Herron School of Art & Design Project
Indiana University's Herron School of Art and Design in Indianapolis has partnered with the Indianapolis Cultural Trail to provide a professional practice opportunity for advanced undergraduate and graduate level students in fine art.
Through a grant from Central Indiana Community Foundation and a gift of land from the Indianapolis Urban League, students will participate in a competitive request for proposals for temporary public art projects for the site. The winning installation will be displayed for two years. The first project will be installed the end of 2011.
Artwork Criteria
Proposals may incorporate any medium/media as long as it is sturdy, low-maintenance and safe for display in an outdoor public space for two years. While theme and content are at the discretion of the artist, it is imperative that the student work with the Urban League as the primary stakeholder in this area and it is strongly suggested that the artist utilize a site-specific approach that produces a proposal that reacts both physically and conceptually to the site and its context. Sensitivity to the role and history of the African-American community in this area is paramount. Political and religious statements are not appropriate within this public project, nor are commercial messages or images that could be perceived by the public as commercial advertising.
Selection Criteria
Proposals submitted under the RFP will be evaluated on the following criteria:
- Artistic Merit: Aesthetic and conceptual rigor and sensitivity to the site.
- Feasibility: The technical feasibility of successfully completing the project within the indicated time and budget.
- Process: The likelihood of a smooth and productive collaboration between the artist and all stakeholders including the public.
Selection Process
Beginning this fall, the Sculpture faculty and the staff of the Basile Center for Art, Design and Public Life at the Herron School of Art and Design will work with CICF or its designee to facilitate community outreach meetings for the students. These partners will then review, discuss and select one proposal. Herron faculty and staff will provide input relating to technical aspects of the designs; however, they will not be part of the selection panel. Upon completion of the selected artwork, the artist will retain ownership of the artwork and is responsible for removal of the work at the end of the loan. Herron School of Art and Design and CICF reserve the right to deem none of the submitted proposals acceptable for selection and commission.
For more information contact Mindy Taylor Ross at artstrategies@me.com.
