Project Summary
The City of Grants Pass is continuing to invest in the beautification of select alleyways downtown, transforming them into usable and enjoyed public spaces. The Alley Beautification project furthers the City’s goal of creating a vibrant commercial district by enhancing downtown activities and safe spaces. The artist is asked to create site-specific work(s) that create a sense of play and invoke interaction from the public, while also respecting placement within the City’s Historic District. The Alley Beautification project is commissioned by the City of Grants Pass with a budget of $15K. Deadline for this Call for Artists is December 6, 2022. While local creators may be given preference, there is no geographic eligibility requirement to apply.
Site Description
The Beaver Alley is located between 6th and 7th streets and parallel to G and H streets. As this site is within the City’s Historic District, the proposed artwork may be reviewed by the Historical Buildings and Sites Commission (HBSC) to ensure any proposal will meet historical guidelines. The color palette may be limited (i.e. no neon colors). Most importantly, the art must be respectful to all community members and the Historic District design guidelines. Vehicles bringing supplies to adjacent businesses intermittently need access to a portion of the alley. Additional engineering and architectural information is available as needed.
The Beaver Alley is open to the public and can be used as a pedestrian corridor. Connected to the alley is the Wing Building Corridor, home to several trendy and upcoming businesses - including vineyard stores. Also connected to the alley is G Street Bar and Grill, an Antique store, St. Vincent de Paul Store, Rogue Valley Protection and the Beaver parking lot.
Criteria
For the Beaver Alley we are looking for work(s) that create a sense of Community, Connection with others, and playfulness. We are interested in bringing new types of art and artistic experiences into the community. One desired element of the space is to feature a Selfie Spot that is “Instagram worthy.”
We are looking for work(s) that cause the public to 1) pause, enter, and look deeply at the space, and 2) engage in the space, and 3) record their presence in the space with a unique image (selfie and a hashtag).
Budget
The City of Grants Pass will fund the project. Proposals up to $15,000 will be considered. Proposals must include a budget detailing material, project costs, and artists' fees. The budget must also include installation fees and any permits and or engineering needed to complete the installation.
Artist Eligibility & Application
Proposals shall include renderings and complete description including installation requirements. Applications should include a short biography, and examples of recent work. Proposals can be submitted in person, by standard mail, or by e-mail. Questions regarding the project and the application can be directed to James Conway (contact information below). Final selection will receive approval by the City Council upon CoPA's recommendation.
James Conway, MPA
Economic Development Specialist – CoPA Staff Liaison
City of Grants Pass
101 NW A St. Room 202
Grants Pass, Oregon 97526
jconway@grantspassoregon.gov
541 450 6071
Proposals must be received by 5:00 PM on December 6, 2022. The intention is to complete the project during the 2023 budget year ending on June 30, 2023.
