The city of Eugene invites artists who live and work in Lane County to throw their hats in the ring for the chance to win a commission to create a piece of temporary public art around the planned Downtown Riverfront Redevelopment site.

The budget for the project is $10,000, which the city may elect bestow on one or more artists or artist groups.

Here’s the wording of the official announcement as provided by the city of Eugene:

 

Temporary Public Artwork: Request for Qualifications

The City of Eugene is issuing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) from artists or artist-teams to create a temporary public work of art along the fence surrounding the Downtown Riverfront Redevelopment site along 4th Avenue, High Street and the fence along the railroad tracks off of 5th Avenue.This commission is open to all professional, emerging, and youth artists, who are located and working within Lane County.

The all-inclusive budget for this work is $10,000 and may be divided to commission multiple artists or groups. Funding for this project is provided by the Riverfront Urban Renewal District of the City of Eugene. For more information on the Downtown Riverfront, visit www.eugene-or.gov/riverfront

Overview

The City of Eugene (CoE) is issuing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) from experienced and emerging artists or artist-teams eligible to contract with CoE to create a temporary, public work of art on the chainlink fencing surrounding the future Downtown Riverfront Redevelopment site. The fence is located on High Street, 4thAvenueand 5thAvenue.Up to 3 artists and/or teams selected as finalists through the RFQ process will be invited to prepare formal proposals.

Deadline

Submissions for the RFQ must be received through Café (www.callforentry.org) by 5PM (PST) on July 25, 2020. Submissions will only be accepted via Café. Submissions received after the deadline will not be considered. Please make note of the time zone and apply accordingly.

Budget

Project budget is not to exceed $10,000 including, but not limited to, all costs associated with research and reports from licensed professionals as necessary, materials, fabrication, transportation, travel, insurance, and installation. This budget may be divided to commission multiple artists or groups. The City of Eugene should also be provided with a comprehensive care and maintenance plan from the Artist.

Eligibility

This commission is open to all professional, emerging, and youth artists, who are located and working within Lane encourage collaborative community art projects and the works can be interactive.

Applicants should have previous experience working with art budgets of at least $5,000 including in-kind labor. Collaboration with educators and other community groups encouraged.Preference will be given to applicants with previous design, installation and collaborative work experience. Submissions will be considered from all artists meeting the aforementioned criteria, regardless of race, religion, national origin, gender identification, military status, sexual orientation, marital status, or physical ability.

Submission Requirements

Artists must submit all materials and information listed below. Note that images and videos should be titled as follows: last name_first initial_image number. All materials shall be submitted via Café (www.callforentry.org) by the stated deadline (see above). Applicants are encouraged to apply early to mitigate any delays due to technical difficulties.

•Statement of Interest: 2,000-character statement of interest offering a brief overview of the artist’s professional philosophy and approach to placemaking.

•Portfolio: Eight (8)images of past projects, especially projects of comparable size and scope. Include the title, medium, dimensions, project budget, year completed, and location in the image notes. Teams must remain within the 8-image limit. Images should represent each team-members’ work. Image specifications: JPEG or JPG, under 5MB with a minimum of 1200 pixels on the longest side. Note that images and videos should be titled as follows: last name_first initial_image number (jpeg/jpg).

•Resume/CV: Please do not exceed two pages. Artists submitting as teams must submit individual resumes.

•References: Provide three professional references with contact information from individuals with whom you have worked or collaborated on site-specific projects. References will be contacted for artists invited to develop site-specific proposals.

•Optional Video: Artists may submit one video, up to 3 minutes in length: WMV, MOV, MP4, under 100MB with a minimum resolution of 640×480; minimum 12fps.

Project Description

The Downtown Riverfront Redevelopment project is a multi-year and multifaceted vision to develop a vibrant new neighborhood on the banks of the Willamette River in Downtown Eugene. The project site will develop incrementally over the next several years, with the first phase to include the Downtown Riverfront Park and initial new streets and sidewalks to access the park. Future phases will include completion of the remainder of the new streets and sidewalks, housing, retail, and additional park space. As a public safety and site security measure, the City has erected several hundred feet of chain link fencing around the future development lots, which is expected to stay in place for at least a couple of years. The City desires to provide visual interest along this fence line using the fence itself as a canvas for temporary public work(s) of art.The ideal is that the artwork will evoke community interest and engagement for the Downtown Riverfront project while showcasing the work of local artists.

Funding for this project is provided by the Riverfront Urban Renewal District of the City of Eugene.

About the Downtown Riverfront Park

The Downtown Riverfront Park design will be fundamentally urban in character, balanced by riverbank and habitat enhancements. Integrated art pieces will in turn help tell the stories about the ecology, industry and community, past and present, creating a park experience that’s truly all about Eugene.The design for the park reflects the idea of a “cultural landscape” in which history, environment, and community are woven into an urban design balanced with habitat restoration along the Willamette River. For centuries our community turned its back on the river out of fear and disregard for the importance of natural resource and function. The Downtown Riverfront Park looks to bring the city to the river and the river back to the city. For more information on the Riverfront Park, visit www.eugene-or.gov/riverfrontpark

Public Art Site Goals

This project offers an exciting opportunity for an artist to create site-specific work that is engaging to the community. Artists chosen as finalists will be asked to produce site-specific concepts that evoke excitement for the Downtown Riverfront, including the Riverfront Park and private development, with a sense of past, present, and/or future of Eugene. The work should represent the artists’ interpretation of“Bringing the River to the City, and the City to the River”. Possible themes include: Community/Culture, River/Ecology, and/or Industry/Energy.

The following should also be considered:

•The use of recyclable/reusable materials with an afterlife (i.e. can be used after the installation is removed).

•The use of durable and safe material so Temporary chain link fencing will be up for several years. Use of non-toxic materials.

•The fence consists of three sections that are approximately 800’ each. Artwork does not have to cover the entire fence or section. However, it should be 4’ to 8’ in height and can be done in single or multiple sections.

This temporary public art project offers professional and economic opportunity for Lane County artists.

Location Details

The site chosen for this project is near an intersection and the train tracks downtown. Although not required as part of the concept, CoE welcomes design features that may assist pedestrians with wayfinding and community engagement. Artists chosen to create site-specific proposals are encouraged to offer artwork design solutions that take full advantage of the fence line of this area. Artwork can be installed in sections along High Street, 4th Avenue, and the fence along the railroad tracks near the intersection of High Street and 5th Avenue. Site Considerations Artwork in this area must be thoughtfully designed to integrate with the fence line and the downtown and riverfront areas. It should also be noted, consideration of blind spots in certain areas of the fence must be determined prior to installation. Concepts must consider maintenance within a public space.

The following should be noted:

•Artwork should not require frequent cleaning, nor should it require costly technological upgrades.

•Artwork should not impede pedestrian or traffic flow.

Evaluation Process and Criteria

Artists’ submissions to the RFQ will be evaluated by the Public Art Selection Committee. After reviewing all submissions, the Art Selection Committee will invite 3 finalists to create site-specific proposals. Initial submissions to the RFQ will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

•Artistry: aesthetic appeal based on submitted project images/video; ability to respond to specific site-considerations; placemaking skills;

•Technique: mastery of materials; site integration; scope and scale of previous projects and settings;

•Materials: Suitability of artists’ preferred materials for site; innovation in use of materials; and

•Artist’s Statement: Philosophic approach to placemaking within a diverse public space.

Notifications

Notifications about the status of the RFQ will be posted through Café by August 10, 2020. Finalists will be notified via telephone and/or email by Art Selection Committee members.

Finalists will be invited to attend an optional site tour where they may view the space, ask questions and gather information for their proposals. Attendance is highly encouraged.

Finalists’ Responsibilities and Requests for Proposals Process

The three finalists chosen to create site-specific proposals will each be issued a formal Request for Proposals containing additional project details and proposal requirements. Finalists will be required to make an in-person presentation of their proposal.

Proposals must include concept, materials, dimensions, estimated weight, installation and hardware requirements, and a detailed budget. Proposals must also include drawings or digital renderings illustrating multiple perspectives of artwork within the space. All proposal materials, including drawings and sample materials, will become property of the CoE.

Finalists will receive a $400 stipend which will be inclusive of all proposal development costs, including travel, drawings, et al. Stipends will be issued at the completion of in-person presentations and are contingent upon artists’ completion of proposal requirements as stated in the Request for Proposals.

Artists will be given 6-8 weeks to prepare proposals.

Awardee’s Responsibilities

The artist(s) or artist-team(s) awarded the project will perform work under a Personal Services Contract through the City of Eugene for the duration of the project (a sample contract will be made available for review to artists at the formal issuance of a Request for Proposals).

The awardee(s) will be responsible for design modification (if necessary), fabrication, engineering, and installation of new artwork on the chain link fence. Sub-contractors enlisted for fabrication or installation are the sole responsibility of the artist(s). Artist(s) will work in coordination with the Art Selection Committee, City of Eugene management,and/or designee to ensure safety and security procedures are maintained throughout the project and pedestrian and traffic remain unimpeded.

•The awardee should support the City of Eugene’s Sustainability and Social Equity objectives during the project’s planning and development.

•Artist must identify plan for the reuse or deconstruction/decomposition or the artwork.

Sustainability and Social Equity

The City is interested in products and services that have a reduced impact on human health and the environment and that more fully support communities and economies when compared to competing products and services serving the same purpose. For more information regarding sustainability in procurement and related City policy and plans, please refer to the City’s Sustainable Purchasing website at http://www.eugene-or.gov/sustainpurch. The awardee(s)will be expected to support the City’s goals by implementing the following strategies where applicable:

1. Waste Reduction

Pursuant to City Zero Waste efforts, the City aims to prevent waste where possible. In order to increase efficient use of resources, the awardee shall adhere to the following items as applicable.

Unnecessary packaging for goods, beyond packaging compliance or practical safe shipping methods, shall be reduced. Bidder to ship goods utilizing one or more of the following methods:

If applicable, ship products in reusable, refillable, or returnable containers. For example, reusable trays or totes, which can be stored and returned; minimal packaging material used inside containers. This includes eliminating or reducing the amount of non-recyclable bubble wrap, foam pellets or other like material;

Eliminate non-essential parts of packaging, such as individual wrapping of components; use packaging made with recycled content, biodegradable, and/or non-toxic materials. No point of purchase material or promotional literature.

Awardee is expected to prevent, reduce, recycle or otherwise divert waste generated from the provision of services procured by the City. City may request information about diversion tactics utilized and quantities of waste materials diverted.

2. Idling Reduction

In the interest of reducing air and noise pollution and promoting energy conservation, all gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles and equipment shall be idled only as necessary to perform the required duties, including delivery, and for the essential function(s) of the equipment. A driver of a vehicle must turn off the engine upon stopping at the destination, and must not cause or allow an engine to idle at any location for more than 20 seconds. This idling policy applies except in the following situations:

The health and safety of employees, sub-contractors or public is compromised in turning off the vehicle.

The engine is required to power auxiliary equipment (e.g. hoist, lift platforms, hydraulic tools, inverters, compactors, medical equipment, specialized public safety radio communication and computer systems, etc.)

Vehicle/equipment manufacturer requires additional idle time for warm up or cool down for efficient and proper mechanical or functional operation of the unit.

3. Environmentally Preferred Products

To promote and encourage environmentally sustainable practices for companies doing business with the City, the City requests vendors under City contract use environmentally preferable products in production of City work products.

The awardee should use environmentally preferable materials that meet performance requirements wherever practical in the fulfillment of the contract. Environmentally preferable products and services have characteristics that include but are not limited to the following:
•EnergyEfficient
•Reusable or upgradeable
•Recyclable
•Contain post-consumer recycled materials
•Produce fewer polluting by-products and/or safety hazards during manufacture, use or disposal, and/or
•Are certified by an independent accredited third-party program such as EcoLogo or ENERGY STAR.

The City desires the use of post-consumer recycled content, chlorine-free paper to encourage environmentally preferable practices for City business wherever practical in the fulfillment of the scope of work.

Social Equity

Economic prosperity through diversity and collaboration is fundamental to the Equity in Contracting program. Part of Eugene’s City Council Vision states that we will, “Encourage a strong, sustainable and vibrant economy, fully utilizing our educational and cultural assets, so that every person has an opportunity to achieve financial security.” The program aims to reduce barriers for local, small, minority and women-owned businesses to leverage all that our community has to offer, strengthening the business community as a whole.

The City supports the utilization of Minority, Women, Emerging Small Businesses (M/W/ESB), local businesses, Disadvantaged Business Enterprises and Qualified Rehabilitation Facilities (QRF) at both a prime and subcontracting and/or supply chain level. The City encourages eligible suppliers to gain certification and encourages the awardee to use the following voluntary practices to promote open competitive opportunities for disadvantaged businesses in the fulfillment of the scope of work:

Access lists of certified minority, women, emerging small business or disadvantaged business enterprises from the Certification Office of Business Inclusion and Diversity (COBID) by visiting their website at: https://oregon4biz.diversitysoftware.com/FrontEnd/VendorSearchPublic.aspto find certified businesses from whom to procure products or services.

Visit the Oregon State Qualified Rehabilitation Facilities Program website at http://dasapp.oregon.gov/qrf/index.aspx to search for Qualified Rehabilitation Facilities from whom to procure products or services.

Timeline

Applicants should be available for the following project benchmarks:

-Deadline for submissions: July 25, 2020
-Review of RFQ submissions: Late July
-Finalists Notification and Release of Formal RFP: August 8, 2020
-Site Tour: Mid-August 2020
-Artist Proposal Presentations: Early October
-Notify selected applicants: Mid-October 2020
-Installation Target: November 2020

This commission is open to all professional and emerging artists, who are located and working within Lane County. Applicants should have previous experience serving as principal artists on at least two projects with art budgets over $5,000. Preference will be given to applicants with previous design and installation experience. Submissions will be considered from all artists meeting the aforementioned criteria, regardless of race, religion, national origin, gender identification, military status, sexual orientation, marital status, or physical ability. The City of Eugene reserves the right to suspend this selection process at any time in the event that no suitable contractor is available for hire.

Contact Information

Chanin Santiago, CSantiago@eugene-or.gov