The Artery: Barboro Alley
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The Project
The Artery: Barboro Alley is a project to reclaim an underused pathway as a corridor for experience and inspiration in Downtown Memphis. Downtown Memphis Commission is commissioning seven to ten pieces of public art for semi-permanent display in Barboro Alley between Second Street and Front Street. Selected artists and designers will design, fabricate, and install artwork for display beginning November 17, 2016. This effort is designed to generate high-quality public art that will add visual interest and vibrancy to a public alley, encompassing building walls, streets, sidewalks, and overhead space without impeding vehicular traffic. The Selection Committee will be intentional on curating a diverse collection that will include varying types of medium at varying installation costs. Eligible medium include, but are not limited to, sculpture, artistic lighting, murals, video projections, interactive and kinetic pieces. Funding allotment for installations will range from high-end lighting, interactive and technology pieces to simple yet imaginative murals. Proposed artwork should be suitable for outdoor display and have a life expectancy of at least 3 years. Existing artwork is eligible for consideration. Selection Process Deadline for project submissions is September 30, 2016 at 4 pm. No late submissions will be considered. Artists are required to submit a proposal based on guidelines outlined in the Submission Application. Selected pieces will be determined by a selection committee, which will review and evaluate proposal submissions. The selection committee’s evaluation criteria is posted below. Evaluation Criteria A Selection Committee will evaluate each submission and select the artists invited to participate in The Artery: Barboro Alley. The Committee will make their selections using the following project goals to evaluate each submission: 1. The artwork is visually interesting, memorable, and helps establish Barboro Alley as a destination location. 2. The artwork is complimentary to its context and site. 3. The artwork is highly visible to the general public and helps improve the pedestrian experience in the alley. 5. The artwork is unique, original, and does not infringe upon any copyright or the rights of any person or entity. 6. The artwork is thematically appropriate for public display. 7. The artwork is durable and will require essentially no maintenance during the display period. 8. The artwork is high-quality and demonstrates proficiency in design and composition. 9. The artwork will be safe and not endanger adjacent buildings or property, pedestrians, or automobile traffic. 10. The artwork will not damage the building or site where it is located during installation, display, or de-installation. 11. The selected artist has examples of previous work that demonstrates excellence in design. 12. The selected artist has relevant experience with public art projects of similar scope. Additionally, the committee will curate a collection to include varying medium, scale, and costs. Funding for projects may range from $20,000 to $500, depending on project scope. Installation Ownership and Maintenance The DMC reserves the right to retain ownership of the artwork at the end of the display period and/or to keep the artwork on public display for a longer period of time. If the DMC elects not to retain ownership, the artist is responsible for removing the artwork at the end of the display period. Artists are responsible for maintenance of their installations during the project time frame. Timeline Selected artists will be expected to design, fabricate, and install their works by November 17, 2016. Please consider this aggressive schedule before submitting your materials and make sure you adapt proposals accordingly. Request for Proposals Issued: Thursday, August 25 Click for application Alley Exploration Party: Thursday, September 1 Walk, talk and collaborate with artists and designers about potential art installations for the alley. Downtown Memphis Commission staff will be on hand to address feasibility and location questions. Free beer and snacks provided. Click for details Submissions Due: Friday, September 30 by 4 pm Artists and designers must submit their application and proposed installation to Downtown Memphis Commission no later than 4 pm on Friday, September 23. Artists and designers may submit more than one proposal, if desired. Selection Announcement: Friday, October 7 Selected installations as chosen by a Selection Committee will be announced on Friday, September 30. Art Installation Date: November 17, 2016 by 5 pm Installations may begin as soon as selected pieces are announced. All pieces must be in installed completely by November 17, 2016 at 5 pm. The Artery Launch Party: November 18, 2016 Projects will be officially unveiled at a launch party in the alley on Friday, October 28 from 6 - 9 pm. Installation Sites Artists are required to indicate a preferred installation site and an alternate site in Barboro Alley between Second Street and Front Street. Please provide photos of your two preferred sites with an overlay of the proposed concept (noted in the application section). Property owner approval may be required of the concepts and it is not guaranteed that permission will be granted for your preferred location. Funding Selected participants will be awarded funding for material costs upon the execution of an artist contract (within one week of approval notice.) Remaining artist fees will be distributed within one week after installation and approval by DMC staff. Location Barboro Alley is located between Union Avenue and Gayoso Avenue. This project will be confined to the sections of the alley located between Front Street and Second Street. |
IMAGES OF BARBORO ALLEY BETWEEN FRONT AND SECOND STREET:
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