1% for Art project, UNK Calvin T. Ryan Library

THIS CALL HAS CLOSED.

Budget: $232,200

Activated: 10/07/2022
Deadline: 12/30/2022

Call Summary
The Calvin T. Ryan Library has been essential to student success since UNK was established as the Nebraska State Normal School in Kearney in 1905.

This renovation of the current Library includes new accessible entrances and a focus on opening up circulation spaces. The goal is to create an inviting and equitable experience. There was a great effort to design a space that encourages students to linger in gathering areas, collaborate on group projects, utilize specialty media spaces like the radio station and student paper, or browse the library collection.

The Calvin T. Ryan Library is an essential hub of the campus and the Library interacts with every other department on campus . It is a space that strives for accessibility or democratization of education. The Library is a place to exchange and gain information and academic resources by interacting with knowledge, various collections of books, and study groups. It also houses several University departments and programs, including the UNK Learning Commons and the Honor’s Program.

Budget Description
A maximum of $232,300 is allocated for this project.
Finalists will receive a presentation honorarium and a travel stipend, if applicable.
All expenses for the selected design and commission are the responsibility of the artist/team, including but not limited to:
travel/lodging, fabrication and supplies, installation expenses (as needed: engineering, rigging, equipment rental, etc)

Project Description
The Calvin T. Ryan Library is an essential hub of the campus and the Library interacts with every other department on campus in some way. It is a space that strives for accessibility or democratization of education. The Library is a place to exchange and gain information and academic resources; a place to interact with knowledge, various collections of books, and study groups. It also houses several University departments and programs, including the UNK Learning Commons and the Honor’s Program.
There are three site options for the Library. Each submitting artist should review the sites and note which site they prefer in the artist’s statement. Only one artist will be selected for the full budget listed, and will receive the full budget for the site they select.
Artists can choose the the East Entrance Vestibule, the East façade, and/or the West Entrance. Artists can select multiple sites. In particular, the Committee is interested in proposals that carry a concept from the East Entrance Vestibule or the East Façade to the West entrance.
However, artists will not necessarily gain preference for proposing multiple sites. Artists must consider longevity of materials and maintenance methodology, especially for an exterior piece or for any work that is physically interactive.
Full renderings and department descriptions on this Google Drive page: https://bit.ly/3eJ00EG

Artwork Location Description
Site Option descriptions (images on following pages):
1) East Entrance Vestibule: The Library’s main and most used entrance is on the University Quad and bell tower. In this renovation, the entrance will expand outward and have a large two story atrium, which will be visible from within the library on both floors. For this site option, the committee envisions a sculpture piece that is suspended from the ceiling, or artwork that is highly visible through the glass of the entrance and into the library. If approached appropriately, that may also be achieved by using the wall or a glass treatment.
2) East façade: Adjacent to the East Entrance, there are large flat wall areas on the outside of the Library. This potential site option could have attached sculptural wall elements in an effort to create a more inviting entrance to the library and visual excitement on the quad. The façade of the building is composed of brick and stone masonry.
3) West Entrance: The UNK campus has pathways through campus buildings leading from east to west. While the main entrance faces the Quad, the back entrance connects it to the pathway. This site option is available to artists who would like their artwork to make a connection through the building and on the pathway through campus, or to carry a conceptual thread throughout the Library.

Site History
The Calvin T. Ryan Library has been essential to student success since UNK was established as the Nebraska State Normal School in Kearney in 1905. Initially a room in the main administration building, the post-WWII enrollment growth highlighted need for a greatly expanded library space. Librarian Alice Paine was an integral advocate for construction of a dedicated library building; it opened in 1963 and was named for English professor Calvin T. Ryan. An addition in 1983 provided increased space for teaching and other activities.

Eligibility
Professional public artists/teams within the U.S. are eligible. The committee reviews RFQ submissions on SlideRoom.

Application Requirements

Artists are allowed to apply in teams.
Artists applying as a team must split the allotted number of work examples between themselves.

Selection Information

Selection Process
The Library Selection Committee, in consultation with the NAC, has full oversight for the selection of an artist for this project.
The committee reviews RFQ submissions on SlideRoom. Finalists will receive a presentation honorarium and a travel stipend, if applicable. Finalist presentations should include concept, design, detailed budget for the available funds, installation method, projected maintenance.

Selection Criteria
Letter of Interest and clarity of conceptual approach. Evidence of skill in artist’s material and ability to complete projects from prior artwork.

Additional Resources

https://www.artscouncil.nebraska.gov/news/1-for-art-project-unk-calvin-t-ryan-library/

Unnamed Resource (PDF)

Unnamed Resource (JPG)

Contact Information

Meagan Dion
1004 Farnam St
Omaha NE 68102 United States
meagan.dion@nebraska.gov
4025953935

Submission Instructions

Website Address
https://nebraska.slideroom.com/#/permalink/program/69553

Website Submission Instructions
Visual Support Materials Image descriptions: Label each uploaded image with title, medium, year, project budget, and any relevant description. Images: Ten (10) jpg images of completed relevant artworks. Video: Optional video file may demonstrate moving parts, time-based work, functionality, etc. (mov, wmv, of flv files, no larger than 60MB each, nor longer than five minutes each.) Required Materials CV/Resume: Limit to three pages. Three Professional References: Complete contact information for references with a deep knowledge artwork and work methods, and for which project they worked with you. Letter of Interest: State which site(s) you prefer. Briefly describe how you intend to use the site(s). Describe your artistic style, background, and relevant past completed projects, and they relate to this project. Use 500 words or less. Application Fee: $10 via the secure payment system on SlideRoom.