C I T Y O F M E R C E D
R EQ U EST F O R PROPOSALS
Open Call for Artists
RFP Released: 02.01.2024 Deadline
for Submittals: 04.5.2024
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
About the City of Merced ............................................... 2 About Merced’s Arts & Culture Advisory Commission . 2
1. Project Description ................................................... 3
2. Selection Process .................................................... 3
3. Evaluation Criteria .................................................... 4
4. Submission Requirements ....................................... 5
5. Submitting Qualifications & Inquiry Contact ............. 5
6. Proposed Timeline for the Downtown Art Project ..... 6
7. Artist Agreement ...................................................... 6 Draft
CITY OF MERCED
Request for Proposals – Open Call for Artists
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A
BOUT THE CITY OF MERCED
M
erced is a dynamic community of over 90,000 people, with a friendly small-town living in a mid- size city. The University of California Merced campus, opened in 2005, provides new educational and economic opportunities, adding to the already-established growth of the region. As a result, Merced’s population is youthful and diverse. Located in the heart of California’s agricultural Central Valley, Merced is the region’s hub for education, culture, and business. The community offers abundant shopping, pleasant neighborhoods, and tree- lined streets. Bicycle paths along creeks link major City parks. Even with recent increases in prices, Merced’s housing remains affordable compared to many other California locations. In addition, Merced’s revitalized downtown is emerging as the entertainment center of the area. Annual events and festivals bring regional and even national recognition.
The City’s many amenities include the Applegate Zoo, Art Kamangar Center at the Merced Theatre, The Mainzer Theatre and Restaurant, The Merced Multicultural Arts Center, Playhouse Merced, The Senior Community Center, The Historic Tioga Apartments, Merced College, University of California, Merced, a wide array of restaurants, various sports facilities, Lake Yosemite, plentiful public transportations, and more.
ABOUT MERCED’S ARTS & CULTURE ADVISORY
COMMISSION
The
Arts and Culture Advisory Commission (ACAC) was established in 2018 to advise the City Council on matters about public art, art projects, cultural programs, and activities, and the promotion of art within the City of Merced (M.M.C. section 2.54.010). The ACAC’s mission is to encourage and promote programs and events that enhance the art and cultural development in Merced while engaging community members and local businesses; promote the role of art and culture in contributing to the beautification and quality of life in Merced; recognize art and cultural events and activities that enhance vitality and innovation in Merced; promote inclusion of artistic endeavors and cultural activities reflective of the Merced community; and preserve the community’s artistic works and cultural identities.
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1. P
ROJECT DESCRIPTION
Th
e Arts and Culture Advisory Commission (ACAC) invites the submission of professional and experienced artists’ proposals for an opportunity to create artwork within the boundaries of the City of Merced. Artists who have experience in painting, drawing, collage, printmaking, textiles, and photography are encouraged to apply. Select artists will be contracted to establish original artwork as projects become available through an artist agreement. The City provides an open call for art projects on existing City-owned facilities or City right-of- ways. Examples of City facilities and rights-of-way include, but are not limited to the following:
Alleyways Plazas
Bridges Sidewalks
Fences Utility Boxes
Parks Walls
The application submittal deadline is 5 p.m. (PST) Friday, April 5, 2024.
2. S
ELECTION PROCESS
• T
he Arts and Cultural Advisory Commission will identify city owned properties and rights of way for this project.
• The ACAC has designated a subcommittee to review, score, and advise on the selection of artists and approval of concept designs. Based on the subcommittee’s selections, the ACAC will make a recommendation to the City Council. The City Council will have final approval authority.
• All projects will enhance the aesthetic appeal of our public spaces, foster community engagement, convey meaningful messages, create a sense of identity, and contribute to cultural enrichment, which are all efforts the City Council is committed to across all service areas. In every way possible, the City of Merced strives to provide equal access to all its residents and supports services and programs that promote inclusivity.
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3. E
VALUATION CRITERIA
S
election Criteria. The Selection Panel shall use the following criteria to select an artist and artist concept:
• Meets the definition of artist, as defined by the ACAC policy; • Demonstrates artistic excellence, innovation, and originality as represented in past work and supporting materials;
• Demonstrates capacity for working in media and with concepts that are appropriate to the project goals and site;
• Demonstrates interest and capability in creating Public Art in collaboration with the City, design teams, and other project partners;
• Demonstrates interest and capability in engaging community representatives in a project;
• Demonstrates experience in completing works of similar scope, scale, budget, and complexity, or articulates how s/he will bring the necessary artistic and technical skills to the project;
• Demonstrates interest in and understanding of the project as outlined in the Project Plan;
• Is available to perform the scope of work in a timely and professional manner; • Demonstrates artistic merit, including excellence in aesthetic quality, artistry, innovation, and creativity;
• Demonstrates appropriateness in scale and form and is of materials/media suitable for the site;
• Ability to reduce cost through economies of scale
• Demonstrates feasibility of construction and installation; • Demonstrates feasibility in terms of budget, timeline, safety, security, durability, operation, maintenance, conservation, legal and ethical issues; • Builds the diversity of the Public Art Collection.
• Permanence concerning resistance to theft, graffiti, weathering, and repair costs • Residency of artist
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4. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
This is an open competitive process for the City of Merced – Open Call for Art Projects. The RFP outlines the step-by-step process and conditions that apply.
To submit credentials for consideration, you must include the following materials in the order listed:
1) Cover sheet with name, phone number, email address, and website (if applicable) 2) A statement of interest, including a vision for public artwork 3) Proposed artwork sample, description of the artwork, and how the artwork will be applied. Please include all images in jpeg, or PNG format on 8.5x11” page(s). Images on a thumb drive, individual photo attachments, or video will not be considered. 4) Resume that includes an exhibition history, past projects, and experience with cooperative community-driven projects
5) A minimum of three samples of previous original artwork with brief descriptions (photo printouts or flash drive containing samples are preferred). Please include all images in jpeg, or PNG format on 8.5x11” page(s). Images on a thumb drive, individual photo attachments, or video will not be considered.
6) Three (3) references the panel may contact for previous artwork and experience 7) Artist commission fees for applicable projects
5. INQUIRY CONTACT & SUBMITTING
QUALIFICATIONS
Direct all inquiries to Senior Management Analyst/Public Information Officer, Jennifer Flachman via email, by 5 pm, Friday, February 16, 2024.
APPLICATION PACKAGES ARE DUE BY 5 PM (PST) ON FRIDAY,
April 5, 2024.
Address proposals to:
Senior Management Analyst/Public Information Officer, Jennifer Flachman City of Merced / Office of the City Manager
678 W. 18th Street
Merced, CA 95340
Proposals are accepted via mail and hand-delivery if received by the deadline. Proposals will not be accepted via postmarked mail, email, and fax.
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6. PROPOSED TIMELINE FOR THE OPEN CALL FOR
ART PROJECTS
02/01/2024 – 04/05/2024 – Post RFP on City Website:
• Allow 65 days for qualifications to be received
• Qualifications will be initially screened to ensure minimum requirements are met 04/06/2024 through 04/30/2024 – Selection Panel Rates Proposals:
• Review Independently and Score
• Scores compiled for May ACAC Meeting
05/16/2024 – ACAC Meeting:
• Selection Panel makes recommendation to ACAC
• ACAC adopts recommendation to City Council
06/03/2024
• ACAC recommendation to City Council for consideration of funding in City of Merced Fiscal Year 2024/25 Budget
06/05/2024 – Issue Notice to Proceed (subject to Artist Agreement decision):
• Letter sent to artist granting authority to perform work on City property
7. ARTIST AGREEMENT
Upon recommendation of the ACAC, the City Manager or designee shall coordinate agreements with selected artists, curators, and cultural organizations. The agreement may include the scope of work, fee, schedule, and relevant terms and conditions. The scope of work will generally include the final design, engineering, fabrication, and installation of the artwork. All such agreements will be presented to the City Council to approve Artist Services Agreements, Artwork License Agreements, Talent Services Agreements, Artwork Loan Agreements, and Artwork Gift Agreements. Approval for other agreement types shall follow the current Award Authority for Contracts.
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