SKYWALK ACTIVATION:
Call for artists
Overview
Operation Downtown and ArtForce Iowa are seeking to commission Iowan artists to activate an interior section(s) of the Downtown skywalk system in Downtown Des Moines, Iowa. The skywalk system is a high traffic area. For many, it is the safest way to navigate downtown, and offers opportunities for pedestrians representing all walks of life. From working professionals to folks taking a stroll to those living with disabilities like limited mobility and/or blindness, everyone should feel welcomed. Everyone should feel like they belong in the heart of Des Moines.
A focus group with the Iowa Department for the Blind led by ArtForce Iowa determined themes of empowerment that resonated the most with the visually impaired and blind community when answering: “I am ________.” For example, “I am brave.” Artists will create intentional artworks or creative writing pieces reflecting the theme and will be activated directly into the skywalk system through artworks. Artist statements and creative writing pieces will be made available in braille.
The #IAmDSM skywalk activation will engage the greater community with an art BINGO scavenger hunt and provide positive empowerment to all who use the skywalk system.
Background
Starting with one skywalk bridge in the 1970s this network of bridges and walkways elevated above the city streets now connects hotels, restaurants, businesses and event centers throughout the Downtown area with over four miles of accessible, climate-controlled skywalks. More than 80,000 Downtown employees, residents and visitors use the system each day.
Operation Downtown is a Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District (SSMID) in Downtown Des Moines (DSM) with a mission to enhance the quality of life in Downtown DSM by making it safe, clean, welcoming and beautiful.
ArtForce Iowa is a 501c3 non-profit organization based in Des Moines, Iowa. Founded in 2012, ArtForce Iowa has a mission to transform youth in need through art. It is pioneering a non-pathologizing approach to working with youth who are marginalized and offers a critical humanizing perspective using art and music.
The Iowa Department for the Blind believes all Iowans can lead productive, fulfilling lives – including those who happen to be blind or low vision. The Department supports and encourages independent living and full participation in life – at home, at work and in communities. Vision loss knows no boundaries with respect to age, gender or ethnicity. It should not and does not need to limit accomplishment in whatever a person wishes to do. The Iowa Department for the Blind helps educate, train and empower blind and low vision individuals to pursue lifelong goals.
Goals
Develop artworks for a skywalk activation to:
Artistically reflect the empowerment themes selected by the blind community
Become more visitor friendly and visitor-ready, particularly with the return to the office
Improve the standard of living and activate space for all members of the community
Create interaction between people and foster healthier, more social and economically viable communities
Advocate for development that exemplifies innovative projects that enhance the work, live, play environment to downtown
Bring artists, art organizations, businesses, government and the community together to develop positive experiences
Site Location
The exact site is yet to be determined, but will be within the Downtown skywalk system. The project must be self-contained and cannot rely on electrical or other utility connections or skywalk modifications of any kind.
Scope of Work
Develop artwork to activate the skywalk and artistically reflect an empowerment theme from the blind community (options listed below on page 3) to meet the above-mentioned goals.
The concept and explanation of the proposed artwork will then be activated directly into the skywalk system.
Prepare an artist statement that will be made available in braille.
Budget
$2,000 per artwork, including the cost of all supplies. Artists are welcome to submit multiple empowerment artwork proposals.
Timeline
Responses to this proposal are due May 12, 2021. Draft project timeline:
April 19-23, focus group with Iowa Dept for the Blind determining terms of empowerment
May 12, proposal submission deadline
Mid May, artist interviews
Late May, artist selected
Early June, finalize artist contracts
Mid June/July, installation
Proposal Submission Requirements
Two artistic references who can speak to the quality of the work (contact information only) stating artist/reference relationship
5-10 images of past work. If applicable, please include previous installations.
Concept and explanation of the proposed artwork that reflects the criteria above, including recommended measurements. It is anticipated that spaces will be 8’x10’ minimum. (Artist’s concept to remain artist’s property during submission process.)
Each proposal must include an artist statement.
All proposals must be adaptable to scale, dependent on location.
All submissions must be submitted to Christine Her at Christine@artforceiowa.org with the subject title: Skywalk Activation Proposal.
Applications must include execution of project to completion, including a clear protectant.
Selection Criteria
Selection of finalists will be based on the following:
Quality of work samples
Demonstration of project understanding and ability to meet project schedule
Consideration of project criteria in conceptual design proposal
Themes of empowerment selected by the Iowa Department for the Blind that must be incorporated into the artwork.
I AM….
Fun
Caring
Trustworthy
Honest
A worry wart
Klutzy
Loyal
A foodie
A friend
A teacher
A problem solver
A reader
A chocoholic
A visitor of interesting places
A writer
Inspirational
Healthy
A runner
Kind
Smart
Capable
Strong
Successful
A traveler
A nerd
A good parent
A good grandparent
