Open Projects

* CALLS FOR ARTISTS *

Rooted in the Rock

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS | Rooted in the Rock
Release date: Oct. 9, 2024
Scope of Work: The Downtown Little Rock Partnership is seeking artist qualifications for Rooted in the Rock, a mural project to be executed on a series of metal sculptures along Main Street in Little Rock, Arkansas. Ten local artists will each be selected to decorate a 4’x4’ metal flower sculpture provided by DLRP. The original designs should merge nature, art, and storytelling into the fabric of our downtown community. Each flower sculpture will be a testament to the artist’s journey and a platform for them to inspire, support and amplify their connection to art, their individual culture, and our downtown.

Who we are: 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.

Eligibility:
All artists 18 years of age or older are eligible to apply.
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. For flowers that are painted, anti-graffiti sealant will also be applied after the installation.
Budget:
Each artist will receive $1,000 to cover artist fee and materials to decorate the metal flower. Submissions will be open October 9, 2024 and close October 21, 2024. The selected artists will enter into a contract with DLRP, abiding by all rules and regulations set forth.
Timeline:
Oct. 9, 2024 - Announcement of RFQ
Oct. 21, 2024 - Deadline for applications and close of RFQ
Oct. 23, 2024 - Review of Applications and selection of initial artists
November, 2024 – Selected artists will be asked to create a design for their flower. Artists will have 2 weeks to submit their mural designs.
December, 2024 – Flowers will be delivered and artists will decorate them. Finished flowers will be installed in 2025.
Submission Process for the RFQ:

Artists will be required to submit the following:
1. Contact information
2. Artist Statement
3. Proposed medium (paint, mixed media, etc.)
4. Resume, including the prior experience with proposed medium. Please include at least 3 color images of previous work.
5. References
6. Optional additional support material (news clippings, other relevant information on past projects)

PLEASE SUBMIT RESPONSES TO PublicArt@downtownlr.com

Selection Process:
A panel comprised of representatives from the DLRP Public Spaces Committee will use the following criteria in the selection process:
1. Submittal of all required application materials as outlined in this RFQ;
2. Proven ability to execute specified project as exhibited by past work;
3. Originality: creativity and uniqueness of previous works
DLRP will review all proposals to ensure that guidelines are met. The artists will work with members of DLRP staff in coordinating the preparation of the mural designs. After the artist is selected to do the mural, then DLRP will work with the artists in coordinating the installation of the artwork.
PLEASE SUBMIT RESPONSES TO PublicArt@downtownlr.com