(Pictured above) Renderings and Site Images courtesy of Buell Kratzer Powell
Call to Artists | Requests for Qualifications
Project Budget: $37,000
Deadline for Submissions: March 29, 2017
Download the Full Call to Artists Here
Application Synopsis
Introduction
The City of Philadelphia’s Percent for Art Program, through the Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy (OACCE) announces a $37,000 competition to commission a site-specific artwork for Fishtown Recreation Center. This commission is part of the $1.5 million Lederer Pool Replacement at Fishtown Recreation Center by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation.
Overall Site Description
Fishtown Recreation Center (1202-32 E. Montgomery Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19125) totals 1.4 acres and consists of a recreation center, a hockey rink, three basketball courts, and a public pool. Affectionately called “The Swimmo” by local residents, the pool is highly utilized but in poor condition.
Philadelphia Parks & Recreation will replace the pool and surrounding facilities. Site improvements include: reducing the distance between the pool deck and the surrounding sidewalk to increase the site’s accessibility; installing a large canopy to provide shade; creating a spray ground with built-in water features to provide a cooling activity for young children and those not wishing to enter the water; upgrading the restrooms; and lastly, constructing a new pump room.
Art Commission Opportunity
The Percent for the Art Program and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation seek to commission a high quality, original site-specific artwork that celebrates the new pool as well as the area’s heritage and strong sense of community. More information, as well as a site visit, will be given at the Pre-Proposal Meeting.
Two potential sites have been identified: 1. The canopy, or 2. The surrounding fencing. Artists are invited to consider placing something upon the canopy, which would serve as both a sculpture and create shadows on the ground. On the fencing, artists are invited to consider adding elements to the entire fence; or just certain sections, such as the gate. Detailed information about the fencing can be found at: http://www.ameristarfence.com/commercial-industrial-ornamental-wrought-iron-steel-fence-montage-2
A budget of $37,000 has been allocated for this Percent for Art commission. This sum is inclusive of all artist(s) fees, insurance, fabrication, installation, travel, and all other project related expenses.
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
This competition is open to artists and artist-teams who reside in the United States. The City of Philadelphia reserves the right to determine additional eligibility requirements.
Artwork will be selected on the basis of creativity, artistic merit, technical proficiency, and relationship to the site. Long-term maintenance, durability, and public safety concerns will be major selection criteria. Artists are required to comply with applicable rules, contracts, and procedures of all governmental boards and agencies of the City of Philadelphia.