N STREET RFQ

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Application process is now closed. Project planning is underway.

Artistic metal structures for outdoor stage element in public park

As part of a community-driven effort to renovate and enliven N Street Park, the City of Davis and its partner, the Davis Manor Neighborhood Council (DMNC), will commission a professional artist or team of artists to design, fabricate, and install a permanent work of public art. The public art will visually and functionally enhance a small performance area and include two elements:

Element 1: Metal Superstructure

The metal superstructure for the stage is envisioned as an artistically designed overhead framework that could be used to support lighting, backdrops, curtains, a fabric canopy, etc. Design considerations include engineering for safety, incorporation of proper piping for theatrical lighting (1.5” batten) and strategizing for a variety of theatrical uses. Minimum height for the superstructure is around 10 feet.

Element 2: Metal Screen

The metal screen is envisioned as an artistically designed open framework, approximately 4 feet high and 8 feet wide, positioned at the back, or upstage edge of the stage where it would partially screen the “backstage” area from audience view. Design considerations include the need to retain ADA-compliant access to the stage, potential use for hanging or supporting backdrops or curtains, and the possibility of having moving parts that can swing open and allow adaptation for different uses.

A combined budget of up to $45,000 is available for these two elements.

The Scope of Work for this RFQ includes design, fabrication and installation of the two elements described above. Construction of the stage itself, including excavation for the stage, foundation, electrical connections, and concrete, will be completed under a separate City contract and is not a part of this RFQ. Foundations for the superstructure and screen will likewise be completed in consultation with the selected artist(s), but by City contractors under a separate contract.

The artist/team will be expected to work collaboratively with and synthesize feedback from multiple stakeholders and technical partners including, but not limited to: DMNC representatives, city cultural arts staff, city theater technicians, city building officials, community performing arts representatives, structural engineers, landscape architect consultants, and construction contractors. The artist/team should also plan on participating in 2-3 public or neighborhood meetings to give presentations to community members and receive feedback.

The Stage

The vision for the N Street Park stage is to create a space that will be well suited to small musical and theatrical performances and other presentations by neighborhood residents and local performing arts groups seeking an intimate equipped outdoor venue. Design for the stage, superstructure and screen should take such possible community uses into full consideration. The final design of the structure will need to be able to support city-provided lighting and/or other theatrical equipment.

The simple stage will consist of a low (6 inch high) poured concrete platform, tucked into the southwest corner of the park, with the existing muralled wall as its backdrop. The final shape and size of the stage are to be determined, but approximate dimensions are 20 x 10 feet. Electrical power sufficient for theatrical lighting and sound amplification will be provided and should be integrated into the proposed stage concept.

Interested applicants wishing to respond to this RFQ must apply on Café:

APPLY HERE

All materials were received by Friday, June 3, 2022, 5:00 PM.

Submissions for this opportunity will stay on file as part of a new initiative to create a pool of pre-qualified artists for future projects.

Further site details can be found in the following documents:

Download a PDF version of the RFQ

REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

Phase One: Review of Artists’ Qualifications

Submittals from artists will be pre-screened by DMNC project leaders for compliance with project requirements. A selection panel composed of DMNC leaders, City staff, theater and art technicians, performing arts representatives, and members of the Civic Arts Commission will meet to review artists’ qualifications. The Panel will recommend up to five (5) finalists to be interviewed in Phase Two.

Finalists (individuals and teams) will be selected based on the following criteria:

Professional and artistic qualifications and standards of excellence in innovation, creativity and originality as demonstrated in materials submitted as well as appropriateness of applicant’s medium and style to the project.

Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with landscape designers and project managers in a design-team context;

Demonstrated experience collaborating with local communities on design development (community-centered public art);

Previous experience related to successful project implementation based on goals, setting, scale and scope;

Familiarity with public agencies, the public review process and/or previous collaboration with local government; and

Demonstrated ability to undertake and successfully execute the work in accordance to the construction schedule, in a professional manner and within the project budget.

Phase Two: Finalist Interviews

In preparation for the scheduled interviews, finalists will be provided with more detailed plans for N Street Park. Finalists will be invited to attend a scheduled interview with the selection panel, which may take place virtually. The panel will then recommend one artist or artist team to receive the project commission. The Civic Art Commission and City Council must approve the recommended artist(s)/team(s) before contracts can be executed.

The Davis Manor Neighborhood Council and City of Davis reserve the right to reject all applications and/or subsequent design proposals.

Map of N St Park with stage area outlined in red and stage backstage screen outlined in blue:

N St Park prior to redesign with future stage area being approximately at wooden bench and cement pad:

The Neighborhood

The Davis Manor Neighborhood was developed in the 1950s as one of Davis’ first subdivisions. Located east of downtown, the neighborhood of modest homes has traditionally been one of the most affordable neighborhoods in Davis and an incubator of creative innovation. The neighborhood is home to N Street Co-Housing, one of the first retrofit co-housing communities in the country; DaVinci High School, a public charter school focused on project-based learning and use of technology; and the City of Davis Pilot Daytime Homeless Respite Center.

The Davis Manor Neighborhood Council (DMNC) formed in 1998 as a resident-led community association working to create more beauty, neighborliness and community resilience. The DMNC has a long history of collaborating with the City of Davis to lead creative neighborhood improvement projects. A recent example is the creation of the “Naturehood” street mural at Duke Drive and M Street in 2016. Catalyzed by funding from the City of Davis, DMNC organizers worked with community muralist, Danielle Fodor, to design and paint the mural with the involvement of over 150 community volunteers.

The Park

N Street Park is a small neighborhood park that is tucked into a narrow ¼-acre lot at the south end of N Street in the middle of the Davis Manor Neighborhood. The park is bordered by private residences to the north and elsewhere by the City of Davis Public Works Corporation Yard. A defining feature and focal point of the park is a 15-foot-tall concrete muraled wall on the south side of the park. A narrow, landscaped trail connects the park to the Davis Community Garden nearby.

Residents of the neighborhood are strongly invested in the park and have participated in numerous park improvement projects since its initial construction in 1960. Most recently, Davis Manor neighbors partnered with a resident landscape architecture student and city staff to envision and develop a concept plan for a major renovation of the park. The N Street Park Improvement Project is a City of Davis capital improvement project with funding from grants and a variety of municipal sources and represents a refinement and realization of the initial community-based concept plan.

Park improvements will be implemented in accordance with the final park design (see Figure 2, attached) and in a series of phases with timelines flexing as necessary. Starting in Spring 2022, Phase 1 will include most of the construction of new hardscape, utilities, and site furnishings by city contractors. In Summer and Fall 2022, Phase 2 will entail planting of landscape areas. In Summer 2023, Phase 3 will include the construction of the concrete stage by contractors and the installation of the public artwork by the selected artist or artist team.

Area residents collaborating on past public art projects, a street mural and a mosaic bench:

Questions

Please direct questions regarding the arts component of the N Street Improvement Project to Jen Nachmanoff at jennach67@gmail.com. Include the email subject “N Street Park Public Art RFQ”.