Request for Proposals Alien Invasion Outdoor Art Display April-October 2014

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1 Request for Proposals Alien Invasion Outdoor Art Display April-October 2014 Reiman Gardens at Iowa State University seeks proposals from creative individuals, groups or firms to display agarden sculpture exhibit(s)inspired by outer space and science fiction for its 2014 temporary outdoor display. Reiman Gardens Now one of the largest public gardens in Iowa, ReimanGardens creates a striking entrance to IowaStateUniversity and the city of Ames. Situated on a 17-acre site, the year-round facility features distinct gardens throughout the indoor and outdoor areas, an indoor conservatory, 2,500-square-foot indoor butterfly wing, and a gift shop. ReimanGardens has many award-winning features, and has recently installed one of the first rose gardens in a public garden that incorporates sustainablepractices. It is Reiman Gardens' goal to show gardeners how to have beautiful and practical gardens and cut the use of chemicals, incorporate more native and hardy plants and use less labor. The Gardens is owned by Iowa State University under the management of the Office of the Senior Vice President for Business and Finance.ReimanGardensprovides opportunities for year-round learning through education programs and special events. The Gardens is visited by approximately 100,000 guests annually and has a membership of over 6,000 individuals. Reiman Gardens mission is to educate, enchant and inspire an appreciation of plants, butterflies, and the beauty of the natural world. Exhibition Description From Saturday, April26 Sunday,October19, 2014, Reiman Gardens will debut a new garden sculpture exhibition inspired by outer space and science fiction Alien Invasion. This garden sculpture show willfeature outdoor garden sculpturesinterpreted from or inspired by plants, insects, and nature, showcasing life forms hailing from imagined or existing extraterrestrial environments. Artists/groups will be selected through a competitive process to exhibit one of 5 to 7garden sculptures, with approximate dimensions ranging from 8 x8 x8 to 15 x15 x15. These sculptures, together with interpretive materials, will form an outdoor displaythat will enchant all visitors to Reiman Gardens and encourage them to explore the landscape. We hope each artist or group will offer an inspiring take on the shapes and forms life might take in extraterrestrial environments, which may be informedbyinvasive plants or insects, bacterium, animals or humanoid forms, for example.though not required, we encourage 1

2 artists to consider the use of sustainable products to fabricate their sculptures to ensure that the project has minimal impact on the environment, and will offer additional interpretive and educational opportunities related to resource conservation. Key Exhibition Messages To create a unique display of outdoor garden sculpture that exploresextraterrestrial life forms through a connection to the intricacies and beauty of plants, insects, nature, and the real or imagined environments of outer space. Objectives To inspire people with the science and imaginationbehind science fiction through plants, insects, and nature To increase awareness and understanding of public art To promote Reiman Gardens and its mission To educate the public about art, nature, and science To create and promote partnerships between other Iowa museums and art &cultural organizations. To provide a showcase for local, regional and national artists, groups, or firms. Stipend, Awards, Sales, Recognition Selected artists/groups receive a $1,500 stipend for loaning their work for the duration of the show. Half (50%) of the stipend is awarded upon signing the Artist Agreement, the remainder (50%) after installation is satisfactorily completed. All works may be for sale butmust remain in the exhibit through October 19, The Gardens will make every reasonable attempt to sell the available works, taking a 25% commission on sculpture sold during or as a result of the show.we will hold voting for a People s Choice Award, which will be announced just before the end of the exhibition. The name of the artist/group will be listed in printed exhibit-related materials, on exhibition panels, and in press releases. (No logos.) All artists/groups will be provided five free passes to the Gardens during the exhibition. Selection Process & Criteria The Alien Invasion garden sculpture show is coordinated by Reiman Gardens.To ensure the highest quality exhibition, a panel of jurors which includes representatives from Reiman Gardens, Iowa State University, and other artists and representatives from Iowa art organizationswill review the applications and select5 to 7 sculptures to be displayed. Artists/groups will work closely with Gardens staff and be required to submit a design or photographwith dimensions plus a list of materials to be used. ReimanGardensreserves the right to use any and all images, renderings, and models for the promotion of the exhibition in print or electronic formats. Qualified Artists/Groups must have: experience designing outdoor exhibits/artwork for a family audience interest in working as part of a creative team that will include Gardens staff sensitivity to public safety and durability of exhibit elements 2

3 Upon notification of selection, exhibiting artists will berequired to sign an Artist Agreement. The Gardens staff will work with the artists on siting recommendations with final approval being made by Gardens staff.up to three entries per artist/group are accepted. An Application Form must be completed for eachsculpture.after installation, public voting will begin for the People s Choice Award. Guidelines & Responsibilities The health and integrity of the plant materials in our collection are vital to our mission and institution. It is necessary to protect and maintain our collections by adhering to the following guidelines for construction and installation of all garden sculptures. Sculpture must be original and suitable for outdoor display in adverse weather conditions (high winds, rain, heat, snow and freezing temperatures) Sculptures will be located in high traffic areas with an unsupervised audience and must be soundly and professionally constructed of durable and safe components and require no maintenance during the display period. Works must be appropriate for viewing by visitors of all ages. Gardens staff will work with each artist/group to determine the best location for their sculpture. A work must be able to be installed on available sites, some in grassy areas, both sloping and flat, and some in garden beds. A concrete base may be available, but will have to be arranged with Garden staff. Final location of sculpture in the Gardens is determined by Gardens staff. Any construction requiring digging must be approved and supervised by Gardens staff due to irrigation lines. Delivery of materials will be limited and supervised by Gardens staff. We reserve the right to restrict construction activities due to site conditions caused by weather. Artist/groups are responsible for all costs, equipment and labor necessary for the delivery and removal of the work and assume all risk and damage to the work before and during installation and during and after removal. The Gardens staff may provide installation and removal assistance of works on a limited basis with prior arrangement. Gardens staff must be notified no later than 30 days prior to the installation date of anychanges to proposed works during fabrication so that the changes may be approved. Reiman Gardenswill provide insurance for the work once it is installed and until it isremoved from the site or by the removal deadline, whichever comes first. Socalled nail-to-nail insurance is not available. It is the responsibility of the artist/group to arrange for the installation of their sculpture(s)between April 21andApril 24, 2014 and for complete removal between October 20and October 22, All installation and removal activity must take place between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00p.m. with staff present. Generators/batteries are allowed during construction and removal only. Due to limited off-road access into the site, Reiman Gardens small workman vehicles, driven by Gardens staff, will be available to assist in transporting structures or materials. Interaction of the sculpture with trees or other plants must be approved by Gardens staff. In general, no exhibition element may rub or attach to any part of any tree. 3

4 Nails, screws, hooks, or anything that penetrates the bark of a tree will not be allowed. No pruning of plant materials will be allowed. No painting, staining or coloring of trees or other plants will be allowed. Artist/group is responsible for any repairs to the sculptures during the exhibition. Repairs must be complete within a reasonable period after notification by Gardens staff. The Gardens are fenced and locked nightly. Reiman Gardens is not responsible for damage of the structures due to weather, vandalism, theft, or misuse by visitors. The Alien Invasion display will be accessible to the public daily during regular business hours 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the summer and until 4:30 in the spring and fall. Reiman Gardensreserves the right to photograph and reproduce images of the work for marketing and educational materials. The Gardenswill promote the exhibit with planned events, Reiman Gardens website, media releases, brochures, paid advertising and calendar listings. Artists are highly encouraged to attend the public Opening Reception, and to participate in interviews or other promotional activities during the installation process. Artists must schedule with Gardens staff for the removal of their sculpture by no later than Wednesday, October 22, It is the responsibility of the artist/group to transport and deliver any sculpture sold as a result of the exhibition. No sculpture can be pulled from the exhibition early because of a sale. Exhibition Schedule Call for Applications November 1, 2013 Proposals Due (please use attached application) January 1, 2014 Proposal Acceptance Notification January 10, 2014 Signed Artist Agreements due January 20, 2014 Delivery & Installation of sculptures April 21-24, 2014 Preview Party April 25, 2014 Exhibit Opens to the Public April 26, 2014 Exhibit Closes October 19, 2014 Removal of sculptures October 20-22, 2014 Contact Information Please direct all inquiries to: Aaron Steil, Manager of Public Programs Reiman Gardens Iowa State University 1407 University Blvd. Ames, Iowa Phone: Fax: ajsteil@iastate.edu 4

5 Alien Invasion Exhibition Application Form Please fill out this form and submit any additional proposal materials by the end of the day Wednesday, January 1, Either hard copy or electronic format (preferred) applications will be accepted. Contact Information Artist/group Name Company Name Tel. Fax Address City, State, Zip I agree to sign a contract outlining the scope of work if my proposal is accepted. Checklist of Items Required Completed application form Scale plan and rendering of design or photographs, with dimensions.(electronic submissions of PDF files or jpegs will be accepted). General description of materials Artist s Statement for the submitted piece(s) Description of your background and experiences Reference list of successful exhibits and/or projects Photos of past projects Any additional details that support your interest in this project Proposal Package Submission by Wednesday, January1, 2014 Aaron Steil, Manager of Public Programs ReimanGardens IowaStateUniversity 1407 University Blvd. Ames, Iowa50011 P: F: E: ajsteil@iastate.edu 5