RFQ Submission Deadline: Jan 21, 2025
Total Budget: $133,002
Project Description
The new UNMC CORE Building (Campus Operations and Research Excellence) – is located in the new EDGE District at the corner of Saddle Creek Road and Farnam Street in Omaha. The EDGE District is anticipated to a hub for health-focused scientific discovery, entrepreneurship and commercialization. The CORE Building will be frequented by UNMC faculty, staff, students, researchers, and more.
The CORE building will enhance existing UNMC research environments with computer-based research and wet lab-based research for drug discovery, oncology research and other strategic research areas at UNMC. The shelled research floors are designed to provide essential lab and office environments, promoting collaboration among startup founders, industry leaders, scientists and inventors. In addition, the incubator lab space – tailored for startups – is outfitted with features and shared equipment to facilitate safe experimentation and expedite research endeavors. For more information about the UNMC research work: https://www.unmc.edu/vcr/about/fast-facts.html
The Edge District will also house other facilities, making it a live/work campus. The Catalyst building combines UNMC’s UNeMed and UNeTech branches with biotech and technology startups to facilitate the growth of research and innovation and allow entrepreneurs, investors and businesses to collaborate in the renovated 1906 Omaha Steel Castings industrial tract. The building will also include space for businesses, a food hall, and more. For more information about the EDGE District, please view this link: https://www.edgeomaha.com
Site and Artwork Overview
This UNMC CORE building (Campus Operations and Research Excellence) is located on the UNMC Saddlecreek Campus in Omaha, Nebraska, and is a hub for cutting edge medical technology and research. The Committee envisions artwork that is striking and bold, and exemplifies the cutting edge nature of the work being done on this campus.
A work that combines concepts about both art and science is preferred. The artwork should add to the inspirational goals of the CORE building, seeking to cultivate collaboration, innovation and discovery, and elevate the university’s role as a leader in innovation and research.
The artwork should also enhance UNMC’s reputation as a center of excellence and opportunity. The artwork can include light and technology, and should be durable and easy to clean. Additional details about potential artwork sites are on the following pages. Artists can use more than one site. Quality over quantity and the adherence to the budget, will be considered.
First Floor Plan, entrance lobby. Potential artwork site is on the wall marked in red.
Second Floor plan, corridor. Potential artwork sites are on the walls marked with red. Note that the area marked “Open to Below” is the lobby area pictured in the First Floor Plan. This corridor is partially visible from the first floor entrance lobby. This hallway is also accessible to an outdoor patio, where there are future plans to build a walkway from the Edge District to the main UNMC campus. These plans would make this corridor even more visible to viewers.
View of Entrance Lobby
View of Entrance Lobby Wall and Corridor
Selection Process
The CORE Building Selection Committee, in consultation with the NAC, has full oversight for the selection of an artist for this project. Professional public artists/teams within the U.S. are eligible. The Committee reviews RFQ submissions on SlideRoom. Finalists will receive a presentation honorarium ($1200) and a travel stipend ($700), if applicable. Finalist presentations should include concept, design, detailed budget for the available funds, installation method, projected maintenance.
Budget
A maximum of $133,002.00 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).
Selection Criteria
Letter of Interest and clarity of conceptual approach. Evidence of ability to complete projects from prior artwork, and mastery of skills.
Timeline *subject to change. updated 11/27/2024
RFQ Open: Nov 14, 2024
Submission Deadline: Feb 3, 2025
Finalists Notified: Feb 14, 2025
Proposal Presentations: April 8-10, 2025
Artwork Installed, by or before: April 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: $10 via the secure payment system on SlideRoom.
Contact
Meagan Dion, Public Art and Artist Programs Specialist
Nebraska Arts Council, meagan.dion@nebraska.gov