REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

A. Summary

"InspiredLR" is a public art initiative developed by the Public Spaces subcommittee of the Downtown Little Rock Partnership (“DLRP”). Our goal is to encourage artistic expression and foster a greater appreciation for art in our community.  Arkansas artists are invited to submit concepts or proposals for a site-specific art installation on the east wall of the Union National Plaza in Little Rock, Arkansas, as a focal point of Downtown Little Rock.  As part of our public art strategy, DLRP is dedicated to collaborating with Arkansas artists to present public art that enhances our City's imaginative capacity, enlivens our neighborhoods, contributes to economic vitality, sparks civic exchange, and enhances community connection. All artists residing in the State of Arkansas who have prior public art mural experience are eligible to apply. Work must be durable and suitable for outdoors with the ability to withstand the elements of our Arkansas climate as well as interaction with the general public. The artist will be selected by our committee on April 30, 2019, and the installation must be completed by June 30, 2019.

B. Downtown Little Rock Partnership

DLRP is a nonprofit organization which serves a membership of more than 220 businesses in Little Rock who are focused on a prospering downtown. Our mission is to accelerate the success of Downtown Little Rock, through leadership, partnership and initiative, sustaining and growing our vibrant urban core. 

C.  InspiredLR

InspiredLR is a project of the Public Spaces subcommittee of DLRP that is working to bring public art installations of various mediums into the DLRP area. The location identified is an important focal point of our City and the art installation should function as a catalyst to encourage exploration of our Downtown area, urging visitors to discover the entirety of the City through interesting seamless walking experience.

D.  Eligibility

All artists currently residing in Arkansas for at least the past 12 months or who has lived in Arkansas for at least 3 years within the last 10 years who also have experience in creating a public mural that covered a surface area of at least 10’ x 20’ are eligible to apply.

E.  Artwork Specifications

Work must be creative, durable and suitable for public outdoor display with the ability to withstand the elements of an Arkansas climate as well as interaction with pedestrians and the general public. The wall will be primed with white flat paint prior to installation of the artwork. Anti-graffiti paint will also be applied after the installation.

F.  Budget

The project budget is $30,000, and is inclusive of all costs, including transportation to and from site, installation, and artist fees. Submissions will be open beginning March 25, 2019, and close April 30, 2019.  Artists must submit a full line itemized budget that is inclusive of all expenses related to the artwork including transportation, design, materials, installation fees and permits. Any expenses that exceed the contracted amount will be the artist's responsibility. The selected artists will enter into a contract with DLRP, abiding by all rules and regulations set forth.

G.  Timeline

March 25, 2019 - Announcement of RFP

April 30, 2019 - Deadline for applications and close of RFP

April 30, 2019 - May 15, 2019 - Review of proposals and selection of artist

June 1, 2019 - Installation of mural begins, to be completed by June 30, 2019

H.  Submission Process

Artists will be required to submit the following:

• Contact information
• Artist Statement and Artwork Concept
• Proposed installation plan
• Resume, including the prior experience with a public mural covering a surface area of at least 10’ x 20’
• Line Itemized Budget
• References
• Optional additional support material (news clippings, other relevant information on past projects)

PLEASE SUBMIT RESPONSES TO gholmstrom@downtownlr.com

I.  Selection Process

A selection panel comprised of representatives of DLRP and the Arkansas Arts Council, and others stakeholders will review proposals.

The panel will use the following criteria in the selection process:

• Submittal of all required application materials as outlined in this RFP;
• Proven ability to execute specified project as exhibited by past work;
• Originality: creativity and uniqueness of proposed artwork concept for this project;
• Appropriateness for placement on this urban site;
• Feasibility; artists proven track record/ ability to complete the work on time and within budget; and

DLRP will review all proposals to ensure that guidelines are met. The artist will work with members of DLRP staff in coordinating the installation of the artwork. PLEASE SUBMIT RESPONSES TO gholmstrom@downtownlr.com

J.  Site and Installation Location

The location of the mural will be the east wall of the Union National Plaza. A map showing the location, diagram with measurements of the wall and photo of the site are below. InspiredLR is open to artist's proposals that will enhance and draw the public into the area in which the work will be painted.