Public Art honoring Vera Bradley Foundation in atrium of new IUSM Medical Building

Indiana University (IUPUI) and IU School of Medicine requests qualifications from artists or artist teams in preparation for commissioning a work of Public Art for the atrium lobby of the new Medical Education and Research Building (MERB) which broke ground in Indianapolis, Indiana in fall 2022 with completion in late 2024. Completion of public art is scheduled for November 1, 2024.

This public art commission opportunity is a two-phase design process, beginning with a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) that will expand to a Request for Proposals (RFP) at a later date, for a minimum of three (3) or more selected finalists.

This artwork will honor the vision and generosity of the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer (Ft. Wayne) in recognition of the organization's $50-million dollar commitment to support breast cancer research at Indiana University, since 1999. Their grassroots, event-based fundraising results in annual support for laboratory and clinical research – from initial discovery to its translation to patients with breast cancer – all conducted by team scientists representing multiple disciplines at the Vera Bradley Foundation Center for Breast Cancer Research at the IU Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center (Indianapolis). The result is life-saving and life-enhancing treatments for people diagnosed with breast cancer. Many individuals are alive today because of research funded by the Vera Bradley Foundation. Additional information on the foundation can be found by following this link https://www.verabradley.org/. 

IU School of Medicine Vision Statement - Our vision for the art is that it will inspire HOPE in all who see it. Much as the partnership with Vera Bradley Foundation and the research it enables provides hope to patients, researchers and physicians alike, we want the sculpture to awaken hope in all who see it.  We have hope that cancer won’t always be a reality for patients, and by working together with Vera Bradley Foundation, our researchers can achieve a future without cancer.  We will always remember that the support of this foundation really served as a catalyst for hope and for the changes patients have already experienced. It also launches a new era of research to achieve beyond what’s been accomplished.  At its core, this artwork should be a celebration of the hope that the Vera Bradley Foundation has sparked in all of us.

The most striking feature of the MERB's interior is a naturally lit atrium that extends from the ground to the third floor—neatly defined by a staircase that will trace an elegant, unbroken upward line.  Beyond providing a bright, airy atmosphere, the openness is intended to connect students with the people around them—to make them feel part of a community. Limiting the space to three floors, and designing the space so students will want to use the staircase, contributes to connectivity and wellness. The atrium’s ground floor is intended to be a gathering space for mingling and large events.

IUPUI’s commitment to public art is evident across the campus and includes sculptures by internationally and nationally recognized artists as well as students and alumni from Herron School of Art and Design. IUPUI’s public art collection functions not only to create points of interest, but also to provide students and the community with spaces where we can come together, have meaningful conversations, and take part in campus life. To explore public art at IUPUI, please visit the IUPUI Public Art Website and the  Arts Council of Indianapolis Website.

Artist Application Submission Requirements

Interested Artists or Artist Teams are asked to submit all of the following information by April 16, 2023. Please do not submit an actual design at this time. Artists and Artist Teams, please submit only one application. Late applications will not be considered.

Letter of Interest - Artist(s) Statement (PDF)

A statement that indicates your interest in the project and how you would approach the commission, a description of your artistic practice and background, and the relationship of this opportunity with your past work. As an educational institution, we ask that you consider how you might incorporate opportunities to engage and work with IUPUI students, including those from Herron School of Art and Design.

Resume (PDF)

• A current, chronological resume or curriculum vitae demonstrating relevant work experience, particularly in public art, not to exceed three (3) pages (artist teams may submit a resume for each team member).
• Include any additional information or links to websites or social media that will assist the selection committee in learning more about your artistic practice.
• Include contact information (name(s), address, phone, email, website).

Work Samples:

• Up to 10 images (JPG or JPEG) depicting your past works of art relevant to the opportunity outlined in this announcement.
• Video or audio work samples are also welcome (maximum two minutes in length).
• File formatting information and a video explaining how to upload work samples can be found at this LINK.

Annotated Work Sample list (PDF) For each work sample provided, please list:

• Title (artist or team name and image number)
• Year completed
• Medium/media
• Dimensions and (when applicable) location
• Price/commission or project budget
• Brief description (65 word max)
• (optional) Thumbnail images are encouraged but not required

References: 

• Names and contact information for 3-5 professional references (PDF).

This opportunity is open to professional artists with experience executing their ideas from concept to completion, meeting a specified budget and timeframe, working in the public realm with public agencies. Artists of all backgrounds are encouraged and welcomed to participate.