Call for Artists! Near North Side Gateway Sculpture

The City of St. Louis - Community Development Administration (CDA) and Urban Strategies, Inc. (USI) guided by the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative (CNI) Public Art Advisory Group in collaboration with Via Partnership, is excited to announce a Call for Artists to commission the creation of a gateway sculpture in the Carr Square neighborhood. This monumental artwork will be site-specific for a public space at N. 14th Street and Biddle, an integral component of the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative in St. Louis. Artists are also invited to submit existing work that is available for purchase so long as it aligns with the goals and criteria for this project.

About the Project:
The Gateway Sculpture Project, will be situated at the triangle intersection of N. 14th Street and Biddle to be a visual anchor and a welcoming symbol, which will embody the community's identity, past, and progress through art and culture.

A gateway sculpture is a type of public art installation typically positioned at a key entrance or intersection, serving as a visual marker or symbol for a particular area. It is designed to create a sense of arrival and distinction, welcoming residents and visitors by reflecting the identity, history, or culture of the community it represents. Gateway sculptures can vary widely in form, style, and materials, ranging from traditional monuments to contemporary and abstract artistic expressions. 

About Choice Neighborhoods Initiative:
The Choice Neighborhood Initiative is the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) signature place-based initiative to address the unrecognized challenges in neighborhoods by comprehensively investing in people and neighborhood assets by striving for holistic neighborhood transformations. The Near North Side Choice Neighborhood Initiative neighborhoods include Carr Square, Columbus Square, Old North St. Louis, St. Louis Place, and Downtown West. HUD Secretary Julián Castro announced the City of St. Louis won a prestigious Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant in 2016.

Goals of the Gateway Sculpture:

• Foster a sense of arrival for residents and visitors to the Near North Side.
• Convey unity and shared identity within the community.
• Celebrate the unique history, identity, and pride of place in the Near North Side.
• Infuse creativity, beauty, and vibrancy into the N.14th Street corridor.

Budget and Timeline:
The City of St. Louis, in collaboration with its partners, has allocated a budget of $200,000 to cover all aspects of the artwork, including design, engineering, fabrication, shipping, travel, insurance, and overhead. The submission deadline is February 19, 2024, and the selected artwork must be installed no later than August 30, 2024.

Selection Process:
A panel, composed of members of the CNI Public Art Advisory Group, community stakeholders, and representatives from the City of St. Louis, USI, and Via Partnership, will meticulously review artist qualifications. Up to three finalists will be selected to develop concept proposals, each receiving a stipend of $2,500. The ultimate selection will be based on the artist’s alignment with project goals and demonstrated ability to execute within the specified timeline and budget. 

Eligibility:
This unique opportunity is extended to artists and artist teams residing in the United States, with a preference for those in St. Louis or having a connection to North St. Louis neighborhoods. A strong emphasis is placed on previous experience in executing ideas from concept to completion, particularly in the public realm and with public agencies.

How to Apply:
Prospective applicants are invited to attend a virtual Pre-Application Workshop scheduled for February 8, 2024, at 4 pm CST (click here for Zoom information). The deadline for submissions is 11:59 pm CST on February 19, 2024. The complete application details can be found at: www.nearnorthsidestl.org/opportunities 

For inquiries and submissions, please contact art@viapartnership.com.

The Gateway Sculpture Project, guided by the City of St. Louis and its dedicated partners, signifies a collective commitment to the transformation and revitalization of the Near North Side Choice Neighborhoods. Through the language of art and culture, this project aims to make a lasting impact, reflecting the unique identity and progress of the Near North St. Louis community.

 

 

About CDA:
The Community Development Administration (CDA) serves as the City of St. Louis’ clearinghouse for federal, state, and local funds. CDA works to implement the Mayor's economic justice agenda by funding a wide range of public and nonprofit entities to provide public services, build affordable housing, combat blight, and conduct various other community development activities.