Halifax Regional Municipality Request for Proposals: Public Art Argyle and Grafton Streetscape Project Deadline for Submission of Proposal: March 28, 2018 Project Budget: $65,000 CDN inclusive The Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is seeking public art proposals for two locations within the Argyle and Grafton Streetscape Project Project Description This is an opportunity for a qualified artist or team working collaboratively to design, plan, create, fabricate and install public art in specified locations within the Argyle and Grafton Streetscape. These locations are described in detail in the ensuing public art brief. The artist(s) budget for all expenses related to this project is a maximum of $65,000.00 CDN. This budget includes any and all contingencies related to the design, engineering fabrication and installation of the artwork commissioned through this process. This process will select an artist or artist team and a conceptual design for an integrated artwork to be commissioned and installed in relation to the Argyle and Grafton Streetscape Project. Intent Following from the Argyle and Grafton Street redesign, the Municipality seeks to commission two pieces of public art to animate and engage with the space. Two spaces within the new streetscape have been identified as opportunity locations for public art installations. Attachment 1: Sites provides site-specific context to inform consideration of interested proponents. Artists should propose artwork that responds to both sites. The Argyle streetscape will be an animated space with many people passing by, standing near or interacting with the works. Proposed public art must be appropriate to a place with a vibrant street- life, busy and diverse, day and night. Works may be in any media as long as the basic durability requirements are met (See Attachment 1: General Constraints). Submission Requirements Email all documentation as one (1) PDF document in 8.5” X11” portrait format, not to exceed a file size of 5 MB to: [email protected]Please organize information below in the order listed 1. APPLICATION FORM – Please complete and sign the application form attached to this document.
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Halifax Regional Municipality
Request for Proposals: Public Art Argyle and Grafton Streetscape Project Deadline for Submission of Proposal: March 28, 2018 Project Budget: $65,000 CDN inclusive The Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is seeking public art proposals for two locations within the Argyle and Grafton Streetscape Project
Project Description This is an opportunity for a qualified artist or team working collaboratively to design, plan, create,
fabricate and install public art in specified locations within the Argyle and Grafton Streetscape. These
locations are described in detail in the ensuing public art brief.
The artist(s) budget for all expenses related to this project is a maximum of $65,000.00 CDN. This budget includes any and all contingencies related to the design, engineering fabrication and installation of the artwork commissioned through this process. This process will select an artist or artist team and a conceptual design for an integrated artwork to be commissioned and installed in relation to the Argyle and Grafton Streetscape Project.
Intent
Following from the Argyle and Grafton Street redesign, the Municipality seeks to commission two pieces of public art to animate and engage with the space. Two spaces within the new streetscape have been identified as opportunity locations for public art installations. Attachment 1: Sites provides site-specific context to inform consideration of interested proponents. Artists should propose artwork that responds to both sites. The Argyle streetscape will be an animated space with many people passing by, standing near or interacting with the works. Proposed public art must be appropriate to a place with a vibrant street-life, busy and diverse, day and night. Works may be in any media as long as the basic durability requirements are met (See Attachment 1: General Constraints).
Submission Requirements Email all documentation as one (1) PDF document in 8.5” X11” portrait format, not to exceed a file size of 5 MB to: [email protected] Please organize information below in the order listed
1. APPLICATION FORM – Please complete and sign the application form attached to this document.
2. ARTIST CV- If submitting as an artist team please include a CV for each member of the
submitting group (not to exceed 2 pages each). In a cover page, please clearly indicate a project lead or project manager for the team and the roles and responsibilities of the various team members.
3. STATEMENT OF INTEREST – Maximum 300 words that explain why the artist/team is
interested in this opportunity and how their practice relates to this project and the posted selection criteria.
4. WRITTEN PROJECT DESCRIPTION- Maximum 500 words that describe the project, including
relevant project methodology.
5. VISUAL PROJECT DESCRIPTION- Preliminary visuals to inform approach to both sites as
indicated: Concept drawings/renderings to inform the intent and direction of the proposed work.
** It is understood that the project descriptions received at this stage through this process will be PRELIMINARY in nature, and should therefore be sufficient to express the concept of the artwork and offer the review team an understanding of how the proposed artwork will operate within both the specific site and the surrounding area. The selected concept will be further developed post-award in consultation with Municipal staff and members of the project team.
6. DIGITAL IMAGE WORK SAMPLES – Applicants must submit a maximum of 10 samples of past
work that best illustrate their qualifications for this project. Submit each image on a separate page, portrait format, and include title of work, artist(s), location, commissioning agency, date and budget. If submitting as a team, the team submits no more than 10 images.
Submission Guidelines 1. All supporting documents must be complete and strictly adhere to these guidelines and submission requirements (above) or risk not being considered by the selection committee. 2. Submissions must be formatted to 8.5 x 11 inch pages, portrait format, organized as a single PDF. 3. Each submission file- single PDF- must be 5 MB or smaller. 4. If submitting as a team, the team should designate one representative to complete the entry form. Each team member must submit individual resume/curriculum vitae. (See Submission Requirements) 5. All documents must be sent by email to: [email protected] and must be received on or before 4:00 pm local time, March 28, 2018 Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted. Questions of a technical nature should be directed to: Jamie MacLellan, Culture and Events, Halifax Regional Municipality (902) 490-1039 or via email at [email protected]
Policies The ownership of design ideas submitted with this application remain with the artist until a selection has been made and a contract signed. Once a contract has been awarded, the selected artwork will be owned by the Halifax Regional Municipality, and images of the work may be used in publicity for the Halifax Regional Municipality. Copyright of the work and all intellectual property shall remain with the artist. SELECTION PROCESS This is a single-stage process. A peer selection panel will recommend the artist/artist team through an open call process. A selection panel comprised principally of artists and art professionals, and which will include community representation will review the applicants’ materials. Representatives from the project team will serve as advisors to the panel. The selection panel reserves the right to request additional information from any of the applicants to inform their decision. Once the selection panel has recommended a proposal and an award has been issued, the successful artist/artist team will be asked to prepare detailed concept designs based on the preliminary proposals. The panel reserves the right to make no recommendation from the submitted applications or finalist interviews.
Additional Information 1. The selected artist will be required to show proof of WCB coverage and $2,000,000 general
liability insurance. 2. Please be advised that the Halifax Regional Municipality and the selection panel are not obliged
to accept any of the submissions and may reject all submissions. The Municipality reserves the right to reissue the Request for Proposals as required.
3. All submissions to this RFP become the property of the Halifax Regional Municipality. All information provided under the submission is subject to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (NS) and shall only be withheld from release if an exemption from release is permitted by the Act. The artist shall retain copyright in the concept proposal.
4. Extensions to the submission deadline will not be granted under any circumstances. Submissions received after the deadline and those that are found to be incomplete will not be reviewed.
Artist Selection Process This process will select an artist or an artist team with the understanding that the selected individual or group will be required to work collaboratively with Municipal Parks and Recreation staff to successfully fabricate and install an artwork in the location. The conceptual proposal submitted through this process will be essential in establishing the intent of the artist or team but it should be understood that this intent may require modification in collaboration with relevant members of the project team and HRM staff.
Evaluation of Submissions Per the processes outlined in HRM’s Public Art Policy, proposals will be evaluated through peer assessment. The review process will be informed by a technical review of the proposals by HRM staff, where deemed necessary.
Artistic Merit (Artist Statement, Examples of Past Work, Quality of Proposal)
• Overall quality of past work and professional standing
• Quality of proposal
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Methodology and Specific Approach to the Dartmouth Sportsplex Project
• Submitted proposal in relation to the design and function of the Facility as an active public space with broad and diverse community use
• Resonance of the artists professional practice to the architecture and design elements of the Centre as reflected in submitted examples of past work and the conceptual proposal for the Centre
• Feasibility of the proposed to be successfully completed within the stated timeline
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Project Experience • Past work as an indication of the applicant’s ability to manage projects of a similar scale and scope, including familiarity with public agencies, the public review process, and experience working with community groups
• Demonstrated ability to work to schedule and budget in a collaborative environment
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Budget • Demonstrated understanding of project management as it pertains specifically to the management of project costs; Demonstrated understanding that all elements of the project as proposed can be completed within the allotted $65,000
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Estimated Process Schedule and Timeline
February 2018 Request for Proposals is issued March 28, 2018 Request for Proposals closes March-April 2018 Meeting of the Selection Panel April 2018 Artist Selection; Detailed design phase; project development May-June 2018 Design review, comment and refinement June 2018 Design approval June 2018- August 2018 Production Phase September 2018 Public Art installation; Unveiling.
Checklist (corresponds to submission requirements on Page 2):
Application Form
Professional Resume(s) or CV(s) (mandatory) Includes:
(a) Cover page indicating roles and responsibilities of Team Members (if submitting as a team) and detailed description of relevant past work
(b) Exhibition history and other examples of peer recognition
Statement of Interest (mandatory)
Project Description (mandatory) Includes:
(a) Written- Conceptual statement of Approach, to include: Confirmation of Project Schedule Confirmation of Project Feasibility in Relation to Stated Budget
(b) Visual- Concept drawings and illustrations
Visual documentation of Past Work, 10 examples maximum (mandatory)
Deadline for Submission of Proposal: March 28, 2018, 4:00 p.m.
Application Form
Halifax Regional Municipality
Argyle Streetscape - Public Art Opportunity
Name ___________________________________________ Date ______________________
The Argyle and Grafton shared streetscape project aims to advance the development of the urban core as a premier destination for residents, businesses, and tourists. It strengthens the connections between major destinations through this flourishing entertainment district and it reinforces the image of Halifax as a dynamic place to live, work and play. By transforming sections of Argyle and Grafton Streets into a unique district the project contributes to a more people-focused, vibrant downtown. The project includes a completely new streetscape design for Argyle Street between Blowers and Prince and for Grafton Street between Prince and Carmichael. The new streetscape features the removal of barrier curbs, and the addition of high quality finishes and features that reinforce the street’s function as regional entertainment district. Further information can be found here: https://www.halifax.ca/about-halifax/regional-community-planning/argyle-grafton-shared-streetscape-project The design includes elements and features that put people first, while still allowing access by motor vehicles and includes:
● An attractive unit paver surface for the street and sidewalk at a single level (no curb) ● Distinct, pedestrian scaled lighting
● A unique light canopy and illuminated bollards ● Trees in soil cells (so they will grow and be healthy) ● Benches and bike racks
History of Argyle Street
Argyle Street dates to 1749, when the British settled and fortified the hillside on which old Halifax
sits. Along with Prince and Grafton streets, it’s on the earliest maps, right at the centre of the new
town. Argyle Street was named for Archibald Campbell, 3rd Duke of Argyll and one of the most
powerful men in Scotland at the time.
Before there was a Halifax, the hillside would have been forested. Historically it was part of a large
Mi’kmaq territory called Sipekni’katik (“wild potato area”). Steep and rocky, this place is not known
to have been significant for pre-settlement Mi’kmaq—the coves on the Dartmouth side of the
harbour were preferred.
The rough streets of the new town were given names early and honoured important British figures
of the time. George was the king, Grafton a Duke. “Prince Street” was so-named in case anyone
important had been overlooked.
The earliest buildings on Argyle Street were made from rough logs. Frame houses on low
foundations quickly followed, then even grander affairs. After the French lost the Fortress of
Louisbourg to the British (1758), mansions were built here out of its transported stones. Argyle
Street became one of Halifax’s most desirable places to live.
Argyle and Grafton streets were Halifax’s most desirable residential addresses then. Richard
Bulkeley, one of the town’s first British settlers, built his mansion at the corner of Argyle and Prince
in 1759. It still exists today as the Carleton Building, masked inside the structure standing there
today—the oldest stone building in Halifax.
In the 1770s, wealthy Loyalists fleeing the American Revolutionary War bought up the prime Argyle
Street real estate—then tore down the houses to rebuild bigger and better. The upper crust
remained here until slum housing crept too close, then gradually moved out to country
estates during the 1800s.
Until 1830, Argyle Street was lined with willows. There was no sewage system or street lighting and a
poor water supply–but the mansions flanked a leafy avenue.
As the 1800s unfolded, Argyle Street slowly transformed. Commercial enterprises moved in, taking
over existing structures or rebuilding to suit their purposes. By 1895, a stroll along Argyle would take
you by two hotels, two carriage factories, three grocery stores, a sausage mill, a furniture factory, an
undertaker, a stable and a couple of saloons.
The trend toward even larger development—on Argyle and the surrounding streets—began in the
1900s. Paralleling this push was the drive to reduce areas considered to be “slums.” Large
commercial buildings with offices and garages began to appear. And so did empty
lots, their sub-standard housing torn down.
Proponents seeking more historical details for their applications may refer to the report “Argyle &
Grafton Shared Streetscapes Design Plan: Archaeological Resource impact Assessment” for more
details.
Installation Sites
Sites identified for public art have been highlighted using transparent white in the following renderings. For exact positioning and dimensions, please refer to the attached site plans.
1—Argyle/Sackville Sidewalk
In front of the Marriott Residence Inn is available for a work of public art. Height for this installation is restricted to below the level of the second storey hotel windows, but should be at least 1.5 M in height for traffic visibility reasons. Additionally, the artwork must not create light or noise trespass into the hotel. In responding to this site artists should be aware that the area is in what is referred to as the ‘edge zone’ for both pedestrian and vehicular traffic. This is an area vulnerable to damage by vehicles as well as snow removal machinery and an approach to this site should privilege an installation that is vertically oriented, visible and of durable materials and installation method. Consideration may also be given to elevating the work (on a pedestal or similar) to minimize risk of damage by snow removal and street sweeper equipment.
Link: site 1 plan
The approximate foundation size is 1.56M X 1.75M and any proposed installations must be
accommodated within this area.
2—Grafton/Prince
On Grafton Street at Prince, a blank wall of the Prince George Hotel presents an opportunity for a work to be set against (but not attached to) the blank building façade. Artists should propose a ground-mounted work, and possible consideration given to elevating the work (pedestal or similar) to minimize risk of damage by snow removal equipment. Height for this installation is restricted to below the level of the second storey hotel windows. Additionally, the artwork shall not create light or noise trespass into the hotel.
Each installation area is surfaced with 4” thick concrete paving stones and is contained within a steel frame demarcating the horizontal boundaries of the artwork. Within each designated area, three options will be considered for artwork installation:
1. Gravity - artwork that is heavy enough/or has a base that can resist lateral movement (ie. wind loads, vehicular collision, etc.) and that does not require anchoring, can be placed directly on the surface pavers.
2. Anchoring into sub-surface foundation - an 8” thick steel reinforced concrete slab has been
provided at each location below the paving stones for the drilling and securing of artwork with mechanical anchors if required. Paving stones may be either:
a. removed to facilitate the anchoring of the artwork, but must be able to be cut around any surface penetrations (bases, posts, etc.) and reset on sand bedding with surface flush with adjacent sidewalk paving stones or,
b. left in place and drilled through to facilitate the installation of mechanical anchors into the foundation slab without causing damage to the structural and visual integrity of the paving stones.
The artist will be required to provide stamped engineering drawings of the artwork installation to
the HRM prior to final approval as part of the project costs.
Cross-Section of Engineered Base for Both Installation Sites
Any specialized mounting requirements must be addressed by the artist in their proposal as this will
need to be coordinated and finalized prior to approval and installation. *Please note that the below
image describes the conditions of the engineered base, but that the electrical specifications have changed as described in the section below.
Loading Capacity of Bases
Foundation Assumed Max Total Width of
Artwork
Assumed Height of Artwork
Max Allowable Artwork Weight
Governing Design Parameter
Argyle SITE 1
2.8Mx2.8x0.2M 1.5M 1.5M 3800kg/(8500lbs) Moment Capacity of Concrete Pad
1.5M 3.0M 2750kg/(6000lbs)
Min- 780kg/(1723lbs)
Moment Capacity of Concrete Pad
(stability)
Grafton SITE 2
3Mx1.2Mx0.2M 1.5M 1.5M 1500kg/(3300lbs) Moment Capacity of Concrete Pad
Electrical and lighting
The street is lit from above using new LED light standards. For works requiring power or lighting, electrical has been installed at each of the 2 sites. Please note that junction boxes have not been
installed flush with the tops of the pavers as depicted in the image above. Conduit has been
stubbed-up (120 volt electrical stub-out) just below the pavers and a paver then laid over the top.
Due to the unknown arrangement of the artwork, the conduit ends below grade with only a pull cord
installed in the conduit. Once the artwork has been selected and power requirements known, the
conduit run can be completed as required.
Installation of the wires in the conduit, along with final connection at the panel, will be completed by
HRM.
Artists must incorporate all electrical and lighting costs (including electrical engineering and testing) into their proposals if required.
General constraints
Proposed artworks must:
● Be fully contained within the horizontal boundaries of the installation area defined on the site plans;
● be durable; ● be appropriate in form and content for broad public consumption; ● present no risk of injury (e.g. no sharp points); ● avoid confined and hidden spaces; ● not be flammable; ● not present a tripping hazard (be at least 900 mm high); ● discourage climbing; ● be vandal resistant and treatable with standard graffiti-removal applications, easily
maintained and cleaned; and ● not create excessive noise and/or light trespass into surrounding buildings.
