Veterans Plaza Service Inspired Art Request for Qualifications - Entry Plaza

CALL TO ARTISTS: CITY OF TUALATIN VETERANS PLAZA
SERVICE INSPIRED PUBLIC ART INSTALLATION
ENTRY PLAZA AT SW SENECA STREET
Tualatin Lake of the Commons
8325 SW Nyberg St.
Tualatin, OR 97062

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The City of Tualatin invites artists/artist teams to submit their qualifications for City of Tualatin's Veterans Plaza Service Inspired Public Art Installation to be installed with Veterans Plaza improvements.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF QUALIFICATIONS: JULY 26, 2023 AT 5PM PDT

If you have questions about the overall opportunity, would like to set up a time for a phone/video call, or have any other needs for assistance, please email/call Recreation Manager Julie Ludemann at jludemann@tualatin.gov or (503) 691-3082.

If you would like to be considered for this opportunity and don’t have a computer or online access, please contact us for support.

If you would prefer these materials in another language, please contact Julie Ludemann at jludemann@tualatin.gov for translation services.

Interpretation services are available, please email Julie Ludemann at jludemann@tualatin.gov.

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Veterans Plaza Service Inspired Public Art

The City of Tualatin invites artists/artist teams to submit their qualifications for the City of Tualatin’s Veterans Plaza Service Inspired Public Art Installation. The site is located at Tualatin Commons, termed the “community living room,” serving as the heart of the city and center of local commerce and businesses. Two service inspired public art commissions are planned as part of the Veterans Plaza project, which begins construction in 2024. This request for qualifications is for one commission, the Entry Plaza @ SW Seneca St. (Location A).  See plan and site photos for locations. The second opportunity can be viewed here. Artists are invited to submit for both opportunities separately.

A two-part selection process, to include selection of semifinalists based on qualifications and then a submission of proposal & presentations, will be used. Each artist/artist team selected as a semifinalist will receive a $2,500 stipend. The budget available for the commission is $80,000. Preference may be given to artists living/working in the Pacific Northwest, if quality is otherwise similar. Semifinalists selected to submit proposals must present in person before the Selection Panel in Tualatin, Oregon.

Submissions of qualifications must be received by 5pm, Pacific Time, July 26, 2023. 
 

Project Background

The City of Tualatin is a dynamic, vibrant community conveniently located just 12 miles south of Portland and 30 miles north of Salem, the state capital. It is situated along Interstate-5 between Interstate-205, Highway 99W, and Highway 217 with access to the commuter rail servicing the greater Portland Metropolitan region. Tualatin is one of the fastest-growing cities in Oregon and is known for its high quality of life.

The project site is located 2,000 feet from Interstate-5, in downtown Tualatin, known locally as Tualatin Commons, a 5.17 acre plaza surrounding a small man-made lake (see map: Google Maps). It is termed the “community living room,” serving as the heart of the city and center of local commerce and businesses. Surrounding the public gathering space is a mix of high-quality residential dwellings, retail, and professional service employment opportunities. The space hosts many special events including the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta, which draws upwards of 20,000 people, summer concerts, and other local events and celebrations.
 

PROJECT SITE

The project site is located on the East side of Tualatin Lake at the Commons, between SW Seneca Street and SW Nyberg Street (see Drone Shot of site). It is accessed from the pedestrian walkway that loops the lake and two adjacent surface parking lots. The space juts out into the lake and is west facing. From community feedback the following qualities were deemed the most important for the Tualatin Commons site:

• Openness (no rail along the main plaza border with the lake, wide sky view, easy access from adjacencies)
• Adjacency to water (view, calming, light reflection)
• Wildlife (ducks and eagles due to nearby wetland)
• Organic/Curvilinear (not dominated by straight lines, even rails are undulating)
• Wind (site isn’t windy, but there is often a light breeze)
• Freeway ambient background noise
• Light (foggy/misty with soft light effect in the mornings with blinding sunsets at night; site has western exposure)
• Views (to sky, across lake, from SW Seneca St. and Martinazzi Ave.; exposure to I-5)

VETERANS PLAZA PROJECT

Planning for the Veterans Plaza began in October 2019 with a robust community involvement process. Over 1,550 people participated in the planning process and included diverse community representatives from Veterans of Foreign Wars, Forward Assist, American Legion, Tualatin Arts Advisory Committee, Tualatin Parks Advisory Committee, Tualatin Commercial Citizens Involvement Organization, student youth representatives, several unaffiliated veterans who live and/or work in Tualatin, the Mayor of Tualatin and many other members of the public.

Initial planning focused on engaging the community to create a vision for the Veterans Plaza. During that time information was gathered from community events, focus groups, and a Stakeholder Advisory Committee (SAC) to determine the (5) core project themes and select the preferred site. The community determined “who” the memorial should honor and defined the desired objectives of each core theme. Selected themes include connection, shared values, engagement, timelessness, and experience and should specifically honor:

• All military service members & branches
• Military family members- Freedom & peace, not war
• Hidden heroes (civilian support)

Public comment stated that the Veterans Plaza should not:

• Emphasize war or glorify violence in any manner and should focus on service and positive messaging.
• Be focused on providing large amounts of information, but should focus on being an inclusive space, welcoming.

Additional information can be found in the complete Veterans Memorial Concept Planning & Site Selection Report & Appendices.

A final vision for the site was finalized with the preparation of design alternatives and a community selected preferred alternative. This phase of the project is fully documented in Veterans Plaza Design Plan Report. The Veterans Plaza Preferred Plan & Render Package can be consulted for rendered views and plan graphics of the proposed design.

The project is now in final design with the preparation of construction drawings underway. Construction is expected to begin in 2024.
 

Veterans Plaza Proposed Design

Main Plaza Enlargement - Plan View

Entry Plaza - Perspective View

Service Inspired Public Art Opportunity

The City of Tualatin places a high priority on public art. Goal #5 of The City of Tualatin Parks and Recreation Master Plan encourages supporting “the arts through programs, parks, and public spaces that reflect Tualatin’s identity, heritage, history, and expressive character.”

Two service inspired public art commissions are planned as part of the Veterans Plaza project (see locations “A,” “B-1,” and “B-2”. This request for qualifications is for one commission, the Entry Plaza @ SW Seneca St. (Location A). Artwork will be guided by outcomes from earlier planning stages and should respond to both the site and planned Veterans Plaza improvements. Additional design parameters have been defined by the selection panel to include the following.

DESIGN PARAMETERS (LOCATION A – ENTRY PLAZA @ SW SENECA ST.)

This small plaza space, located at SW Seneca St. terminus, serves as a gateway not only to Veterans Plaza but to the Tualatin Commons as a whole. Important considerations at this location include strong pedestrian connections to the public library, area businesses and a residential community. Residential condos and businesses are in the immediate vicinity. Design features planned for the space include seating and small trees along the periphery, with overhead hanging lights. Access for maintenance must be maintained.

From community feedback the following qualities were deemed the most important for the service inspired public art piece. The art piece is encouraged to be:

• Something engaging and symbolic as a gateway to Veterans Plaza and Tualatin Commons as a whole; intention is to be walked “through” but does not exclude around.
• 10-15 feet in scale.
• Something prominent in size but has a light, airy and open feel.
• Something that could interact with light (sun/day/night) and potentially provide shelter.
• A destination worthy attraction.
• Uses durable materials.
• Offers a tactile experience.
• Is universally accessible and can be appreciated by those of different needs, for example those visually impaired.

In addition, while it is not a requirement, the art pieces may incorporate white noise to mitigate surrounding traffic noise and support the contemplative nature of this space.

Budget

Each artist/artist team selected as a semifinalist will receive a $2,500 stipend to prepare and present a proposal. This is inclusive of travel expenses. The artist/artist team is expected to present in person to a selection panel in Tualatin, Oregon.The selected artist/artist team will receive $80,000 for this opportunity to create a service inspired public art piece. This fee is inclusive of all project expenses including artist fees, design development, materials, fabrication, installation, any permits, and engineering if required, equipment, insurance and communication/coordination with the Veterans Plaza Service Inspired Art Selection Panel, Veterans Plaza design team, construction team and third-party contractors the artist may use to help fabricate and/or install the artwork.

The artist/artist team will be responsible for delivering and installing a completed artwork. The City of Tualatin will help coordinate installation with the artist(s), the construction contractor, and any third party vendors, if necessary.
 

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to artists or artist teams nationally. Preference may be given to artists living/working in the Pacific Northwest, if quality is otherwise similar. Artist(s) who have military service experience/background are strongly encouraged to apply. Additionally:

• Applicants can apply as a single artist or artist team.
• Applicants cannot be a member of the Tualatin Arts Advisory Committee or an employee of the City of Tualatin.
• Artists must be 18 years of age or older.
• Artists must be able to deliver and install their artwork to Tualatin, Oregon.

The selected artist/artist team must be able to create, complete and deliver their artwork by the overall project completion date in Spring 2025. By the act of submitting qualifications in response to this Call to Artists, the Applicant certifies that it accepts all of the terms of the City’s Agreement for the Commission and Purchase of Art (hereafter “Agreement”, see file at the bottom of this page) and warrants that the Applicant will fully meet all of the insurance requirements contained therein. If the Applicant wishes to amend or modify any terms of the Agreement, such amendment or modification must be requested in writing before July 26, 2023 at 5:00pm PDT. Proposed changes to the draft Agreement not stated by this deadline will not be considered. Requests made will be considered, but may not be agreed upon by the City for contract award.

Timeline

(all dates subject to change)

June 14, 2023
Phase 1 of Call to Artists Issued

June 28, 2023 at 6:00pm
Zoom Information Session

July 26, 2023 at 5pm
Deadline for Submission of Qualifications

August – September 2023
Panel Review

September 2023
Semifinalists Chosen & Invited to Submit Proposals

February 2024
Proposal Presentation & Selection of Final Artist/Artist Team

Fall 2024/Spring 2025
Service Inspired Public Art Installation

Submission of qualifications must be received by 5pm, Pacific Time, July 26, 2023
 

Two-Part Selection Process

A two-part selection process includes selection of semifinalists based on qualifications, followed by a submission of proposals and presentations. The second phase of the selection process will require an in-person presentation. A selection panel including members of the Tualatin Arts Advisory Committee, Tualatin Parks Advisory Committee, Tualatin Youth Advisory Council, and local veterans/family members representing multiple military branches, will review artists’ qualifications and choose up to three semifinalists to prepare a proposal and presentation for the commission. The selection panel will be responsible for final artist/artist team selection. One finalist will be selected for the commission.

Semifinalist Selection Process
Criteria for selecting semifinalists to proceed to the Proposal & Presentation Phase includes, but is not limited to:

• Submission of all required application materials by deadline
• Quality of past work as exemplified in images and concise narrative.
• Artist’s interest in project and its goals based on past planning efforts.
• Potential of the artist(s) to meet general goals described in past planning efforts, suggested design parameters, and planned Veteran Plaza improvements.
• Artistic Vibrancy*
• Potential to work successfully with the design and construction teams.

* Artistic vibrancy is defined as an artistic practice that:

• Demonstrates quality of process/collaboration.
• Embodies excellence of craft and skill.
• Demonstrates imagination and originality.
• Ability to work in a scale and with durable materials that are responsive to the site.
• Connects and engages with people across cultures and abilities.
• Provides multiple ways to access, approach, participate with and enjoy.
• Is relevant in a local and national context.

Finalist Selection Process
The purpose of the presentation is to allow the artist/artist team and panel to meet and the artist/artist team to present their proposals. Proposals should be based on outcomes from past planning efforts and should respond to the site and Veteran Plaza improvements. The interview is also an opportunity for the artist to better understand the context of the commission and the intentions of the final art piece. Both parties will be given an opportunity to ask questions.

Criteria for selecting the final artist/artist team includes, but is not limited to:

• Alignment with project goals documented in past planning efforts, suggested design parameters and responsiveness to the site and Veteran Plaza improvements.
• Demonstrated artistic vibrancy.
• Feasibility of the proposed concept.
• Demonstrated competency of materials and fabrication through own skills or subcontracted fabricators.
• Potential to work successfully with the project design team.
• Ease of maintenance and durability of materials.

The selection panel maintains the option to make no selection from submitted applications and to reopen the selection process or propose other methods of selection (including direct appointment) if no applicant is accepted.
 

How to Apply

To submit qualifications for the first phase of the Call to Artists, applicants can either upload the following items electronically via the City of Tualatin’s website, email Julie Ludemann at jludemann@tualatin.gov OR submit a paper copy mailed to the attention of Julie Ludemann at 18880 SW Martinazzi Ave, Tualatin, OR 97062. Alternatively, a paper copy can be hand delivered to Julie Ludemann at 8511 SW Tualatin Rd., Tualatin, OR 97062. Please note this is a request for qualifications NOT proposals – do not submit proposals for this opportunity. It is the responsibility of the applicant to complete and submit materials by the closing date: 5:00pm, Pacific Time, July 26th, 2023. If you are applying as a team, please assign one person to apply and be the point of contact on behalf of the team.

Application must include the following:

• Artist resume or CV and any applicable recognitions. Two-page résumé uploaded as a PDF that outlines professional accomplishment and includes two professional references (name,affiliated organization, email address, and phone number). For team applications, include a 2-page résumé for each team member that is combined into one PDF.
• Artist statement of interest. Please submit responses to the following in either a written statement (1,500 words or less) or in an audio or video statement (no longer than 5 minutes).
  Please include the following:

1. Why this project, its focus, location, and goals are of interest to you. For example, how do you foresee your work capturing outcomes from past planning efforts and responding to the suggested design parameters, site and Veteran Plaza improvements? Why do you feel you’d be a good match for the project?
2. What is your capacity and/or experience to create this artwork?
3. If you are applying as a team, describe your individual roles on the team and how you anticipate working together.
4. What is your experience working with municipalities, local organizations, and stakeholders?
5. What resources are typically required for installation?
6. What general maintenance and conservation measures are typically needed for your outdoor public art?

• Provide a description of how you typically approach public art. Include general process from concept development to installation.
• Provide a description of medium and materials typically used.
• Up to 8 past work samples. These work samples are the primary way the artistic vibrancy and quality of your work will be judged. Provide up to two images, no larger than 5MB each,for each work sample. For each image, please provide a concise description and title, artist name, media, dimensions, year completed, budget, and location if applicable. Conceptual information is desirable but not required. If available, work samples should include similar past public projects. Artist teams are encouraged to submit work examples that were completed as a team.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us. You can also attend the information session.

Information Session

Zoom on June 28, 2023 at 6:00pm. Among others, Julie Ludemann from City of Tualatin Parks & Recreation Department, Brett Hamilton, Vice Chair of the Tualatin Arts Advisory Committee and member of the Service Inspired Veterans Public Art Selection Panel, and Nate Otani with the Veterans Plaza design team will be present to share information about this opportunity, answer questions and outline how to submit application materials. If you have questions about the Zoom info session or need any accommodation to attend, please email Julie Ludemann at jludemann@tualatin.gov.

Zoom meeting link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84038640154