Call for Sculptures - Artist Request for Proposals

The Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) and Special Service Area #31 is seeking proposals for sculptures as part of an effort to create an outdoor sculpture park in the Ravenswood Corridor. Artists are invited to submit proposals for one sculpture.

Project Expectations

- Proposals should seek to create a sense of community and liven up the neighborhood’s public space

- Proposals should reflect Ravenswood’s family-oriented community, avoiding depictions of violence or erotica

- Proposals should work with neighborhood/property owner feedback (if necessary)

Project Budget

- Project Budgets must include all artist fees, supplies, travel expenses, preparing/power washing of the Project Site, and priming.

- 50% of the Project Budget will be awarded upon being selected and the remainder upon completion of the project.

- There is no maintenance budget for the Project. Requests for maintenance funding may be made to SSA #31, but the SSA is under no obligation to fulfill them.

Project Requirements

All proposals must include the following details:

- Sculpture dimensions; it can be any size

- Pricing to rent and/or purchase the sculpture (We are open to proposals of all sizes and are especially interested in pieces available to rent for at least two years at around $1,500-3000 annually, and/or pieces available for purchase at under $75,000).

- Installation materials needed; installation assistance from the artist is required (including guidance/consultation, and assistance with securing installation services appropriate for the proposed work)

- How it will be weatherproofed to sustain the different elements

- An approximate location for the sculpture along Ravenswood Avenue, from Irving Park Road to Lawrence Avenue, and within SSA #31 (See Map). The location must be on the public way, i.e. on the sidewalks or in the Metra embankments

Selection Criteria

Completeness – did the Artist provide all requested documents in a timely manner?

Appropriateness – does the Project adhere to the Project Expectations?

Quality – does the Project cover the site area sufficiently and creatively?

Originality – does the Project bring something new to the community while complementing the existing businesses/surroundings?

Durability – will the Project resist deterioration and defacement for at least three years?

Feasibility – can the Project be completed in the time proposed and on budget?

Project Timeline

January 15 – Submission Due Date

February 1 – GRCC staff reviews submissions, recommending 15 proposals to the Selection Committee (Made up of SSA Commissioners and Property Owners) and selection committee approves artist

February 15 – Artists are notified of selection

June 1 – Installation to begin

July 15 – Project completion; unless otherwise agreed in writing, SSA #31 will reduce the Artist’s payment by 10% per week if the Project is not completed on time

August 1 – Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies

To be considered, please submit the following information to https://forms.gle/ui9Xd8Upf6DV...

- A digital rendering of the proposed sculpture, in color (may submit multiple concepts)

- Resume/CV for lead artist(s) of the project and examples of past work; priority will be given to Chicago-based artists

- A copy of the signed Statement of Understanding