community Builders, Inc. is a national non-profit whose mission is to build and sustain strong communities where people of all incomes can achieve their full potential. They have recently completed construction on a mixed use residential/commercial building, East Liberty Place North, at 5819 Penn Avenue. They have begun planning a new housing and retail project, East Liberty Place South, will be located across the street from the recently completed East Liberty Place North location.

We are seeking an artist to integrate artwork into some of the architectural elements designed for the building. There have been many sites identified as opportunities for artists. These include but are not limited to:
Metal grates on the east façade of the building.
Four-story window at the east façade building entry.
Metal grates on the north façade of the building located in the parking area.

The main goal of the collaboration between the artist, Community Builders, Inc., and Strada, LLC is to create a gateway to the neighborhood and create a welcoming and interesting streetscape and building façade. The project will enhance the experience for pedestrians, drivers, residents, workers, and visitors.

The goal is for the artwork to be in place when construction in complete in July 2014.

To learn more about The Community Builders, Inc., visit: http://www.tcbinc.org/. To learn more about Strada, LLC, visit: http://www.stradallc.com/

B. Budget and Contract

The artist will receive a design and project management, fabrication, and implementation fee of $31,750. This total budget includes but is not limited to all design fees; project management; attending meetings; travel; models or renderings of the project; fabrication; installation; and insurance. The artist will enter into a contract with The Community Builders, Inc.

C. Selection Process

The Office of Public Art is facilitating the artist selection process for this project. Qualifications submitted through this RFQ will be reviewed by and artist selection committee and invite a limited number of artists for an interview and site visit.

During the interview, artists will discuss their past work, their ability to work on the project, and their interest in this particular project. The artists who are asked to interview for the project will not be asked to develop a model or proposal at this time. Artists who are being interviewed for the commission will have travel expenses reimbursed up to $200.

It is the intention of the project for one artist or artist team to be selected to receive the commission. Should the selection committee determine that none of the artists presented are the right match for the commission, The Community Builders, Inc. may choose to select an artist via an invitational process.

D. Project Timeline

This timeline is subject to change.

May 2013: Circulation of Artist RFQ

May 29, 2013: Artist Information Meeting (Optional)

July 1, 2013: Postmark Deadline for RFQ Submissions

July 2013: Review of Qualifications by Selection Committee

August 2013: Artist Interviews and Finalist Selected

September 2013: Contract Completed

November 2013: Artist Concept Presented

December 2013: Artist Concept Approved

July 2014: Project Completion