RFQ Submission Deadline: February 11, 2025
Total Budget: $223,052
Project Description
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is seeking proposals for public art installations at the new addition of its Architecture Hall. Located on the southwestern fine arts quadrant of the City Campus, the HDR Pavilion anchors a prominent corner of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The pavilion’s north entrance welcomes pedestrians heading to and from Memorial Stadium and downtown Lincoln. Visitors are greeted by a striking four-story, light-filled atrium, which serves as a vibrant focal point for the building.
The Committee would like to share multiple artwork site options with potential artists, although they would like to leave it up to the artists to decide which site or combination of sites would work best with their artistic practice. They are intrigued by having artwork that connects both the outside and inside spaces, or if the artwork is outside, that it can be viewed from multiple vantage points within the building.
While the Committee does not want to restrict artists’ ideas or concept about materiality or concepts, they do envision the artwork sites to create some continuity throughout the building to the exterior spaces. They would consider many different types of public art interventions, including but not limited to installations and technological works.
The Committee is looking for art projects that resonate with specific themes related to the College of Architecture’s strategic plan, which include “Resilience” and “Empathy.” They would also like to connect with the rest of the UNL Campus including the full campus map, and the sculpture collection managed by the Sheldon Art Museum.
In the submission, artists should include in the letter of interest a brief description of which artwork sites they intend to use and how they intend to use the artwork site(s). The Committee will prioritize quality of work over quantity of artwork sites used. For artwork within 8 feet from the ground, the artwork cannot extend past 4” from the wall to be ADA compliant. Artwork should use materials that are long lasting and require simple cleaning/maintenance management.
For a go-pro video of the building and artwork sites, more about images and renderings, and university maps, please review the items in this link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1t12h3bEaTgUxB6758dwsfY6zOL47lw-5?usp=sharin
For an overview about the artwork sites, please see the renderings below:
Artwork Site Descriptions
Interior 1: The HDR Pavilion to the Link Lobby – a two to four story indoor space that is heavily trafficked by all building in habitants. Partially visible from exterior to north and highly visible from exterior to East (exterior space #).
Interior 2: The Link Landings & Air Space – The link is a 4-story space for vertical circulation, connections between the HDR Pavilion and Architecture Hall East and Architecture Hall West, and is heavily trafficked by all building in habitants.
Exterior 1: The Central Court – a central outdoor courtyard used as outdoor classroom and informal gathering space during allowable climatic conditions. Highly visible from HDR Pavilion spaces, the Link, and Architecture Hall East.
Exterior 2: The Rain Garden – a central outdoor space that is not easily occupied. Highly visible from the Link, Architecture Hall West, and parts of the HDR Pavilion (large window will be installed on level 2, not shown in plans or photos/videos).
Exterior 3: Ground level covered outdoor court – a concrete slab covered by building above and framed by structural mass timber. Used as outdoor classroom or outdoor fabrication space during allowable climatic conditions. Visible from ground floor of HDR Pavilion and pedestrian traffic, partially visible by vehicular traffic.
Exterior 4: Stadium Drive & N 10th Street – a grassy area to the northwest of Architecture Hall. Highly visible by pedestrian and vehicular traffic, and from the west edge of HDR Pavilion indoor spaces, the outdoor roof deck and the ground level covered outdoor court.
Exterior 5: North covered canopy – a covered outdoor area that is not regularly occupied. Highly visible from ground floor of HDR Pavilion and pedestrian traffic, partially visible by vehicular traffic.
Selection Process
The Architecture Hall Selection Committee, in consultation with NAC, has full oversight for the selection of an artist for this project. The Committee reviews RFQ submissions on SlideRoom. Professional public artists/teams within the U.S. are eligible. The Committee encourages all to apply, including those with historically marginalized backgrounds.
Finalists will receive a presentation honorarium ($2,000), and travel stipend ($1,000) for the proposal presentation before the Selection Committee. Finalist presentations should include concept, design, detailed budget for the available funds, installation method, projected maintenance.
A maximum of $223,052 is allocated for this project. All expenses for the selected design and commission are the responsibility of the artist/team, including but not limited to: travel/lodging, fabrication and supplies, installation expenses (as needed: engineering, rigging, equipment rental, etc)
Letter of Interest and clarity of conceptual approach. Evidence of ability to complete projects from prior artwork, and mastery of skills.
Timeline *The timeline must be completed by May 2026.
RFQ Open: Dec 17, 2024
Submission deadline: Feb 11, 2025
Finalists notified: Feb 24, 2025
Proposal Presentations: April 22/23, 2025
Artwork Installed, by or before: May 2026
Application Requirements
Submit materials on SlideRoom: nebraska.slideroom.com
Visual Support Materials
Image descriptions: Label each uploaded image with title, medium,
year, project budget, and any relevant description.
Images: Ten (10) jpg images of completed relevant artworks.
Video: Optional video file may demonstrate moving parts, time-based
work, functionality, etc. (mov, wmv, of flv files, no larger than 60MB
each, nor longer than five minutes each.)
Required Materials
CV/Resume: Limit to three pages.
Three Professional References: Complete contact information for references with a deep knowledge of artwork and work methods, and for which project they worked with you.
Letter of Interest: Briefly describe how you intend to use the site; describe your artistic style, background, and relevant past completed projects, and how they relate to this project.
Use 500 words or less.
Application Fee: There is no fee to submit for this project.
Contact
Meagan Dion, Public Art and Artist Programs Specialist
Nebraska Arts Council, meagan.dion@nebraska.gov