ST. ANNE’S/ST. MARY’S JUNCTION PUBLIC ART

The Winnipeg Arts Council, in partnership with the Old St. Vital BIZ, is seeking visual artists to submit expressions of interest and qualifications to create a public artwork to integrate with redevelopment of the transit/pedestrian plaza at the intersection of St. Anne’s and St. Mary’s Roads.
The Winnipeg Arts Council funds, supports and fosters development of the arts on behalf of the people of Winnipeg.
The selected artist will create a permanent artwork near the northern tip of the triangular plaza. The artwork should be vertical and incorporate light and possibly vegetation. For many years a large evergreen tree was installed for the holiday season on this site but logistical concerns proved too challenging to continue to erect a temporary tree each year. A permanent vertical artwork will provide a focal point for this busy intersection and should engage both vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
The context, history and function of the site should be taken into consideration when considering content for the artwork.
The artist will work closely with HTFC Planning and Design on the integration of the artwork; the landscape architects would like to tailor of the design of the plaza to suit the artist’s concept for the artwork. HTFC will share digital base drawings and offer technical advice to the selected artist if required.
An artwork proposal is not requested at this time. Artist applications will be reviewed on the basis of artistic excellence, expressed written interest in the site and other professional qualification criteria listed below. Experience with community engagement and a desire to create artwork for and in the public realm is required.
The installed structure(s) must not inhibit movement and must generally meet the safety and accessibility standards of the City of Winnipeg and must be constructed of materials that are resistant to vandalism. The lighting component cannot interfere with the traffic signal lights and will have to adhere to City of Winnipeg lighting standards and guidelines. For general information, the City of Winnipeg Accessibility Design Standards documents are a useful resource: http://www.winnipeg.ca/ppd/Universal_Design.stm. Any proposed artwork will need engineering review and approval.
The budget for the fabrication and installation of the public artwork will be $125,000** and must cover all expenses related to the project, including (but not limited to) artist fee(s); site preparation and restoration; technical consultation including the engineering drawings necessary to fabricate and site the artwork; engineering approval; materials; fabrication; insurance; installation; permit fees; documentation; travel to and from the site; and all applicable taxes; etc.
This is a local competition; artists must live in, or in close proximity to, Winnipeg. Professional* Canadian artists and/or artist teams** are encouraged to apply. Artists currently engaged in the development or creation of public art projects with the Winnipeg Arts Council (with the exception of WITH ART collaborations) are not eligible.
*The Public Art Policy defines a professional artist as a person who is critically recognized as an artist; possesses skill, training and/or experience in his or her artistic discipline; is active in and committed to his or her art practice; and has a history of public presentation.
**Artist teams must share the total commission of $125,000.
Artists wishing to be considered must submit a complete package. Artists working as a team should submit their application as one package but should include supporting materials and curriculum vitae for each team member. Forms are provided in PDF format, which can either be filled in on a computer and then printed, or printed blank and filled in manually. To access the forms you will need to have Adobe Reader software which is available free from www.adobe.com. Please note that the forms may not work correctly if using other software (i.e. “Preview” on a Mac); to ensure the best results please use Adobe Reader. Where forms are not provided, information must be typed in 11-point font using at least one-inch margins on single-sided, white, letter- sized paper suitable for scanning. Do not staple or bind applications
For additional information click here or contact:
Tamara Rae Biebrich, Artist Projects Manager, [email protected], 204-943-7668, or Tricia Wasney, Manager-Public Art, [email protected]; 204-943-7668.