Call for Entry – Interactive Art or Sculpture
Call for Entry: Interactive Art / Sculpture
Austin Street Plaza Project
● Organization: City of Roanoke, Texas
● Activated: July 1, 2024
● Submission Deadline: August 15, 2024 @ 12 noon
● Budget: $40,000
● Eligibility: Qualified Artist
● Category: Medium-sized interactive art piece, sculpture or selfie station
● Location: Austin Street Plaza, 211 N. Oak St, Roanoke, TX 76262
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Call Summary
The City of Roanoke invites artists to submit their work for consideration to create a selfie station or other interactive art piece to be installed in Austin Street Plaza as part of Roanoke’s Art + History Trail in Roanoke, Texas. This art project will feature an interactive element(s) highlighting Austin Street Plaza as an entertainment center for downtown Roanoke. Every spring and summer, Roanoke hosts its Evenings on Oak Street at the plaza. The plaza also hosts art shows and local performance groups during its many annual festivals, and it is decorated for Hometown Holidays in November and December.
This project aims to give life to this portion of the downtown area while celebrating the rich history and small-town charm of our growing community. We hope to inspire all people who pass this site to want to learn more about the city and appreciate what Roanoke has to offer visitors and residents alike.
The City of Roanoke values public art and the important role public art plays in creating a vibrant community. The creation of public art will enhance the aesthetics of the area and contribute to the overall vibrancy of the community.
It is highly recommended that artists visit downtown Roanoke to inspect the plaza. You can learn more about Roanoke on the City of Roanoke’s website.
The goals of this project are:
- Enhance the City’s Art + History Trail
- Add character to the downtown area
- Spotlight Roanoke’s rich history
- Engage the viewer beyond the project’s installation with an interactive element(s)
The project should meet the following objectives:
- Be visibly understandable
- To create an installation that is reflective of the community values
- Must be appropriate for the chosen location and for the mission of the City
- Must be original and unique to Roanoke
- Should have durability and permanence, including resistance to weathering and ease of maintenance
Artwork Location Description
Austin Street Plaza is located on the west side of North Oak Street at the end of Austin Street. The plaza includes a large pavilion and stage for performing groups. There is a large grassy area for seating, in addition to other grass and paved areas. There is a round area near the street. That area is highlighted in the photos. The available area (gravel) is 10 feet in diameter.
Deadline for Submission: August 15, 2024 @ 12 noon
Honorarium: $40,000
Approval and Awards Process
After the submission deadline is complete, the Art + History Trail Committee will vote on the submissions and choose up to three finalists. The finalist(s) will then go to the City Council for final selection before notice is given to the public. (Please note: City Council packets are open to the public, thus all selections will be made available online before the meeting. If you do not wish for your submission to made public, please inform us upon submission.)
The Committee will arrange the details needed to complete the project. The project is expected to be finished within 60-90 days after the date of notice of City Council approval.
Half of the honorarium ($20,000) will be given to the chosen artist after the contract is signed, and the remaining half ($20,000) will be paid upon completion of the project. The amount to be paid to the artist is inclusive of the design, construction process and supplies.
An Art + History Trail kickoff event is planned for the unveiling and promotion of the project. The artist will be a guest of honor at the event, and their work will be promoted on the City’s website and social media.
How to Apply:
- Digital submissions are required. Please send to kelli.thomerson@roanoketexas.com, or if the files are too large, you may mail or drop off a USB at Roanoke Visitor Center and Museum, 114 N. Oak St., Roanoke, TX 76262.
- Provide specific scope and rendering of proposed art work. Must be proportional to the actual dimensions. Submissions that are not to size proportionally will not be considered.
- Provide a maintenance sheet that states how to maintain the artwork and what materials should be used.
- Incomplete submissions will not be considered.
- Artists must have liability insurance covering the City for the duration of the time they are working on a project after selection. Selected artist will also be required to sign a hold harmless agreement.
Questions? Email: kelli.thomerson@roanoketexas.com