The Artery

Request for Proposals

Downtown Memphis Commission is commissioning between 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 through October 27, 2016.  This effort is designed to generate high-quality  public art that will add visual interest and vibrancy to public alleys.

Eligible mediums include, but are not limited to, sculpture, artistic lighting, murals, video projections, interactive and kinetic pieces. Proposed artwork should be suitable for outdoor display and have a life expectancy of at least 3 years.  Artwork cannot block or impede vehicular traffic in the alley.

Existing artwork is eligible for consideration.

Selection Process
Deadline for project submissions is September 16, 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.

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 October 27, 2016. Please consider this aggressive schedule before submitting your materials and make sure you adapt proposals accordingly.

August 25: Request for Proposals Issued
August 31 from 5 - 7 pm: Barboro Alley Exploration Party for interested artists and designers
September 16 by 4 pm: Submissions Due
September 26:  Selection Announcement
October 27:  Installations must be completely installed
October 28:  Alley Party

Evaluation Criteria:
A Selection Committee will evaluate each submission and select the artists invited to participate in The Artery. 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.

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.