City of Amsterdam Traffic Circle Public Art Project

Deadline: Application will close Thursday, February 23, 2023, 2:00pm. No applications will be accepted after this time. Do not submit a project proposal or design at this time.

Total Project Budget: $50,000

OVERVIEW

They City of Amsterdam was awarded NYS Round 3 Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) funding to install public art reflective of community identity and draw visitors to downtown destinations.

The use of public art, either as strategically placed sculptures, wall murals, decorative lighting, or installations, will draw visitors to the city as these are introduced and become publicized. The use of public art as a revitalization tool is well known as it has a direct correlation to increased visitation, and investments in new businesses, retail, and restaurant establishments. As with property upgrades, the presence of art in public spaces indicates a sense of caring from the community that translates to a perception of safety to visitors, which in turn encourages more visitors to the downtown.

This type of investment has the capacity to increase visitation to, and improve the visibility of downtown businesses, landmarks, and institutions. Additionally, the perception of downtown Amsterdam as a visitor-friendly destination will increase the desirability of the downtown as a place to work, live and visit.

The City of Amsterdam invites artists and artist teams to submit qualifications to be considered for a permanent public art opportunity located in the traffic circle on NYS Route 5 in downtown Amsterdam, New York. The final selected artist will create a permanent art installation at the site. Artists who have experience designing, fabricating, and installing projects with a similar budget and scope, are encouraged to apply.

The City of Amsterdam is seeking to contract with an artist to design, fabricate, and install artistic features in the newly constructed traffic circle. Possibilities for Public Art include, but are not limited to, free standing sculpture or kinetic sculpture.

The artwork must be of durable, vandal-proof, weather-resistant and low-maintenance material, suitable for an outdoor northeast environment. The design and materials must mitigate any potential hazard to the public, such as no sharp, or protruding elements. The artwork must not be religious or political in subject matter.

NYS DOT TRAFFIC CIRCLE SPECIFICATIONS

16’ diameter for use.
The 16’ x 16’ for use envelope provided was based on sight distance so any width or shape within that framework.
Height needs to conform with the City of Amsterdam Zoning Code.
The 16’ x 16’ for use envelope provided will provide sufficient clear zone for movable sculptures.
No spearing features at a driver’s height.
Preferably a piece of art that can be admired from the outer sidewalk, and not be so intricate or inviting that pedestrians feel the need to go up to it and enter the center island.
Traffic circle schematic included.

BUDGET

The artist or artist team with the final selected proposal will be awarded a contract not to exceed $50,000. The artist or artist team will be responsible for artist fees, insurance, engineering, fabrication, and installation, and any site preparation and restoration, permitting, travel, meeting with City of Amsterdam staff as necessary, contingencies, and all related incidental expenses. Site preparation will be provided by the City of Amsterdam within reasonable expectations.

ELIGIBILITY

This project is open to applicants regardless of race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, or disability. Teams of artists, designers, and/or engineers are welcome to apply. Amsterdam, NY and surrounding area artists are encouraged to apply. Incomplete, ineligible, or late submissions will be deemed ineligible and will not be considered.

Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Article 15-A, the State recognizes its obligation under the law to promote opportunities for maximum feasible participation of certified minority-and women-owned business enterprises and the employment of minority group members and women in the performance of State contracts. Accordingly, the City of Amsterdam encourages the submission of proposals by Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) firms to meet the State-established overall goal of 30% for MWBE participation (15% MBE/15% WBE).

APPLY

Qualifications should be submitted by Thursday, February 23, 2023, 2:00pm to:

City of Amsterdam Clerk’s Office
RFQ: 01-2023
Church Street Amsterdam, NY 12010

Submit three (3) paper copies of qualifications and one (1) electronic version of qualifications.
A brief statement of interest, limited to two pages, by the artist or principal contact (for artist teams). Please address reasons for interest in creating artwork for this location and why your work would be meaningful and appropriate for the City of Amsterdam traffic circle, and a summary of the artist’s or team’s experience with similar projects.
A resume (for each team member, when applicable) demonstrating relevant work experience and training.
2 professional references.
8-10 Sample Artwork Images – please show relevant work samples. Must have completed at least two large-scale works with budgets of $40,000 or greater.
Image citations describing each completed work that you submit for reference. Citations should include a brief description including name of project, year of installation, material(s), location, budget, and any other relevant project information.
Mention of how you heard about this RFQ.
Make certain your name, address, e-mail address and phone number are clearly listed on your statement of interest, resume and other materials.

EVALUATION

The selection criteria shall include, but is not limited to, the professional qualifications of the artist/artist teams as evidenced by the supporting materials, proven ability to undertake projects of the described scope, artistic merit, and superior caliber craftsmanship as evidenced by the images. The Selection Committee will choose as finalists those artists who demonstrate an appropriate sensibility and motivation for this project. After the initial review, up to three finalists will be selected to visit the site prior to submitting a full proposal.

ANTICIPATED PROJECT SCHEDULE: *

January 2023: RFQ opens
February 23, 2023: RFQ closes
March 1, 2023: Selection committee reviews submissions
Late March 2023: Finalist notifications, interviews
April 2023: Artist selection and contract development
May-July 2023: Design and approval
July-November 2023: Fabrication, site prep, and installation
December 2023: Project complete

*Schedule and timeline are subject to change.

INQUIRIES

All inquiries regarding the RFQ should be made in writing and sent either regular mail or e-mail and must cite the RFQ section in question. Inquiries should be directed to: