call to artists
request for proposals
Call to Artists - Calder Library Public Art Project
The Edmonton Arts Council Public Art Program on behalf of the City of
Edmonton is seeking an Artist or Artist team to create a site specific public
artwork at the Calder Library. Artists must select either the indoor location,
one, or both outdoor locations.
The Calder Library public art competition, open to local, regional, and
Canadian, professional Artists and emerging professional Artists and Artist
teams, is held in accordance with the City of Edmonton policy “Percent for Art
to Provide and Encourage Art in Public Areas” (C458C).
Budget: $48,000.00 CAD (maximum, all inclusive)
Deadline for Submissions: 4:30 pm on Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Installation: Fall 2016 - January 2017
For more information, contact the Edmonton Arts Council: phone (780) 424–2787 or email:
[email protected]
To view detailed renderings and plans of this project, please email [email protected]
We thank all artists for contributing their time and professional work for their initial concept proposal
submissions.
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call to artists
Calder Library
About Edmonton
Located on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River, Edmonton, Alberta is known as “Festival City” and “Gateway to the North.”
With more than one million people living in the Greater Edmonton region, the city is the largest, northernmost municipality
in North America. Geographically, Edmonton is situated at the boundary between prairie and boreal forest. The river valley
constitutes the longest stretch of connected urban parkland in North America.
Edmonton is home to Canada’s second-largest urban Aboriginal community. The City of Edmonton lies in the heart of Treaty
Six territory and honours the traditions and spirit of the area. For centuries this area has been a place of gathering, relationship
building, harmony, balance, and commerce for many peoples. It was in this place that early relationships led to the creation of
Treaty Six, the Province of Alberta, and the City of Edmonton.
This deep history, and the subsequent migration of many new Canadians to the area, imbues Edmonton with a rich cultural
and ethnic heritage. This diversity contributes to a dynamic urban landscape alive with arts and culture, business, research
and development, and industry. Indicators for the next twelve years point to steady economic and population growth. As
Edmonton’s economy flourishes, so does the spirit of revitalization. Edmonton is undergoing an unprecedented amount of
infrastructure growth with major roadways, streetscapes, and there has been significant development in neighbourhoods.
Aspects of these, and other municipal projects, including public transportation, provide public art opportunities through the
City’s “Percent for Art to Provide and Encourage Art in Public Areas” policy.
Edmonton’s spirit of optimism is reflected through its ever-evolving Public Art Collection. With more than 200 pieces, the
Collection includes visual art from a variety of disciplines by local, national and international artists.
Calder Library Location and History
Located north of 127 Street and 131 Avenue near Wellington School, the Calder Library is situated in one of Edmonton’s oldest
neighbourhoods. Incorporated into the City of Edmonton in 1917, Calder emerged as an independent town housing workers
for the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway. In the 1940s the Edmonton Public Library created the tramway library bringing its facilities
to thousands of Edmontonians living far from the centre of the city, including Calder. Today, the CN Walker Rail Yard is a major
industrial hub employing 1,600 workers.
The Calder Library will serve a mixed clientele of approximately 20,000 people, with a diversity of income ranges, ethnicity, and
family types. The surrounding communities are also comprised of a significant new immigrant population and the library hosts
many collections specific to these community members, as well as creating a vibrant and active hub in the community. The
library will also draw visitors from the surrounding communities of Athlone, Kensington, Lauderdale, Rosslyn, and Wellington.
During the library’s design, it was discovered that the sequence and arrangement of the Calder Library shared some similarities
with the historical railway pattern developed across Edmonton. Specifically, with how the Grand Trunk Railroad converged
in Edmonton and branched out to surrounding communities. Just like the railroad, Calder Library will act as a hub within the
community, while branching into others.
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call to artists
Calder Library Concept Design
The 10,000 square foot Calder Library will have both children’s and teens’ spaces, as well as a Community Roon and collections
area. Themes of nature and the environment will be prevalent throughout the building, the exterior garden will be reflected
throughout the building with a cloud-like ceiling and flower petal imagery on the floors. Large window walls open to the park
beyond. The centre of the library will be the main gathering point with a series of branches radiating towards the exterior. This
configuration will allow for uninterrupted visual contact throughout the library, and will create a number of unique spaces that
are tailored to particular users of the library.
The landscape will act as exterior rooms in continuity with the interior of the Calder library through three points:
1. The free-standing library will be like a pavilion in Athlone Park
2. The library epicentre will develop a sense of collectivity, the focal point structures both the interior and exterior spaces.
3. Although the library footprint is small, the integration of building and library will imbue the building with a great sense of spatial transparency.
City Of Edmonton
http://www.edmonton.ca/for_residents/neighbourhoods/know-your-neighbourhood.aspx#
http://www.edmonton.ca/attractions_events/sir-winston-churchill-square.aspx
Edmonton Archives
https://archivesphotos.edmonton.ca/Presto/home/Default.aspx
http://edmonton.ca/city_government/edmonton_archives/edmontons-hidden-communities.aspx
Public Art Opportunity
The Edmonton Arts Council Public Art Program on behalf of the City of Edmonton is seeking an Artist or Artist team to create a
site specific public artwork at the Calder Library. Artists must select either the indoor location, one, or both outdoor locations.
Locations for Artwork
Front Forecourt
The front forecourt will be the main entrance and exterior gathering place to the library. The forecourt will provide an outdoor
community space activated by library programs. There will be a high canopy of aspen trees, cast concrete social seating,
a book drop off and brushed aluminum bollard lighting. A special paving treatment will help define the area. This artwork
opportunity is open to Artist’s working in media including, but not limited to, sculpture, sculptural series, installation, and
ceramic based artworks. Trees, benches, and bollards may be relocated based on consultation with the design team and client
to accommodate the artwork.
Contemplative Garden
The Contemplative Garden will create a backdrop for the interior library spaces as well as create an outdoor room connected
to the adjacent Athlone Park. Outlined by an evergreen shrub border, the Contemplative Garden will feature loose granular
stones and rubberized asphalt on the ground. Moveable seating will be installed, and the garden is surrounded by a woodland
meadow. This artwork opportunity is open to Artist’s working in media including, but not limited to, sculpture, sculptural series,
installation, and ceramic based artworks.
Community Room
The Community Room is intended to be a flexible space and will contain the Calder Library’s Makerspace. The room will feature
a large green screen wall for video production. Artist’s who select this indoor location will be able to utilize a wall that measures
4000mm long by 2440mm high (approximately 13’ X 8’) to create an artwork in media including, but not limited to, murals,
video projection, bas relief, print-making, mixed media installation, and mosaic. The wall will be highly visible from the exterior
Front Forecourt, and will receive a significant amount of daylight. Please note that any projection and/or feature lighting for the
artwork will be at the Artist’s expense.
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call to artists
Artwork design parameters
The artwork must adhere to the following design parameters:
• Does not cause opportunity for access to restricted areas (i.e. do not build in such a manner as to allow climbing to areas not normally accessible to the public;
• Does not pose a risk of injury to the public (example: sharp points, slip hazards, etc.);
• Meets fire codes with respect to flammability as applicable;
• Meets any applicable Alberta Building Code standards;
• Artwork must be constructed of durable permanent materials;
• Artwork must be vandal resistant;
• Artwork must not interfere with the operation and serviceability of the building;
• Artwork must be designed to be accessible for maintenance.
• Hard coated EPS foam sculptures will not be considered.
Artwork Permanence
All artwork proposals will receive a preliminary conservation review for permanence of materials and construction methods in
order to proactively address maintenance and conservation concerns. The EAC Public Art Conservation program supports the
artistic process while ensuring that all commissioned artworks are high quality, durable, and maintainable.
Because the Edmonton Public Art Collection is located in he public realm, it is important that durable materials are used. Artwork proposals should take into consideration the location in which they will be sited. This can include (but is not limited
to) repeated weather changes and climactic cycles, sunlight exposure, physical environment risks, and countless audience
interactions.
Safer Cities Initiatives Applicable to Artwork on Public Road Rights or Way
City Council approved the Design Guide for Safer Cities in 1995. This guide incorporated the concepts of Crime Prevention
Through Environmental Design (CPTED) and calls for enhancing safety and security through planning and design factors.
Two of the important principles are: Awareness of the surrounding environment, and Visibility by others. The concept of
providing artwork on public road rights-of-way to screen unsightly properties and/or generally enhance the aesthetics of a
street allows for large pieces of art to be installed. While potentially large objects can be attractive, the concept of CPTED must
be realized since the proposed artwork will be immediately adjacent to sidewalks and private lands used by pedestrians. The
impact of the artwork on the safety and security of pedestrians must be minimized as much as possible and should reflect the
following:
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Unobstructed sightlines, adequate lighting, and the avoidance of confined and hidden spaces.
Pedestrians must be able to see around, through, under or over the artwork to see if danger exists. If this cannot be done, lighting should be supplied to light potential hiding or entrapment areas. The artwork should not employ spaces where a person could hide or confine another person. Spaces within the artwork could allow for natural surveillance.
Visibility by others.
The ability to be seen by others increases a sense of safety. Lighting and/or the design of the artwork should allow for visibility by passing motorists or other pedestrians. Inset spaces should be lit. If street lighting does not exist, or the artwork’s design interferes with the light from the streetlights, lighting should be provided so that a face can be identified with normal vision at a distance of 15 meters. The use of more light fixtures with lower wattage should be used instead of fewer fixtures with high wattage to help reduce deep shadows. Light fixtures should be protected from casual vandalism.
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Artwork Location One
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Artwork Location 3
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call to artists
Terms of Competition
Selection Process
The winning artwork will be chosen through a one-stage jury process unless designated otherwise by the Edmonton Arts
Council. Selection Committee members will include representation as follows: City of Edmonton personnel, an architect or
engineer, artist representatives and community members. The Selection Committee is under no obligation to choose any
finalists. All decisions of the Selection Committee are final. The City of Edmonton and the Edmonton Arts Council reserve the
rights to revoke the competition for Calder Library public art call for submissions or public art project.
Communication with the Selection Committee:
The Edmonton Arts Council will be responsible for all communication, either verbal or in writing, between artists making
submissions and members of the Selection Committee. Any communication between applicants and Selection Committee
members regarding submissions or the competition may result in disqualification.
Competition Entry Requirements:
Please send entry requirements listed below as separate files on a CD, no hard copies of these requirements will be accepted. Applications
will not be accepted by fax or email. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Artists must submit the following, prepared as describe, in order to qualify for consideration in the competition additional materials will
not be used:
r 1. SUBMISSION FORM r 2. PROPOSAL PACKAGE
One summary of the proposed artwork (100 words or less); one full written
description of the proposed artwork (including detailed artist’s concept, one
selected artwork site location, size, materials and timeline);
r 3. ARTIST STATEMENT & BIO
Total of one page maximum
r 4. REFERENCES
Four, with a minimum of two from either public art commissioning agents,
clients or consultants. Please provide references current contact information only, reference letters are not required.
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Complete and signed with contact information;
r 5. PROPOSAL IMAGES: Preliminary two-dimensional representations, drawings, or renderings that well
describe the proposed artwork submitted on 8 ½” by 11” paper suitable for
photocopying;
r 6. BUDGET FORM Budget for the proposed artwork not to exceed the maximum, all inclusive total
of $48,000.00 CAD (for any and all costs related to the design, fabrication, installation of the proposed artwork and applicable taxes);
r 7. CURRICULUM VITAE Detailing professional experience as an artist and other relevant information;
max 3 pages.
call to artists
r 8. VISUAL DOCUMENTATION Of previous public artworks or artworks which best illustrate a related body of
artwork to the proposal. Include a maximum of 10 images JPEG files only please,
we will not accept pdf, PowerPoint or tiff formats; minimum 150 dpi for 6” x 9”
images) on CD-ROM or DVD-ROM;
All support materials and visual documentation must correspond, and be clearly
listed on a separate sheet. For previous public artworks include details of title,
date, locations, commissioning agent or client, budget, medium, size and a brief
description of the work.
r 9. DOCUMENTATION LIST
r 10. RETURN POSTAGE Must be enclosed if the artist does not want their application retained as part of
the Edmonton Public Art database.
Deadline for Submissions:
Complete submissions must be received in office no later than 4:30 pm on Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Submissions must be delivered to:
Calder Library c/o Edmonton Arts Council
10440-108 Avenue Edmonton, Alberta Canada T5H 3Z9
Criteria for Selection:
Artists who meet the following criteria may be considered for commission:
• Demonstrated experience in completing public art projects with equivalent budgets;
• A practice in sculpture, installation art or integrated /applied design, as is relevant to the call;
• Quality of overall past work;
• Style and originality of proposal;
• Appropriateness of proposal for the context;
• Technical feasibility and appropriateness of materials of the proposal.
Return of Submissions:
Following completion of the competition, applications will be kept on file and the artist’s name added to the Edmonton Public
Art database. If the artist does not want to have their application added to the database and indicates so on the entry form,
application support materials will be returned when accompanied by return postage.
Loss or Damage: While every precaution will be taken to prevent loss or damage, the jury, the Edmonton Arts Council and
their agents shall not be liable for any loss or damage, however caused.
Commission: The total commission for the artwork is $48,000.00 CAD (including GST) and must cover all costs associated with
the design, fabrication, and installation for relevant site locations of the artwork including but not limited to artist fees, materials,
insurance, etc.
Original Work: The artist must guarantee that the artwork is original and does not violate the copyright of any other person.
Contract: The artist(s) will enter into a contract with the Edmonton Arts Council.
Copyright: The artist(s) must be prepared to grant ownership and License to Copyright of the artwork to the City of Edmonton.
Reproduction rights may be negotiated. The artist may retain the right to be identified as the creator of the artwork. The City of
Edmonton will not alter the artwork for purposes of maintenance, conservation, etc. without prior consultation with the artist.
The City of Edmonton reserves the right to move or de-accession the artwork if necessary and will make every effort to notify
the artist.
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sample budget
Sample Budget Form
Expenditures
Details
Dollar Amount
Administration costs:
Includes permits, documentation, studio,
overhead, storage, etc.
Artist Fees:
includes concept design, design
development, coordination and artist
project management, etc.
Engineering and other Specialist
Consultant Fees: Including structural,
mechanical, electrical, landscape, etc. as
required to develop proposal.
Fabrication:
Including all costs related to materials,
fabricators and/or contractors and
fabrication. Additional pre-Installation
storage costs (for any anticipated off site
storage that is not already assumed in
studio costs)
Transportation and Installation:
Including all delivery, travel, contractor
costs ,site related costs, etc.
Insurance, General Sales Tax:
($2 million general liability, automobile
insurance through installation, all taxes
including any GST, HST, other out of
province or out of country taxes as
applicable)
Contingency:
Sufficient to cover unexpected
developments that are the artist’s
responsibility (10% suggested)
Total Expenditures
$48,000.00
(not to exceed CAD Cash Value)
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$
submission form
Calder Library Public Art Project
Name:
Address:
City/Province: Postal Code/Country:
Phone (home): Phone (work):
Email Address: Website (if applicable):
Please retain my application as part of the Edmonton Public Art artist database at the Edmonton Arts Council.
(Check one.) r YES r NO
How did you hear about this Call to Artists? EAC Weekly r EAC Monthly
r Art Rubicon r Akimbo
Other: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________
I , _________________________________ (PRINT NAME) hereby make a Submission for the Calder Library Public Art Project and
am in agreement with the Terms of Competition as outlined in the Information Package.
Applicant SignatureDate
Check List – Include all of the following:
r SUBMISSION FORM
r PROPOSAL PACKAGE
r PROPOSAL IMAGES
r BUDGET FORM
r CURRICULUM VITAE
r VISUAL DOCUMENTATION of Previous Work
(Project Summary & Project Description) - JPEG files only please, we will not accept pdf, PowerPoint or tiff formats; minimum 150 dpi for 6” x 9” images) on CD-ROM or DVD-ROM;
r ARTIST STATEMENT & BIO
VISUAL DOCUMENTATION LIST (see page 17)
r
rREFERENCES
r RETURN POSTAGE (Only if application not retained for database)
Please send entry requirements listed above as separate files on a CD, no hard copies of these requirements will be accepted. Applications
will not be accepted by fax or email. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Deliver To:
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Calder Library Public Art Project c/o Edmonton Arts Council 10440-108 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5H 3Z9
Deadline: Received in office no later than 4:30 pm Wednesday, June 17, 2015
The information on this application is being collected under the authority of Section 33(c) of the FOIP Act and will be
used by the Edmonton Arts Council to determine eligibility for Edmonton Arts Council Public Art programs. The aggregate data may be used for program planning and evaluation. All information collected by the Edmonton Arts Council
is protected by the provisions of the FOIP Act. You may direct questions about the collection, use or disclosure of your
personal information by this program to the Edmonton Arts Council at (780) 424-2787.