Requests for Qualifications (RFQ)

Requests for Qualifications for current projects are posted here as they are available. See links in the left menu under Maryland Commission on Public Art for additional information. 

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)
1812 Bicentennial Francis Scott Key Bridge Public Art Project

Eligibility
This Project is open to artists and professional design teams (including artists, designers, artist-led team, architects, landscape architects, etc.) located in the United States. Lead artist or designer must be at least 18 years of age and be a United States citizen. Employees of the State of Maryland are not eligible to apply.

Project Background
The Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission (Commission) is coordinating a multi-year initiative to commemorate the bicentennial of the Star-Spangled Banner and War of 1812. Working with public and private sector partners statewide and outside of Maryland, the Commission is implementing projects outlined in the action plan, Star-Spangled 200: A National Bicentennial in Maryland (www.starspangled200.org), including a permanent public art project involving a large-scale interpretive installation at the Francis Scott Key (FSK) Bridge (I-695) as part of the Star-Spangled Banner Byway/National Historic Trail. The Commission’s partners in Project are the Maryland State Arts Council and the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT).

Themes of the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission are:

• Inspiration: Maryland is a special American place that excels in inspiring invention and creativity.
• Unity: Marylanders have always been an especially diverse people, who have led the nation when working
• Preparedness: Marylanders excel at executing sound p
• Courage: Marylanders have exhibited extraordinary courage, even when faced with overwhelming odds, in defense of our freedoms.

The central story of the Star-Spangled Banner Byway/Trail—the War of 1812 in the Chesapeake— is perhaps Maryland’s most significant national heritage story. The Key Bridge is located in an area rich with American history. The span crosses near the site where Francis Scott Key witnessed the bombardment of Fort McHenry on September 13-14, 1814. That battle inspired Key to write the words of the Star Spangled Banner. Located just southeast of the bridge are the ruins of Fort Carroll, a 3.4-acre man-made island. The structure was designed by then Brevet-Colonel Robert E. Lee and named for Charles Carroll of Carrollton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

The Bridge provides travelers a panoramic view of Baltimore harbor and will serve as a gateway for an international flotilla of gray hulls and tall sailing ships coming to Baltimore Harbor in June 2012 to kickoff the national bicentennial in Maryland.

The bridge is owned and managed by the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA).

Project Description and Purpose
Administered by the Maryland State Arts Council, the purpose of the FSK Bridge Public Art Project, funded in part through a National Scenic Byways Program grant, is to engage and inform the Byway traveler of the significance of Maryland War of 1812 story. The Project should enhance the Byway traveler experience and celebrate the significance of the FSK Bridge. The Project should be environmentally sensitive and compatible with all applicable safety standards. This Project will be coordinated with MDTA.

Maryland Byways have been and continue to be popular and economical ways to explore the state’s rich historical, cultural and recreational assets and to enjoy its scenic and natural beauty. A goal of the Project is to help connect and highlight one of Maryland’s most important national heritage stories—the defense of the nation against the greatest military power in the world and the subsequent poem that would become our national anthem. Another goal is to provide a positive travel experience through an integrated and seamless corridor along the Star-Spangled Banner Byway/Trail.

Proposals may include enhancements to the Bridge structure itself, the Bridge supports, or structures or components in or on the water in proximity to the Bridge. All varieties of artistic element(s) and art media will be considered but should be appropriate for the site and in accordance with safety regulations as determined by MDTA. The selected proposal must be in accordance with all highway and marine traffic safety design and operational standards and regulations. In addition, all enhancements must comply with any applicable environmental regulations.

It is expected that the proposed Project will be permanently installed to leave a legacy of the 1812 Bicentennial celebration. The 1812 Bicentennial celebration will commence in June 2012 and conclude in September 2014. The FSK Bridge Project will play a key role in the kick-off, the entire duration, and the conclusion of the 1812 Bicentennial celebration. The Project may include separate phases of events or completion during the period between June 2012 and September 2014. (The first phase of a proposed multi-phase project must be completed by May 1, 2012 and be substantial in nature.) The FSK Project should provide ongoing engagement of the public as well as opportunities for temporary and/or episodic public art events during this 27 month period.

See full RFQ for details.