GENERAL INFORMATION

The San Jose Office of Cultural Affairs Public Art Program, a division of the San Jose Office of Economic Development is seeking an artist or artist team to design, fabricate, and install an artwork as part of the renovation and expansion of the San Jose Convention Center. The project will be developed in a unique partnership with a Silicon Valley technology partner that offers the commissioned artist an exceptional potential to utilize innovative technology.

PROJECT SUMMARY

Artists are asked to submit qualifications for the design, fabrication and installation of a signature public art project for the Jose Convention Center expansion. With over half a million conventioneers and community members moving through the facility annually, the Convention Center offers a key opportunity to reflect bold thinking and vision and reinforce San Jose’s place as the Capital of Silicon Valley and the world’s leading region for innovation. This is an opportunity for a large-scale iconic artwork representing core City values such as sustainability, communication and technological innovation.

As a testament to the importance of this opportunity, the City will partner with a technology and engineering partner to support the creation of this permanent artwork using distributed screen networks, telepresence and/or similar technology to turn the Convention Center ‘inside-out’ creating a dialogue between culture, business and community members. The nature of the partnership will be defined through the commissioning and design development phases based on the initiative, goals and visions of the artist.

PROJECT BUDGET

The total project budget, exclusive of potential in-kind donations, is $480,000 as detailed below:
• Artist Design Fee (including construction and engineering) — $50,000
• Programming, Fabrication and Installation — $400,000
• Less Contingency — $30,000*
*Artist is to design to a total programming, fabrication and installation budget of $400,000; contingency set aside is available for unforeseen conditions. Any remaining contingency will be shared between artist and city.

ARTIST SELECTION PROCESS

There will be a two-phase selection process that includes a two-day Opportunity Orientation Workshop for three artist finalist. See full RFQ for details.

ARTIST ELIGIBILITY

This opportunity is open to all U.S. artists and artists who currently hold proper visas allowing them to work in the United States. Applicants must have all necessary permits to work in the United States at the time of submission of qualifications. Proof of documentation will be required prior to confirming short-list. Note that there is an expectation of fabrication in the U.S. for purpose of budget management. Artists currently under contract for an art project with the City of San Jose Public Art Program are not eligible to apply for this project unless their current project will be complete by September 2011. If you are unsure of your status, please contact Mary Rubin (mary.rubin@sanjoseca.gov) for verification.
For more information please download the full RFQ: San Jose Convention Center (PDF)