RFQ: Public Art for the Outdoor Stage and Great Lawn Project-Design Phase

Submission Deadline: April 12, 2024

Opportunity

As part of its Outdoor Stage and Great Lawn Renovation Project (“the Project”) BlackRock Center for the Arts (“BlackRock”) is seeking the design services of an artist or artist team (“Artist”) to design artistic elements for its outdoor spaces.

The selected Artist will work with BlackRock staff and its Consultant Team (“Consultant”) to develop related outdoor artworks in conjunction with the Project. Artwork should complement and/or enhance the design for the outdoor spaces of BlackRock as well as reflect BlackRock’s commitment to the Germantown community.

Background and Location

Since it opened its doors in 2002, BlackRock Center for the Arts (www.blackrockcenter.org) has been the leading venue for the performing and visual arts in upper Montgomery County, providing the highest level of quality performances, free gallery exhibitions, and arts education classes in a welcoming and intimate setting.

BlackRock is located in the heart of downtown Germantown, considered one of the most culturally diverse small cities in the country. Land uses adjacent to the site include several retail shops and restaurants, the Germantown Library and the Town Center Urban Park. BlackRock serves as the local community center; hosting several regular public events, such as the farmers’ market, outdoor craft markets, and other community events (e.g., MoComCon, Juneteenth, Lil’ Pumpkins). BlackRock’s draw is also regional, providing regular cultural programming that attracts visitors outside of Germantown.

While BlackRock has been the hub for the visual and performing arts in the up county region for over 20 years, its exterior facade does not match the artistic design or activities that take place within BlackRock. From the outside, the building is often mistaken for its neighbor, the public library. Both the Project and its public art elements should reflect the artistic functions of BlackRock and reflect the diversity and rich heritage of the area and community members.

In 2022 and 2023, BRCA received two capital grants from the State of Maryland to renovate the Outdoor Stage and Great Lawn. BlackRock envisions the Project to strengthen BlackRock’s role as the community center of Germantown: a place where all are welcome to learn and engage with the arts and to gather and participate as part of the community. In 2022, BlackRock received funding from the Maryland State Arts Council for a planning grant for to create public art for the Project area.

Project Goals

• Provide a visible, recognizable, welcoming entrance area to BlackRock
• Create signature artwork to identify BlackRock and to differentiate BlackRock from other buildings in the area
• Compliment the new Outdoor Stage and Great Lawn design
• Engage with the history of Germantown as well as present Germantown community stakeholders.

Community Engagement

Simultaneous to the Project, BlackRock is undertaking a strategic planning process to guide the
organization for the next 5-10 years. The community engagement process will help to inform the use of the Outdoor Stage and Great Lawn project and artistic enhancements of the Project. The strategic planning process will include meetings with community stakeholders as well as community charettes/workshops. The Design Team and the selected Artist will collaborate and participate in the community engagement.

Opportunities for Public Art

Once the initial Concept Design for the Project has been developed by the Consultant, the selected Artist will collaborate with the Design team to recommend artistic elements and will determine the location, character, and integration of proposed artistic elements.

Proposed artwork should complement the overall Design as well as anticipated uses of the area. Artistic elements may be included as either part of the hard scaping elements, part of the Outdoor Stage, lawn element(s), and/or as stand-alone focal features. Lighting should also be considered and incorporated in the design for visibility during evening hours.

Concept Design and Design Development Scope of Work

Once the Artist is selected, they will work collaboratively with the Design Team to develop concepts and detailed design documents for at least two (2) areas of interest.

After the artwork concept(s) have been approved by the Design Team, the concept design(s) will be
developed into completed designs that are safe and maintainable. The designs will be reviewed by the Design Team during meetings that will take place during the Final Design phase for the Consultant’s work, specifically to address development of the artwork (and associated potential costs) and its integration with the Project. Additional correspondence with members of the Design Team, beyond the progress meetings, is to be expected. It is expected that most of the Design meetings take place in-person at the Project site.

The selected Artist will develop related cost estimates for completing final designs, fabrication, and
installation of the artwork (including costs for lighting if needed). At the final design presentation to the Design Team, the Artist will produce models and high quality drawings and/or photographs.

Budget for Concept Design and Design Development

The budget for Concept Design and Design Development is $7,250, inclusive of all costs associated with the final Designs (participation at Team meetings, participating at community meetings, travel, model, printing costs).

Timeline for Concept Design and Design Development

Final selection for the Artist will take place in May 2024. Once a contract is signed with the selected Artist, it is anticipated that the Concept Design and Design Development phase will be completed in approximately 3-4 months.

For more information, visit: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JgiSB4TZlPjbmnUUVMbluaMf_tLzllsV/view