public art request for proposals - temporary artworks in
TRANSCRIPT
Public Art Request for Proposals - Temporary Artworks in Libraries
ABOUT THE PROJECT
The Louisville Free Public Library (LFPL) is a cultural institution where all visitors may engage in lifelong
learning through library holdings, programs, and arts experiences. Art collections, exhibitions, and
programs such as COLLIDER Artist-in-Residence are examples of LFPL arts experiences.
In 2021, as libraries re-open after being closed for a year due to COVID-19, LFPL and the city’s
Commission on Public Art (COPA) formed a partnership to offer a new artist opportunity for temporary
public artworks in libraries.
COPA is a commission of the Louisville Metro Government, focused on public art in Louisville/Jefferson
County. Additional collaborators for the project include The Library Foundation and Friends of the
Library.
Please note the underlined text throughout this document provides links to a webpage or email address.
Project Goals:
• Create site-specific public art that is reflective of the Library’s core value of welcoming all people.
• Welcome community back to the library, with experiences to promote healing and reconnecting.
• Create art that is accessible to all and consistent with the library’s family environment.
• Celebrate neighborhood culture—past or present—specific to the community in which the library resides.
• Promote an exchange of ideas through an arts experience.
Proposal submissions for temporary public artworks are due by 11:59 pm on April 30, 2021.
Primary Contacts:
Paul Burns Sarah Lindgren
Louisville Free Public Library Louisville Metro Commission on Public Art
[email protected] [email protected]
502-574-1683 502-574-1554
PROJECT BUDGET
The total budget is $25,000. Through this RFP, we will commission five projects of $5,000 each.
Each $5,000 project budget is all-inclusive and will include artist or artist team fees, materials,
fabrication, installation, performance and/or event costs. For this opportunity, artists will not be
required to have an insurance policy or stamped engineer plans. Artists will receive assistance with any
permitting requirements. Artists or artist teams are expected to manage the project within the $5,000
budget.
This opportunity is supported by a grant to The Library Foundation from the city’s Public Space Art Fund,
with additional support from the George and Mary Alice Hadley Fund at the Community Foundation of
Louisville.
TIMELINE
March 18 RFP announced
April 8, 6p and
April 9, 12 noon Virtual Information Sessions for artists:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/98522144110?pwd=OUVaRndTMkxhS0JEUTBOU2R1VDdxQT09
Meeting ID: 985 2214 4110
Passcode: 298043
[Applicants are encouraged to visit the library sites in person. Libraries reopen
March 26th. Visit the LFPL website for locations and hours.]
April 26 Deadline for questions. Submit questions by 4p to [email protected] or
April 30 RFP submission deadline. Apply online at www.LFPL.org/PublicArt by 11:59 pm.
[Computer and internet access are available through LFPL. Visit the LFPL website
for locations and hours or call 502-574-1611.]
By May 14 Committee review and artist selection. All applicants will be notified. Follow up
meetings will be scheduled with each selected artist or artist team.
June 5 Final design approval with library and city staff.
By August 1 Projects are completed, installed, and/or event scheduled.
August-September Artists required to participate in “Meet the Artist” event for each project.
October-December Deinstallation will be scheduled for each project.
ARTIST ELIGIBILITY
This opportunity is open to any artist or artist team in Louisville/Jefferson County, and any artistic
discipline. Proposals may include, but are not limited to, visual art, installation, performance, spoken
word, event-based, and media art.
• Emerging to mid-career artists are encouraged to apply.
• Artists may apply as an individual or as a team.
• At least three of five commissions will be awarded to artists or artist teams participating in the
“Making It Public” workshop series.
“Making It Public” workshops are led by Forecast Public Art in February and March 2021 and sponsored
by the George and Mary Alice Hadley Fund at the Community Foundation of Louisville.
The project partners are committed to providing opportunities to people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate based on race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, veteran status, or physical ability.
SELECTION PROCESS
A selection committee will review all proposals. The committee will include LFPL, COPA, and
neighborhood residents for each library branch location.
Artist selection will be based on the following criteria:
• Clear description of the proposed project
• Proposed project is feasible within the budget, timeline, and site
• Relevance to the project goals:
o Create site-specific public art that is reflective of the Library’s core value of welcoming all people.
o Welcome community back to the library, with experiences to promote healing and reconnecting.
o Create art that is accessible to all and consistent with the library’s family environment. o Celebrate neighborhood culture—past or present—specific to the community in which the
library resides. o Promote an exchange of ideas through an arts experience.
The committee will select proposals based on the criteria above. The committee will not require
commissioned projects to be evenly distributed amongst library branch locations. For example, a library
branch may have more than one project, or no projects, depending upon proposals received and
selected. The committee will select five total proposals through this RFP.
Please consider that libraries are public spaces and must maintain a safe and accessible environment.
Proposals that would disrupt the library space or utilize unsafe materials may not be compatible with
this opportunity. If you are unsure, please submit questions so that useful feedback may be provided as
you develop your proposal.
PROJECT SITES
Applicants may select from one of the following library branch locations:
Fairdale, Iroquois, Newburg, Portland, Shawnee
See pages 6-16 of this RFP for detailed information about each library.
LFPL staff will provide expertise on library facilities and operations during the Virtual Information
Sessions (see Timeline above). Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend a Virtual Information
Session and to visit libraries in person (reopening March 26).
Please note that artists or artist teams will be required to return project sites to original condition at the
conclusion of the project.
HOW TO SUBMIT
Applicants may apply online at www.LFPL.org/PublicArt. Please submit the following:
• Lead artist contact information
• One-page letter describing your interest in this project and your approach to artmaking and stakeholder engagement.
• Artwork proposal including a clear description of your project. Please include: o Written narrative description, or audio/video recording of narrative description (no
more than 3 minutes) o Visual representation, which may be a concept drawing, sketch, rendering, or video (no
more than 3 minutes)
• Work samples: up to 5 digital images, writing samples, audio or video files of your recent projects. Individuals and teams are limited to 5 work samples maximum.
o Audio or video files, 1 work sample = 1 minute o Writing samples, 1 work sample = 1 page of writing o Save all images as standard JPEG o Label each work sample with applicant's full name and number in sequence with list of
work samples.
• One-page document listing each work sample. Please provide a brief description.
• Indicate whether you participated in the “Making It Public” workshop series.
• Indicate the library you have selected for your proposal.
All proposal submissions must be received by 11:59 pm on April 30, 2021.
Artists are encouraged to attend one of the virtual Information Sessions: April 8, 6p or April 9, 12 noon
Join Zoom Meeting - https://zoom.us/j/98522144110?pwd=OUVaRndTMkxhS0JEUTBOU2R1VDdxQT09
Meeting ID: 985 2214 4110
Passcode: 298043
QUESTIONS
Please submit all questions via email by April 26. Questions will be compiled, with answers, and posted
online. Response to questions submitted after April 26 will be subject to staff availability.
For questions related to library facilities and operations contact: [email protected], 502-574-1683.
For all other questions contact: [email protected], 502-574-1554.
PROJECT SITES - LOUISVILLE FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY BRANCH LOCATIONS
The following pages include information and photos for each library. Project sites within each library are
not limited to these photos and descriptions. Applicants are strongly encouraged to make a site visit to
explore the library branch and project sites where you would like to create temporary public art!
Fairdale Library Iroquois Library Newburg Library Portland Library Shawnee Library
FAIRDALE
10620 W. Manslick Road, Louisville, Kentucky 40118, (502) 375-2051
The Fairdale Library reflects the Library’s commitment to lifelong learning and serving as an educational
and cultural anchor in the Fairdale community. The library employs state-of-the-art technology, has a
large children’s section, and makes use of energy efficient and green building methods and materials.
The library houses books and computers, a private study room, small and large community meeting
rooms, and plenty of chairs and tables for quiet research and study. The library is accessible by
wheelchair and there are two accessible parking spots on the left side of the front doors (when facing
the doors).
History
After a local petition drive, the original Fairdale branch opened in July 1974. The branch served the
community for six years out of a second-floor room at Fairdale High School. The original Fairdale branch
closed its doors in 1980. Determined to keep a library in the community, local volunteers maintained a
small lending library that mainly consisted of donated materials. The volunteer library was housed in the
Fairdale Memorial Playtorium.
After a long wait the community of Fairdale received a permanent library branch in 1998 in the Fairdale
Memorial Playtorium. The branch represents the culmination of the efforts of all those individuals
involved in the endeavor and it is truly something in which the whole community can have pride. In
2012 a new, free-standing 7600 square foot Fairdale Library opened.
Built with advanced green technologies and eco-friendly architectural design, the Fairdale Library was
awarded LEED Silver-certification. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, an
internationally recognized green building certification system providing third-party verification that a
building was designed and built sustainably and with low environmental impact in mind. The Library’s
green features include geothermal heating and cooling, daylight harvesting interior lighting,
environmentally friendly building materials, and energy efficient windows and fixtures.
Outdoor spaces can
accommodate
performance, small
gatherings, or
installation.
Landscape bed along
library wall is 6’ front to
back. Side lawn is a small
open space. Glass panels
at entrance, each 8’ x 3’.
Interior spaces can
accommodate
installations.
Flat surface over
entrance with strong
exterior light. Large wall
of windows, each panel
11’ x 4’.
Large wall spaces
adjacent to windows and
above circulation desk.
Community room can
accommodate
performance or small
gathering.
IROQUOIS
601 W. Woodlawn Avenue, Louisville, Kentucky 40215, (502) 574-1720
The Iroquois Library is part of the historic Beechmont Neighborhood in South Louisville and serves a
diverse clientele whose ethnic backgrounds vary widely. Iroquois Library features a computer learning
center, community gallery, diverse collections and programs—including those designed for
internationals—and bilingual staff (Spanish/English, Somali/English, and Arabic/English). Accessible
parking is available on 6th street near our marquee sign. An elevator/wheelchair accessible entrance can
be found on the east side of the building, near 6th street.
History
The Iroquois Library’s origin lies in its neighborhood’s demand for public library service. A 1938 fund
drive, spearheaded by the Beechmont Civic Club, raised funds for construction and purchase of land for
the Library. Donors purchased certificates of ownership, issued in units of square inches, for the project.
The funds raised, when combined with the support of City officials and the resources of the Federal
Works Progress Administration, led to the construction of the Library. The Iroquois Library remains an
anchor in its community, adapting over time and now serving as the hub of the Library system’s work
with the International community, which began in earnest in 2003.
Outdoor spaces can accommodate
performance, gatherings, or
installation.
Library grounds include large lawn
space, trees, small garden, benches
(5’ wide each), and brick patio (5’
wide, 32’ length, 16’ diameter). Front
lawn is 28’ deep.
Community room on lower level can
accommodate performance or small
gathering.
Interior entrance space can
accommodate installations.
Metal railing 36” high. Four columns
are 12’ high, 24” x 13”
Interior window can accommodate
installations.
Window opening is 3.5’ x 9.5’
NEWBURG
4800 Exeter Avenue, Louisville, Kentucky 40218, (502) 479-6160
The 8300 square foot Newburg Library is education driven. With a high school, two middle schools and
three elementary schools nearby, the focus is on study space, books and computers to help children and
teens succeed in school. It is outfitted with the latest technology for computers, internet access, and
media production. Every day, parents and grandparents are reading to children in the rocking chairs or
comfortable window seats. A teen area, study tables, study room, and space for tutoring make the
library the perfect place for students to do their homework. There are accessible parking spots located
outside the library's entrance. The branch is a single level and is wheelchair accessible.
History
Newburg is a community of businesses, homes, social and civic organizations, churches and schools, but
the residents are its greatest asset. The dream of building a library in Newburg became a reality in 2009
and building the library has been a community effort. Newburg residents and Friends groups from
across Louisville have donated time, money, and books to open the doors of the library to the public.
The Newburg Library is for everyone. With more than 30 touch screen computers available for adults,
teens, and children, a comfortable corner to sit quietly and read, and a versatile multi-purpose room,
the library is ready to serve individuals and groups alike.
State-of-the-art computers, self-checkout, and lights that automatically adjust to save energy are some
of the new technologies and eco-friendly features you'll find at the Newburg Library. You can quickly
and easily check out your own materials, including multimedia items like books on CD and DVDs with
self-service check out.
Computers aren’t the only hi-tech features at Newburg. The building's advanced green technologies and
eco-friendly architectural design have helped make the Newburg Library Metro Government’s first LEED
Silver-certified building. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, an
internationally recognized green building certification system providing third-party verification that a
building was designed and built sustainably and with low environmental impact in mind.
The Library’s green features include geothermal heating and cooling, daylight harvesting interior lighting
that adjusts depending on the amount of sunlight coming in from outside, and energy efficient windows.
A high insulation white roof funnels rainwater directly into a native rain garden, filtering it naturally
through the ground. The library features solar and wind powered outdoor lighting and a new solar-
powered roof. The outdoor lighting is programmed to complement the library’s hours of operation. The
solar panels, installed on the existing roof, generate more than enough energy to power the library’s
lighting systems.
Outdoor spaces can
accommodate
performance,
gatherings, or
installation.
Installation space over
the entrance sign.
Library grounds include
side lawn and trees.
Community rooms can
accommodate
performance or small
gatherings.
Interior wall spaces.
Long wall over seating is
22’ wide. Wall adjacent
to meeting room is 11’ x
9’.
PORTLAND
3305 Northwestern Parkway, Louisville, Kentucky 40212, (502) 574-1744
The Portland Branch has 11 computer workstations on its main level, with access to the Internet. The
branch has wide variety of books for children and adults, as well as a collection of videos and movies. An
accessible entrance exists from the alley behind the library on 33rd Street. Turn into the driveway, and
you will find a wheelchair ramp and two accessible parking spots behind the library's building.
History
The Portland Branch Library is the third oldest branch in the Louisville Free Public Library system. Since
its founding in 1905, the Portland Branch has continually evolved to better serve the needs of the
community around it. In addition to checking out books and magazines, patrons can also use one of the
branch’s 11 state-of-the-art touch-screen computers for word processing, filling out resumes, or just
surfing the web.
The Portland Branch is also interested in inspiring the next generation of readers and community
leaders. The auditorium is used for children's story times, computer classes, guest speakers, and special
events. The auditorium is also available for use as a community meeting room. The Portland Reading
Program, a reading enrichment project, uses the auditorium daily during the school year. The Reading
Program coordinators, along with a committed group of high school students, help children improve
their reading and speaking abilities. The children are from Portland Elementary, grades 1-3.
The Portland Branch Library first opened in rented quarters at 2611 Portland Avenue with a collection
that consisted of 1,400 books selected from the Main Branch. The branch moved to Lewis Lodge on 26th
Street in 1907. A grant from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation provided the funds for the Library's
permanent building. In 1913 the Portland Branch opened in its current location.
Service to the community has taken many forms over the last century. During the 1937 flood, the Red
Cross set up a first aid relief center for flood refugees at the library. It helped more than 1,500 people
before the building had to be abandoned. The Portland Branch continues to reach out to the community
by forming partnerships with neighborhood schools and service agencies.
Outdoor spaces and front entrance can
accommodate performance,
gatherings, or installation.
Front lawn is 22’ square, each side.
Columns are 12’ x 16”. There is also a
large lawn behind the library.
Community room on lower level can
accommodate performance or small
gathering.
Windows can accommodate
installation.
Each window panel is 80” x 45”
SHAWNEE
3912 West Broadway, Louisville, Kentucky 40211, (502) 574-1722
The Shawnee Branch features touch-screen computers, a large collection of works by African American
authors, spaces for children and teens, a computer learning lab, two study rooms, and a large meeting
room available to the community. The wheelchair ramp and an accessible door are both to the left of
the front stairs. There are two accessible parking spots on the street outside the entrance.
History
Since the 1860s there has been a library at the 3900 block of West Broadway. The first building was
constructed of red brick and was built on land donated by Mr. Henry Garr. It served as a community
meeting house and a library for which books were donated by people in the neighborhood. After a
controversy concerning ownership of the building, the citizens successfully sued to continue to use the
site as a library.
The second building was a frame building which opened to the public in 1922. In 1937 the flood which
ruined so much in the city of Louisville filled the library with water up to the eaves of the building,
ruining the collection and seriously damaging the building itself. The third building which was
constructed by the WPA of red brick and stone is the one which stands now.
To be of genuine service to its community, a library needs to be much more than bricks, books, meeting
rooms, or staff. Over the years, the Shawnee Branch has presented programs and story hours for
children as well as programs for adults. The Derby Fever program, held each April before the Kentucky
Derby, is a special event that many West End patrons look forward to each year. In July of 1999, the
Shawnee Branch opened a Computer Learning Center and began offering free computer classes to the
public.
The Shawnee Branch has been central to the educational enrichment of the West End for many years.
With new projects like the Computer Learning Center, enhanced information sources through access to
electronic databases and the Internet, and the continuation of the "old faithful" reading emphasis, it will
continue to be an important resource for our neighbors on West Broadway and throughout Jefferson
County.
In 2011 the Shawnee Library re-opened after an extensive 8-month expansion and renovation project.
The project included a new 6,000 square foot addition and renovation of the original 73-year-old library.
The new library provides state-of-the-art technology, more study space, new teen and children’s areas,
and more public computers.
Outdoor spaces can
accommodate
performance or
gatherings.
Side lawn is a large open
space.
Interior entrance space
can accommodate
installations.
Metal railing 42” x 12’
long. Four columns are
12’ high, 21” x 14”.
Interior study rooms
and rear façade
windows can
accommodate
installations.
Study room glass panels
each 80” x 25”. Window
panels each 66” x 34”