Norwich Public Art Initiative
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Overview
The Development Chenango Corporation (Commerce Chenango) and Friends of the Park are seeking qualifications from artists for one mural and five sculptures to be installed in six distinct locations in Downtown Norwich, NY.
The art is envisioned to be engaging and thought provoking, and enliven the public realm with energy and excitement, while being sensitive to its surroundings. The sponsors seek to create a vibrant downtown area that recognizes the historic context of the city, while presenting fresh ways of seeing the community. This pubic art is being funded in part by the Development Chenango Corporation's Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) award, and by Friends of the Park, a local organization supported by generous local Foundations and dedicated to the enhancement of Norwich's green spaces. The art works are anticipated to catalyze further investment in Downtown Norwich on the heels of the DRI award, and in conjunction with transformative new projects coming to the district.
Eligibility
The RFQ is open to anyone with demonstrated ability to successfully implement a project of this scope. The sponsors invite visual artists, sculptors, muralists, and designers to submit, and encourages NYS Certified minority and woman-owned entities to participate. Artists both local to the region and nationwide will be considered.
Project Budget
The total budget for all six art works is $600,000. Each location has a maximum award of $100,000, although the selection panel reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to move funds among the locations or to delete a location after reviewing RFQ responses and final proposals. Please note that the commission is inclusive of ALL of expenses related to the final proposal creative process from beginning to end; including: transportation, materials, equipment rental, assistants, food/lodging, artists’ fee, and costs incurred to prepare for and execute installation. Any sculpture requiring a base greater than a 48” x 48” x 8” concrete slab must be provided by the artist. Any preparation of the surface receiving the mural must be provided by the artist.
Payment will be made in two installments, not to exceed the agreed upon maximum: 25% upon signing of the artist contract and the remaining following successful installation of each art piece.
Selection Process
The Selection Committee will include representatives from the Development Chenango Corporation and the Norwich Public Art Initiative. A select group of finalists will be chosen following review and evaluation of the RFQ responses. Finalists will be awarded a $1,000 stipend to submit design proposals. This shall include travel to the site, and all other costs related to proposal production.
Finalists will be invited to visit the sites and submit design proposals. Finalists’ submissions should include sufficient information for the sponsors to understand the design of the work, its construction, and how it will be installed on site. This can include scale models, renderings, construction details, and similar that will allow panelists to fully understand the nature of the work and how it will look on the site.
Please be aware that all proposals must be for the locations identified within the DRI boundaries. No proposal making a political statement can be considered.
Artists’ Responsibility
Selected artist or artist teams assume all responsibility for materials, design, construction, storage, delivery, and installation. Installation will be coordinated with the project sponsors. Artist or artist teams shall acquire insurance for the installation of artwork(s) at limits included in the contract.
Terms
Awarded artists will engage in individual contracts with sponsors, which will include the final commission, final project timeline and payment terms. The Development Chenango Corporation and Friends of the Park accept no responsibility for the loss or damage of artist submission materials or technical issues with online submissions, or for costs incurred by the artists in responding to the RFQ. Artists and artist collaborations selected for this project will be required to meet all the contract terms and scopes. Respondents to this RFQ agree to abide by its terms and conditions. At the conclusion of the RFQ, the Development Chenango Corporation and Friends of the Park reserve the right to choose not to commission any proposal.
Project Timeline
June 17, 2026: Announcement of RFQ
July 31, 2026: RFQ applications due
August 14, 2026: Scoring by Committee
August 21, 2026: Notification to Finalists
October 15, 2026 Final proposals due
October 22, 2026 Public Engagement
December 1, 2026 Notification of Awards
Spring 2027 Installation