SY Mosaic RFP

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

CERAMIC TILE MOSAIC

Pre-recorded Ceramic Tile RFP Info Session:

TIMELINE
  • RFP Extended Deadline: April 30th, 2021
  • Notifications: May 28th, 2021
  • Project Completion: within 3 months of notification and agreed upon start date.
THE PROJECT

The Steel Yard is commissioning creative and diverse artists or artists teams to fabricate unique ceramic tile mosaics. Selected proposals will create a commemorative and permanent installation in our studio that will be seen by thousands every year.

Our Public Projects department specializes in making functional and artistic street amenities and creates and manages fine art installations. In the course of its work, Public Projects advances the teaching and utilization of crafts and industrial arts. Public Projects has a priority commitment to making and selling products for public installation, ensuring that the artwork is freely accessible to the public.

We understand the amount of work that goes into preparing and submitting ‘Request for Proposals.’ We do not expect polished concepts, final renderings, or lengthy text. We are looking for engaging concepts, evidence of exemplary craftsmanship, and achievable proposals.

OUR MISSION

The Steel Yard’s historic campus is a platform for professional artists, makers, and the community to practice and learn the industrial arts. The Yard fosters creative and economic opportunities by providing workspace, tools, training, and education while forging lasting links to a local tradition of craftsmanship.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

The Steel Yard is committed to diversity and inclusion. It is the policy of the Steel Yard that there shall be no discrimination with respect to the selection of the artist in residence because of race, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, gender, age, physical limitations, or military status.

You can learn more about DEI at The Steel Yard here

THE SITE

Our 12,000 square foot shared studio space houses equipment for welding, blacksmithing, jewelry, ceramics, the foundry arts, and woodworking. Our studios welcome thousands of people each year, you can view a tour of our studios here.

The proposed site for the tile project is inside our two ADA-accessible restrooms, one artist (or team) will be selected for each site. The murals must adhere to code: in order to accommodate the grab bars, the clearance from the handrail to the wall must be 2.25”.

  • Wall material – painted brick
  • Wall measurements 86” wide x 112” high
  • Tiled area will be 86” wide x ~80” tall
  • Design can go to the ceiling, but there is no need to tile above the electrical conduit and emergency light fixtures.
THEMES

We are open to a variety of aesthetic and conceptual themes. The review committee will look for proposals that represent the organization’s mission, and display a commitment to outstanding craftsmanship. 

DESIGN CONSIDERATION

These tile murals will be permanently installed within functioning all-gender restrooms, and will be viewed by a diverse variety of studio users. The installations should require minimal maintenance, and must meet code requirements detailed below. 

BUDGET AND WORK REQUIREMENTS

This is an unusual and exciting project. Be sure to read the budget and work stipulations listed below. 

Selected artist(s) may work in The Steel Yard facilities; and will be paid a flat stipend for concept, fabrication, and installation. We will provide the clay, firings, access to studio glazes, installation materials, and a paid stipend for selected proposals. Please note that if teams are applying, the paid stipend will be divided amongst team members. 

PROJECT STIPEND
  • Clay allowance = 350 lbs of cone 6 stoneware clay, access to studio glazes, and access to studio electric kilns for firings.
  • Stipend = $3500 per proposal
PROCESS AND SELECTION + AWARD

Artists are asked to digitally submit proposals via the link below. Proposals will be viewed by a selection committee composed of artists and professionals who have a history of working with the community and public art. 

Committee may have clarifying questions about proposals; and will ultimately interview the top 5 candidates. Two proposals will be selected for installation. 

Selected artists will be expected to sign a contract, W9, and additional paperwork; receiving half their stipend at contract signing and the remaining half upon completion of the installation.

EXPECTATIONS

The Steel Yard is looking for proposals of original artwork, which display exceptional craftsmanship. As the murals will be installed in high-traffic areas, durability should be considered. It is expected that proposals will respect the diversity of The Steel Yard community.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

If applying as a team, please submit only one application on behalf of the group

  • Artist Statement (250-word limit)
  • Letter of Intent – describing the project – (250-word limit)
  • Concept Visual – sketch or rending of the project proposal (this is an attachment upload)
  • Evidence of Past Work – images of past work (this is an attachment upload) (5 image limit)
  • Image List 
  • Resume/CV 

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