Questions from Artist Applicants and Answers from the Project Team

General | Seating | Bike Rack | Sidewalk Engravings

GENERAL QUESTIONS
Q: Can an artist submit more than one entry for each Call?
A: Yes, there is no limit on individual entries for each

Q: How is information for these calls being communicated?
A: The project website has current project information, including the latest questions asked. We have and will continue to send emails to our distribution list, post information on twitter, facebook and linkedin.

Q: Where can I find the appendix mentioned in the Call?
A: All appendix for each call are located online on the Calls For Art page.

ARTISTIC SEATING CALL FOR ART

Q: Can the applicants names appear on the  materials that will be on public display?
A: We will remove all names for public display purposes.

Q: Will the 2 Page Project Proposal be on public display? 
A:  Yes the two page document will be on display, we prefer standard letter size, orientation does not matter.
             
Q: Is it ok that the illustration will be small if all of this is to be included along with all the narratives.
A: We will accept the illustration a an attachment to the proposal if necessary.

Q: The additional support material of past work.  max three images – Can each image be a composite of two of three images of the same piece to clearly illustrate all sides?
A: Yes, it is acceptable to provide three representative project sheets (preferably letter size) with multiple images on each sheet.

Q:When are the entries due and where?
A: Entries are due (delivered, post marked, or time stamped) by January 12 to:


City of Rochester
Attn: Mayor’s Office Alinda Drury
Re: Seating Open Call
City Hall Room 305A
30 Church Street
Rochester NY 14614

City Hall is open until 5:00 PM

Q: If I am submitting multiple designs do they have to be in separate applications?
A: Yes, each design should be submitted as an individual application, with all required application materials.

Q:At the Anderson building location, the plan shows two benches.  Is that considered two at $9k ea. Totaling $18K, Or one project at total of $9k 
A: There are two seating elements at 9k each at that one location.

Q:Can the seating use a footing? (for structural cantilevered installations, and/or seating platform slab (as shown on website under the hand bench)
A: The seating element will be surface mounted to an existing concrete foundation. The foundation consists of a 12'x5'x6" thick reinforced concrete pad with an 8" crushed stone subbase course. The City would prefer galvanized threaded anchor rods for bolting the seating element to the concrete, but this detail can be worked out when an artist is selected.

Q:Additional site work such as mulch around the seating area; is this by other or will it also need to be budgeted into our proposal?
A: No, you do not need to include additional site work in your proposal. Only include the costs associated with designing and fabricating your proposed seating element.

Q:Will separate permits be required (and budgeted for) or are they covered through the submittal process?
A: Permitting will be required and covered through this RFP process.

Q:For the site work, can I do the work myself? IF I use sub contractors site work, any special requirements or qualifications?
A: There should not be any site work associated with the installation, the concrete slab will be in place at time of installation and the seating element is expected to be surface mounted to the concrete slab. If there is any additional site work proposed with your design you will be required to complete the work yourself or have it completed by a qualified sub contractor. The only requirement of and subcontractors is that they must not be listed on the NYS Department of Labor debarred list.

Q: Please explain the Project Plan and Introduction of Theme as identified in the Call Details, under the ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES, item number 4 Written Proposal.
A: The PROJECT PLAN is your plan or approach to the project. What are you creating and why? The Introduction to Theme is the basis for your design. How does it relate to a particular location or the Neighborhood?

Q: Can you suggest any resources to assist in illustrating my concept?
A: You can reach out to local artists, some places to start would be the Hungerford Building, Anderson Artists, and Village Gate. You can also look online at the AIGA website and search for a designer by City: http://my.aiga.org/vango/custom/directory.aspx

BIKE RACK CALL FOR ART

Q:Where is the bike rack located?
A: The site plan included in the call illustrates the location in the parking lot adjacent to Goodman Street and East Avenue. The Bike Rack is located in the southeast corner of the lot, near the main drop off loop at the museum entrance (the site of an existing bike rack).

SIDEWALK ENGRAVING OPEN CALL QUESTIONS

Q: Does the engraving support gradients?
A: Yes, Through the process of sandblasting gradients may be achieved using depth.

Q: I am confused by the Call, Can you help/show me what you require?
A: We are asking for a design that is square in format (minimum 8”x8”). The selected designs will be sandblasted into a concrete sidewalk at a size of 12”x12”. We cannot not provided technical requirements for sandblasting a design (line weights, minimum surface areas, etc), we recommend that the design is fairly bold and simple. The selected designs will be reviewed by the sandblasting technician and may be modified (with the artists consent) to ensure technical feasibility.

Q: Can you give any feedback on my current submissions?
A: We are unable to provide individual feedback on submissions until the Jury has met and made their selections. However, there is no limit on individual entries and you are welcome to submit additional works if you would like. The deadline has been extended and entries would need to be submitted no later than January 16.

Q: Can I submit more than one entry?
A: Yes, there is no limit to the number of entries an individual is allowed to submit.
Each entry must be accompanied by the application form.

Q: What types of illustrations work best for engraving?
A: As identified in the Call Details, available online, the Criteria states ‘the design should be fairly simple and bold’. All artists are to be aware that the final drawing may differ from the exact submittal due to constraints of stencil making and the concrete engraving process. It is the goal and desire to maintain the artist’s original intent.