Louisville Metro Government’s Office of Planning and Office of Arts + Creative Industries is accepting qualifications from artists or artist teams for the Parkland Corridor Asphalt Art Project. This initiative merges public art with transportation infrastructure to enhance pedestrian safety and enrich community space along 28th St. between Garland Ave. and Dumesnil St.
Louisville Metro’s Office of Arts + Creative Industries and the Commission on Public Art believe:
• Public art is vital to building a dynamic and equitable city for everyone
• Public art encourages dialogue across economic, social, racial, political, historic and
religious differences
• Public art inspires the viewer
• Public art is necessary in all communities
Eligibility:
Open to artists and artist teams who reside in Louisville, KY. Artists who reside in the Parkland neighborhood are especially encouraged to apply.
Description:
Louisville's first street mural will anchor this public art project, prioritizing pedestrian safety at the mid-block crossing that services Parkland Plaza and the Parkland Business District. "Paint and post" curb extensions (bump-outs) with interior asphalt art will extend along the corridor, creating a unified and continuous path that will safely connect pedestrians and cyclists to key services and amenities over six city blocks. For years now, 28th Street has primarily served as a road through, rather than to, central Parkland. High vehicle speeds result from low traffic volumes and underutilized on-street parking. Colorful public art will enhance the local business district and heighten awareness for both motorists and pedestrians, offering added safety. The Office of Arts + Creative Industries seeks to engage of a cohort of artists (preferably with connections to Parkland) to design Louisville’s first street mural and additional asphalt art installations. The designs will be generated from themes, concepts, and imagery suggested by Parkland residents. Selected artists will be asked to collaborate and produce final designs within a defined color palette.
Budget:
Three levels of commissions will be awarded:
Large Street Mural (design only)
Installation will be handled by a third-party contractor. The budget for design only is $10,000
Large Curb Extensions (design only)
Installation of these components will be handled by a third-party contractor. The budget for design only is $5,000
Standard Intersection Curb Extensions (design and installation)
Includes design and installation on four sidewalk bump-outs. Artists will be responsible for design and installation and will be required to use traffic-grade paint specified by Louisville Metro Government. The budget for design and installation will be based on a square foot calculation for each individual intersection, but is approximately $30,000 per intersection.
Budgets are all inclusive of artist fees, materials, insurance, and installation (if applicable). Metro will provide technical assistance regarding permitting and traffic management.
Locations:
One street mural will be selected for design Mid-Block on 28th Street. Additional projects will be funded for design and/or installation throughout the corridor between Dumesnil St. and Garland Ave.
Selection Process:
A Selection Committee will review artists’ qualifications. selection committee for this project will include representatives from Louisville Metro Government (Public Works, Planning, and Arts + Creative Industries), the Commission on Public Art, Metro Council, and potentially local stakeholders. Louisville Metro Government reserves the right to reject any or all applications, proposals, applications, or projects, and to modify or terminate the application process or the selection process for any reason and without prior notice.
The following criteria will be used to select finalists, based on the submitted materials:
- Experience engaging with community residents and stakeholders;
- Artistic and technical quality of past work, including mastery of skills and techniques relevant to current project goals and location;
- Proven ability of successfully completing similar projects with comparable deadlines, expectations, and budget.
No specific proposals will be expected or accepted. Shortlisted finalists may be contacted for an interview with the selection committee. Selected artists will be asked to participate in at least one community engagement event and will also be asked to collaborate with other artists commissioned artists.
Estimated Project Timeline:
Deadline to submit: June 15th
Artists selected: June 28th
Installation: September/October
