Request for Qualifications:
GOLD PARK BEE HOTEL Public Art Project
Introduction:
The Orange County Arts Commission (OCAC) in partnership with the Town of Hillsborough, NC, and the Hillsborough Tourism Development Authority, is seeking an artist to design, fabricate, and install an exterior, permanent pollinator habitat art piece. The “Bee Hotel” will be located in Gold Park at 415 Dimmocks Mill Road in Hillsborough.
Background:
In 2016, Hillsborough became the 35th city in the country to be named as “Bee City USA.” The Bee City USA program seeks to raise awareness of the role that pollinators play in the ecosystem and promote activities to protect, preserve, and build healthy habitats for pollinators. Unlike the widely publicized honey bees that live in colonies, the 500 lesser-known species of bees native to North Carolina are solitary insects that nest in native habitats, which are increasingly threatened by rapid development and environmental degradation.
The Town of Hillsborough Tree Board and its partners have worked to create pollinator gardens throughout town, the most established being at Gold Park. To further expand the habitat for native pollinators, the town wishes to place a “showcase” bee hotel within the pollinator garden of Gold Park. This large, highly visible, bee hotel will serve as functional public art, as well as an inspirational and educational focal point for the park’s visitors. The unveiling of the bee hotel will coincide with “Build Your Own Bee Hotel” workshops hosted by the Hillsborough Arts Council. The goal is to have many smaller bee hotels located around town, at private residences, and along the Hillsborough Riverwalk.
Project Specifications:
Please view the complete RFQ for site and example photos.
The OCAC seeks an artist to design, build, install and maintain the Gold Park Bee Hotel. The hotel should combine functionality with artistic design and craftsmanship, and must adhere to the following specifications:
- Be larger than 2’ tall 4’ wide, but no larger than 6’ tall, 8’ wide
- Not contain any chemical or pressure treated wood
- Be enclosed in the back and open in the front
- Feature a sloping roof to shed rain, with eaves at least 6” deep
- Contain “rooms” made of native wood and other natural materials such as bamboo, pine cones, or hollow reeds, cut to the same length as the frame, to not extend past the rain shield. Rooms should be in varying sizes to accommodate the varying sizes and preferences of native bees. Any wooden openings to the rooms should be sanded and smooth.
- Not contain any paint, sealant or synthetic materials, or natural materials that are harmful or known pollinator deterrents
- Be mounted on a stand at least 2’off the ground
- Be securely mounted and able to withstand flooding
- Be maintained for three years. As a precaution against transmitting disease, it is recommended that the “rooms” be replaced after each spring, following the hatching of pollinator eggs contained in the hotel.
Budget:
Funding for the bee hotel is provided by OCAC, the Town of Hillsborough and Hillsborough Development Tourism Authority. A budget of $3,000 must cover all associated costs of the project, including but not limited to design, fabrication, materials, labor, transportation, insurance, and installation of the art feature.
The selected artist will receive a contract for design, fabrication, installation and maintenance services from the OCAC. The artwork shall be owned by the Town of Hillsborough, NC. The artist shall retain copyright, and must allow Orange County, OCAC, the Town of Hillsborough, the Hillsborough Arts Council and the Hillsborough Tourism Development Authority permission to use images for educational and promotional purposes.
Eligibility:
The project is open to artists living in North Carolina, age 18 and over, regardless of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, religion, political affiliation or beliefs, national origin, or handicap, unless a bona fide occupational qualification exists.
RFQ Selection Process:
A review committee will evaluate all submittals and select the artist based on his/her application. In the event that the committee does not reach a decision in the first round of applications, finalists may be asked to present to the committee in person.
Required Submission Materials:
- Statement of interest, including relevant past projects/experience, as well as knowledge of pollinator habitats and best practices
- Project budget including estimated costs for design, fabrication, materials, labor, transportation, insurance (until the point of completed installation), installation and maintenance of the bee hotel
- Resume or CV
- Up to five (5) relevant work samples with a corresponding numbered list describing each image. Samples may include website links, digital images in pdf or jpg format either emailed or on a CD, or prints
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for the return of hardcopy materials (if needed)
Schedule:
Friday, July 14, 2017: Deadline for submission due at 5:00 p.m. (this is not a postmark deadline)
Week of July 17, 2017: Committee review and selection of artist
Week of July 24, 2017: Notification of selected artist
Saturday, October 28, 2017: Unveiling of bee hotel at Gold Park, with corresponding workshops hosted by the Hillsborough Arts Council taking place at the River Park Concert
To Apply:
By mail:
Orange County Arts Commission
Attn: Katie Murray
P.O. Box 8181
Hillsborough, NC
27278
Drop off:
Orange County Arts Commission
Attn: Katie Murray
200 S. Cameron Street (Link Building)
Hillsborough, NC
Email:
Submissions may be emailed to arts@orangecountync.gov; however, due to email filters, it is recommended that large files be either sent as a .zip file (10M max) or sent as links to Dropbox or Google Drive files.
Inquiries:
Katie Murray
Director, Orange County Arts Commission
919-245-2335