call to artists - Public Art

call to artists
request for qualifications
Call to Artists - Rogers Place Arena
Northwest Plaza Sculpture Public Art Project
The Rogers Place Arena Northwest Plaza Sculpture public art competition, open to
professional international artists, and is held in accordance with the City of Edmonton
policy “Percent for Art to Provide and Encourage Art in Public Areas” (C458C).
Budget: Deadline for Submissions: Installation: $500,000.00 CAD (maximum, all inclusive)
4:30 pm on Wednesday, January 14, 2015
August 2016
The EAC and the City of Edmonton invite artists to address any questions by e-mail to:
[email protected] by Friday, December 5, 2014, 5:00 pm
All questions will be answered and posted by Friday, December 12, 2014 online at:
http://publicart.edmontonarts.ca/calls/
To view larger files of the images provided in this call, please email, [email protected]
We thank all artists for their interest and submissions to this call.
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call to artists
Rogers Place Arena Northwest Plaza Sculpture
About Edmonton
Located on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River, Edmonton, Alberta is known as “Festival City” and “Gateway to the North.”
With more than one million people living in the Greater Edmonton region, the city is the largest, northernmost municipality
in North America. Geographically, Edmonton is situated at the boundary between prairie and boreal forest. The river valley
constitutes the longest stretch of connected urban parkland in North America.
Edmonton is home to Canada’s second-largest urban Aboriginal community. The City of Edmonton lies in the heart of Treaty
Six territory and honours the traditions and spirit of the area. For centuries this area has been a place of gathering, relationship
building, harmony, balance, and commerce for many peoples. It was in this place that early relationships led to the creation of
Treaty Six, the Province of Alberta, and the City of Edmonton.
This deep history, and the subsequent migration of many new Canadians to the area, imbues Edmonton with a rich cultural
and ethnic heritage. This diversity contributes to a dynamic urban landscape alive with arts and culture, business, research
and development, and industry. Indicators for the next twelve years point to steady economic and population growth. As
Edmonton’s economy flourishes, so does the spirit of revitalization. Edmonton is undergoing an unprecedented amount
of infrastructure growth with major transit systems, roadways, streetscapes, and there has been significant development in
neighbourhoods.
Aspects of these, and other municipal projects, including public transportation, provide public art opportunities through the
City’s “Percent for Art to Provide and Encourage Art in Public Areas” policy.
Edmonton’s spirit of optimism is reflected through its ever-evolving Public Art Collection. With more than 200 pieces, the
Collection includes visual art from a variety of disciplines by local, national and international artists.
Rogers Place Arena & the Arena District
Rogers Place Arena, and the surrounding “Arena District,” heralds an unprecedented era in Edmonton’s Downtown revitalization.
In 2010, Edmonton City Council approved the Capital City Downtown Plan.
The plan envisions a sustainable, vibrant, well-designed, and accessible downtown core. To realize this vision, City Council
approved a number of “catalyst projects” or strategic public investments. These projects, of which Rogers Place Arena is one, will
help focus investment while encouraging private development that enhances downtown Edmonton’s vibrancy and economic
wellbeing. Planners predict that this complex with its close proximity to Edmonton’s Warehouse district, the Civic Precinct, the
new Royal Alberta Museum, and MacEwan University’s new arts campus will be a lynchpin in the new vision of Edmonton’s core
– urban, vibrant, and connected.
Arena Facility Background
Rogers Place Arena, with its distinctive “oil drop” shape and unique architecture, is anticipated to become a classic Edmonton
landmark. The shape evokes the rich natural resources abundant throughout the province, and the source of Edmonton’s
prosperity.
The NHL caliber arena, and its associated amenities, including a Winter Garden and community rink, is expected to attract
increased pedestrian traffic as Edmontonians and visitors flock to the many events scheduled throughout the year. Home to the
Edmonton Oilers (NHL) and Edmonton Oil Kings (WHA) hockey teams, the facility will attract hundreds of thousands of sports
fans annually. The facility, and its surroundings, will feature prominently in telecasts of NHL games and other major sporting
events. The arena will also play host to myriad concerts and other large-scale entertainment events. The Community Rink will
host the Oilers hockey practice as well as other family and neighbourhood oriented events.
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The adjacent development will include residential towers, retail and office space, hotels, restaurants and other facilities along
with the arena building. In addition, the associated development also includes public spaces that will accommodate a range
of activities including sports, entertainment, cultural and community activities. These facilities will be within walking distance of
Edmonton’s downtown “Arts District”, as well as business, shopping, and dining destinations.
The overall development will adhere to the following principles:
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The creation of safe and inviting places that recognize visual linkages to adjacent properties and neighborhoods;
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Utilization of crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) techniques;
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An integrated approach to urban design;
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Design excellence in architecture
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Integration with future projects such as the LRT, linked to the arena building to the north.
Arena District Context
Rogers Place Arena and the “Arena District” will link Edmonton’s past and future. Situated at the intersection of 104 Avenue and
101 Street, the development is in the heart of Edmonton’s Warehouse District – the city’s original mercantile centre.
The district is composed of heritage commercial buildings constructed during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Development was spurred by the arrival of a branch of the railway along 104 avenue. Known as the “station lands” the area
contained an extensive rail yard, warehouses near the line, and a succession of passenger stations. The area, up until the 1960s
was a thriving hub of trade, travel, and industry. The construction of the Canadian National Tower, Edmonton’s first skyscraper, in
1964 marked the apex of development for the area.
Due to their utilitarian purpose, these structures survived the purge of many historic buildings in downtown Edmonton during
the 1960s and & 70s. After languishing in neglect for several decades, the area underwent a transition as the warehouses were
converted into loft-style apartments.
The 104 Street Promenade is the spine of the Warehouse District. Hip and urban, the Promenade is home to many new
condo and loft developments as well as locally owned businesses and restaurants. The streetscape is undergoing significant
redevelopment as an urban corridor with video kiosks, new sidewalks, lighting and trees to animate the area. During the
summer the area bustles with thousands of shoppers at the historic City Centre Farmers’ Market. The outdoor Edmonton Neon
Sign Museum adorns the side of the old Edmonton Telephones exchange on the corner of 104 street and 104 avenue, directly
across the street from Rogers Place Arena.
MacEwan University flanks Rogers Place Arena to the west. It is Alberta’s sixth university and features distinctive architecture. Its
concrete towers are familiar Edmonton landmarks. A new Centre for the Arts and Communications is anticipated to open in
2017.
The new Royal Alberta Museum, scheduled to open in December 2017, will sit east of the arena. Sited on the old Canada Post
Office lands, the museum will house permanent collections, an interactive children’s pavilion, and a feature gallery showcasing
international exhibitions. Edmonton’s City Hall as well as its flagship cultural facilities – the Art Gallery of Alberta, Francis
Winspear Centre for Music, Citadel Theatre, and Milner Library are all within walking distance. These facilities cluster around Sir
Winston Churchill Square the site of important civic events and dynamic festivals.
An exciting new milestone for Edmonton’s Downtown, Rogers Place Arena, and the Arena District will trigger a true renaissance
of this historic, vibrant, and truly unique confluence of the past and future in Alberta’s capital city.
For more information please visit:
City of Edmonton
http://www.edmonton.ca/for_residents/neighbourhoods/know-your-neighbourhood.aspx#
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call to artists
http://www.edmonton.ca/attractions_events/sir-winston-churchill-square.aspx
Edmonton Archives
https://archivesphotos.edmonton.ca/Presto/home/Default.aspx
http://edmonton.ca/city_government/edmonton_archives/edmontons-hidden-communities.aspx
MacEwan University
http://www.macewan.ca/wcm/DiscoverMacEwan/OurRoots/index.htm
Royal Alberta Museum
http://www.royalalbertamuseum.ca/index.cfm
Rogers Place Arena
http://www.rogersplace.com
http://www.rogersplace.com/watch-edmonton-arena-district-fly-through-video/
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/Katz+unveils+details+Edmonton+Arena+District+mega+project/10158057/story.html
Rogers Place Arena Northwest Plaza Sculpture Public Art Project
The Edmonton Arts Council Public Art Program on behalf of the City of Edmonton is seeking an artist or artist team to create
a monumental sculpture in the northwest corner of the Rogers Place Arena along 104 Street. This opportunity is open to all
professional international artists. There are two potential artwork sites located north of Edmontonton’s historic Warehouse
District and the Heritage Neon Sign Museum; location A is sited within the landscaping at the corner, location B is sited in the
concrete plaza These locations form part of the green ribbon trail system linking pedestrians, cyclists and public transit users
along the east-west corridor from the Coliseum at 112 Ave and Stadium Road, to 124 street business and shopping district.
These exterior art locations provide a significant and highly visible public art installation opportunity for artists.
The artist or artist team must demonstrate in their letter of intent how they will approach the project within the parameters and
locations described in this call.
Public Art Locations
Location One - Landscaped Area
The landscaped area located in the northwesternmost corner of the Rogers Place Arena extends the green ribbon trail system
through the arena’s grounds. The planting area’s dimensions are approximately 29.2 meters long and 7.2 meters wide on the
west edge, and 3.3 meters wide on the east edge. The four trees in the planting area must remain, but can be rearranged to suit
the artworks needs. Artwork must be greater than 4 meters offset from the centre of the LRT rail.
Artwork in this location must be bright, bold, and iconic. The artwork can be, but is not limited to, monolithic sculpture, kinetic,
light, or installation art. The artwork must be read from 104 Street as well as the MacEwan LRT Station platform on the north side
of the green ribbon trail.
Location Two - Concrete Plaza
The concrete plaza is located in the northwesternmost corner of the Rogers Place Arena. Stairs, a wheelchair accesibility ramp,
and a small retaining wall, are located within the plaza. Please see drawing on page 18 for dimensions.
Artwork in this location must be bright, bold, and iconic as it will signal the entrance to the northwest area of the arena. The
artwork can be, but is not limited to, monumental sculpture, sculptural series, kinetic, light, and sculptural installation. Due to the
openess of the area, artwork can play with scale, ranging from human scale to monolithic. Artwork must not disrupt pedestrian
movement through the plaza, but can help focus and direct movement.
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In their letter of intent, the artist must indicate which location they intend to use and how they anticipate using the space.
call to artists
Artwork Design Parameters
The artwork must adhere to the following design parameters:
• Does not cause opportunity for access to restricted areas (i.e. do not build in such a manner as to
allow climbing to areas not normally accessible to the public);
• Does not pose a risk of injury to the public (example: sharp points, slip hazards, etc.);
• Meets fire codes with respect to flammability, as applicable.;
• Be vandal resistant;
• Does not interfere with the operation and serviceability of the area;
• Meets Alberta Building Code standards, if applicable.
• Must be designed to be accessible for maintenance.
• Must be constructed of durable, permanent materials.
Safer Cities Initiatives Applicable to Artwork on Public Road Rights of Way
City Council approved the Design Guide for Safer Cities in 1995. This guide incorporated the concepts of Crime Prevention
Through Environmental Design (CPTED) and calls for enhancing safety and security through planning and design factors.
Two of the important principles are: Awareness of the surrounding environment, and Visibility by others. The concept of
providing artwork on public road rights-of-way to screen unsightly properties and/or generally enhance the aesthetics of a
street allows for large pieces of art to be installed. While potentially large objects can be attractive, the concept of CPTED must
be realized since the proposed artwork will be immediately adjacent to sidewalks and private lands used by pedestrians. The
impact of the artwork on the safety and security of pedestrians must be minimized as much as possible and should reflect the
following:
Unobstructed sightlines, adequate lighting, and the avoidance of confined and hidden spaces
Pedestrians must be able to see around, through, under or over the artwork to see if danger exists. If this cannot be done,
lighting should be supplied to light potential hiding or entrapment areas. The artwork should not employ spaces where a
person could hide or confine another person. Spaces within the artwork could allow for natural surveillance.
Visibility by others
The ability to be seen by others increases a sense of safety. Lighting and/or the design of the artwork should allow for visibility
by passing motorists or other pedestrians. Inset spaces should be lit. If street lighting does not exist, or the artwork’s design
interferes with the light from the streetlights, lighting should be provided so that a face can be identified with normal vision at
a distance of 15 meters. The use of more light fixtures with lower wattage should be used instead of fewer fixtures with high
wattage to help reduce deep shadows. Light fixtures should be protected from casual vandalism.
Artwork Permanence
All artwork proposals will receive a preliminary conservation review for permanence of materials and construction methods in
order to proactively address maintenance and conservation concerns. The EAC Public Art Conservation program supports the
artistic process while ensuring that all commissioned artworks are high quality, durable, and maintainable.
Because the Edmonton Public Art Collection is located in the public realm, it is important that durable materials are used. Artwork proposals should take into consideration the location in which they will be sited. This can include (but is not limited
to) repeated weather changes and climactic cycles, sunlight exposure, physical environment risks, and countless audience
interactions.
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For additional resources, please go to http://publicart.edmontonarts.ca/public_art_-_about_public_art/public_art_guide_for_artists/ and http://
publicart.edmontonarts.ca/public_art_programs_-_conservation/
project images
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Rogers Place Arena Looking East
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Rogers Place Arena Looking East Along 104 Avenue
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Rogers Place Arena Looking South
project images
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MacEwan LRT Station and Arena beyond. This image illustrates the elevation change from
north - south to the Arena proper
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View looking southeast at the northwest corner of the Rogers Place Arena
Red Dotted Line Indicates Locations One And Two
project images
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Red Boxes Indicate Artwork Locations
project images
Location One - Tree Location Options
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Northwest Plaza Artwork Locations
project images
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Location One And Two Dimensions
project images
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Location One - Dimensions
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Location Two - Dimensions
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call to artists
Application Process
Selection Process:
The commissioned artwork will be chosen through a two-stage Artwork Selection process:
• The first stage will short-list applicants based on qualifications and past work.
• The second stage of the competition will select an artwork based on a full project proposal with a maquette. A Selection Committee will shortlist up to three Artist/Teams for an maquette fee of $3,500.00 each. Shortlisted Artist/
Teams will be expected to travel to Edmonton to visit the site, meet the design team, and learn about the City of Edmonton and it’s community at large.
Selection Committee members will include representation as follows: City of Edmonton, project architect team, artist and
community representatives. The Selection Committee is under no obligation to choose any finalists. All decisions of the
Selection Committee are final. The City of Edmonton and the Edmonton Arts Council reserve the rights to revoke the public art
call and/ or public art project.
Communication with the Selection Committee:
The Edmonton Arts Council will be responsible for all communication, either verbally or in writing, between artists making
submissions and members of the Selection Committee. Any communication between applicants and Selection Committee
members regarding submissions or the competition may result in disqualification.
Competition Entry Requirements:
Please send all materials as separate files on a CD and as hardcopies on 8.5 x 11 letter size paper.
Please do not bind, staple applications, or use plastic cover sheets. Each section should be on a separate sheet, one sided. Applications
will not be accepted by fax or email. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Artists must submit the following in order to
qualify for consideration in the competition:
r 1. SUBMISSION FORM r 2. LETTER OF INTENT Written letter outlining why you are interested in this project, how it relates to
your art practice and how you would approach this project as an artist. (One
page maximum).
Total of one page maximum
r 3. ARTIST STATEMENT & BIO
r 4. REFERENCES
Four, with a minimum of two from either public art commissioning agents, or
clients or consultants. Please provide references’ current contact information.
r 5. CURRICULUM VITAE: Detailing professional experience as an artist, prior public art experience, and /
other relevant information; max 3 pages:
r 6. VISUAL DOCUMENTATION Of previous public artworks or artworks which best illustrate a body of artwork
related to the project. Include a maximum of 10 images (jpeg files only please
we will not accept pdf, tiff, or PowerPoint formats; minimum 150 dpi 6” x 9”
images) on CD-ROM or DVD-ROM; Number each JPEG to correspond with the
Visual Documentation List.
r 7. DOCUMENTATION LIST: All support materials and visual documentation must correspond to the images
provided and be clearly listed on a separate sheet and include details of title, date,
locations, commissioning agent or client, budget, medium, size and include a
brief description of the work.
Must be enclosed if the artist does not want their application retained as part
of the Edmonton Public Art database.
r 8. RETURN POSTAGE
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Complete and signed with contact information;
call to artists
Criteria for Shortlist:
Artists who meet the following criteria may be considered for shortlist:
A significant practice or body of artwork;
Demonstrated experience in completing large budget high profile public art projects;
Demonstrated experience in working in collaboration with design team;
Overall quality of past work
Deadline for Submissions:
Complete submissions must be received in office no later than 4:30 pm on Wednesday, January 14, 2014
Please note that applications will not be accepted by fax or email.
Submissions must be delivered to:
Rogers Place Arena Northwest Plaza Sculpture c/o Edmonton Arts Council
10440-108 Avenue Edmonton, Alberta Canada T5H 3Z9
Return of Submissions:
Following completion of the competition, applications will be kept on file and the artist’s name added to the Edmonton Public
Art database. If the artist does not want to have their application added to the database and indicates so on the entry form,
application support materials will be returned when accompanied by return postage.
Loss or Damage: While every precaution will be taken to prevent loss or damage, the Selection Committee, the Edmonton Arts
Council and their agents shall not be liable for any loss or damage, however caused.
Commission: The total commission for the artwork is $500,000.00 CAD (including GST) and must cover all costs associated with
the design, fabrication, and installation for relevant site locations of the artwork including but not limited to artist fees, materials,
insurance, etc.
Original Work: The artist must guarantee that the artwork is original and does not violate the copyright of any other person.
Contract: The artist(s) will enter into a contract with the Edmonton Arts Council and City of Edmonton.
Copyright: The artist(s) must be prepared to assign ownership and Exhibition/Image License Rights of the artwork to the City of
Edmonton. Reproduction rights may be negotiated. The artist may retain the right to be identified as the creator of the artwork
as well as copyright of the artwork. The City of Edmonton will not alter the artwork for purposes of maintenance, conservation,
etc. without prior consultation with the artist. The City of Edmonton reserves the right to move or de-accession the artwork if
necessary and will make every effort to notify the artist.
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submission form
Rogers Place Arena Northwest Plaza Sculpture Public Art Project
Name:
Address:
City/Province: Postal Code/Country:
Phone (home): Phone (work):
Email Address: Website (if applicable):
Please retain my application as part of the Edmonton Public Art artist database at the Edmonton Arts Council.
(Check one.) r YES r NO
How did you hear about this Call to Artists?
r EAC Monthly r Art Rubicon r Akimbo
Other: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________
I , _________________________________ (PRINT NAME) hereby make a Submission for this Public Art Project and am in
agreement with the Terms of Competition as outlined in the Information Package.
Applicant SignatureDate
Enclosures
Please ensure that your submission follows the requirements stipulated on page 20. Failure to comply may result in your application
being rejected.
Check List – Include all of the following:
r 1. SUBMISSION FORM
r 2. LETTER OF INTENT
r 3. ARTIST STATEMENT & BIOGRAPHY
r4.REFERENCES
Deliver To:
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r 5. CURRICULUM VITAE
r 6. VISUAL DOCUMENTATION (CD-ROM or DVD-ROM)
r 7. DOCUMENTATION LIST
r 8. RETURN POSTAGE (Only if application not retained for database)
Rogers Place Arena Northwest Plaza Sculpture Public Art Project c/o Edmonton Arts Council 10440-108 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5H 3Z9
Deadline: Received in office no later than 4:30 pm Wednesday, January 14, 2014
The information on this application is being collected under the authority of Section 33(c) of the FOIP Act and will be
used by the Edmonton Arts Council to determine eligibility for Edmonton Arts Council Public Art programs. The aggregate data may be used for program planning and evaluation. All information collected by the Edmonton Arts Council
is protected by the provisions of the FOIP Act. You may direct questions about the collection, use or disclosure of your
personal information by this program to the Edmonton Arts Council at (780) 424-2787.