Call for Proposals: A Public Work of Art – The Button Project

Deadline Date: December 31, 2024

Donor Name: Bristol Community College

 Grant Size: $100,000 to $500,000

https://www.bristolcc.edu/about/inthecommunity/bristolholocaustandgenocidecenter/thebuttonproject.html

The Bristol Community College (Bristol) and its Holocaust & Genocide Center in Fall River, Massachusetts, invite artists and artist teams to submit proposals for a public artwork that incorporates 1.5 million buttons, each representing a child murdered in the Holocaust.

This project aims to honor the memory of these children and raise awareness about the atrocities of the Holocaust, fostering reflection and education among the community.

Funding Information

• A budget of $50,000-$150,000 is the target range for the project, covering materials, labor, and installation.

Eligibility Criteria

• They are seeking applications from artists and artist teams, at least 18 years old, including professional artists, sculptors, emerging artists, and creative teams of all backgrounds. 
• Preference will be given to those with experience in large-scale public art projects and working with unconventional materials. 
• Applicants must have demonstrated experience in creating outdoor and/or site-specific works of art and be present to assist in the installation of the artwork on site.

Review Criteria

• Artistic Merit: Judged on originality, creativity, and visual impact. 
• Relevance to Theme: Must clearly reflect and honor the memory of the 1.5 million children murdered in the Holocaust, integrating the buttons meaningfully into the artwork. 
• Artist Statement: The artists/artist team should demonstrate a deep and meaningful engagement in their approach to creating commemorative artwork, clearly communicating an understanding of the monument’s significance. Artists’ statements will be evaluated for their alignment with the college’s core priorities. 
• Project Context: Additionally, the artist/artist team should show cultural sensitivity through their previous work and articulate a clear understanding of the public and commemorative context of this project.
• Feasibility: Practicality of the proposal in terms of budget, timeline, and technical execution. Consideration of environmental durability. 
• Community Impact: Potential to engage and educate the community, fostering reflection and dialogue about the Holocaust. 
• Durability and Maintenance: Expected to withstand extreme temperature variations and salt exposure, with a minimum lifespan of 15 years and low-maintenance requirements.

Selection Criteria

• Proposals will be reviewed by a diverse panel of constituents, including art professionals, Bristol staff, and community representatives. Three finalists will be invited for an interview or presentation.

Application Requirements

• Applicants must submit a comprehensive proposal for this specific commission, including the following elements:
  • A brief Artist Biography/Statement 
  • A formal CV or Resume in PDF form demonstrating relevant past experience. Include up to three references from previous project collaborators or clients. 
  • Five to 10 images compiled into one PDF of past work that demonstrate the ability to execute large scale projects, including public projects. 
  • An explanation of why the project resonates with you along with a concept description (up to 500 words) explaining the artistic vision, intended message, and how the buttons will be incorporated. 
  • Visual documentation, including three to five sketches or digital renderings showing different views of the proposed artwork. Include a description of the envisioned public art piece, detailing materials, look and feel, interactive elements (if any), and installation needs. 
  • Please include size estimates. 
  • A project timeline from conception to installation.
  • A detailed budget breakdown, including materials, labor, fabrication, installation, and a statement of recommended long-term maintenance and conservation costs. Include with the materials list information specifying durability against environmental factors like extreme temperatures and salt exposure. Please indicate anticipated foundation or required anchoring support. 
  • The budget must cover all services from development through final completion, including artist fees, travel, community meetings, materials, creation, fabrication, installation, transportation, and project coordination.
  • Proposal preparation costs shall be the responsibility of the applicant.

For more information, visit Bristol Community College.