Emmett Scott Recreation Center Courtyard

INTRODUCTION:

The Women’s Art Initiative (WAI) of Rock Hill is a public art non-profit and advocacy group whose mission is to enhance the quality of life for the community by reflecting its cultural values and artistic vitality through public art.

PROJECT & THEME OVERVIEW:

WAI in Rock Hill, SC is seeking proposals from artists/designers to create a contemporary outdoor scuplture design feature/ artwork to depict historical content in the City of Rock Hill on the grounds of the Emmett Scott Recreation Center consisting of the historic McGirt Auditorium, a gym, community room, craft room, classroom and game room.

WAI in Rock Hill, SC is seeking proposals from artists/designers to create a contemporary outdoor sculptural design feature/ artwork to depict historical content in the City of Rock Hill on the grounds of the Emmett Scott Recreation Center consisting of the historic McGirt Auditorium, a gym, community room, craft room, classroom and game room.

Requested design inclusions are: sculpture/sculptural elements that will:

1 - Reflect the history of the site. Emmett Scott High School was a high school founded in 1920. It was the first public school for blacks in Rock Hill. Named for Emmett J. Scott (1873 – 1957), a prominent educator. Ralph Waldo McGirt, the longest-serving principal of the Emmett Scott High School.

2 - Include some content that correlates to the Southside Music and Cultural Trail since Emmett Scott High School was known for its marching band, whose director Frontis Brooks served from 1941 to 1971.

This public art project will serve residents of Rock Hill as a spot of historic significance in the Southside area of Rock Hill. Aiming to be a focal point within a green space on the courtyard grounds of the Emmett Scott Recreation Center, this work will celebrate the history of Emmett Scott the educator and Emmett Scott the high school, as well as Ralph McGirt the educator, while keeping a pulse on the future of the neighborhood’s identity. Thus, it will provide opportunities for dialogue emphasizing the value of music and education. The piece shall exemplify the concept of community. The piece must be pet/child/family friendly and ideally have an encouraging/ uplifting component and an aspect in the design to allow for photo opportunities with community members. 

WAI will select one artist’s/ designer’s proposal whose vision for this project incorporates these themes. The artist/designer will be responsible for the design, creation, transportation, and installation of the project and will work with the WAI Selection Committee and City of Rock Hill staff.

SITE DESCRIPTION:

The courtyard site is on Crawford Road in the historic Southside District of Rock Hill perpendicular to The Emmett Scott Recreation Center. The center consists of a gym, community room, craft room, classroom and game room. It is adjacent to McGirt Auditorium, a park area, a community swimming pool, and a playground. (Please see images at back of call for reference.) The Auditorium serves a number of businesses, churches, and the public to host a variety of functions and performances. Also of note, the City of Rock Hill is developing a dynamic and diverse collection of public art works for “The Southside Music and Cultural Trail.”

The trail will honor and memorialize the contributions of African American musical innovators and the historical places and moments that shaped the rich culture of Southside neighborhoods.  The trail highlights the stories of local musical talents such as Frontis Brooks, the musical savant and iconic marching band leader of the former Emmett Scott High School and the legendary Plair family under the leadership of B.S. Plair, Sr. whose band performed throughout the Southeast and was the opening act for major artists like Lionel Richie and the Commodores, and Kool & the Gang.

The historical places and moments represent the spaces that were made available to create and showcase this artistic expression within the community and at the same time provide safe shelter.  The original structure for McGirt Auditorium was built in 1960 and served the African American community until it closed in 1970 because of integration. The auditorium was named after Ralph McGirt, the former and longest serving principal of Emmett Scott High School. The grounds of St. Mary Catholic Church known at “The Catholic” was a welcoming venue under the leadership of Brother David Boone during the civil rights movement and was home to many of the social activities such as Friday night dances for African American youth. 

The Music and Cultural Trail spaces are intended to broaden the reach of the City of Rock Hill’s rich history and make more inclusive the stories of the African American community that are woven so deeply into the fabric of this “good town.”

SITE SPECIFICATIONS: 

The courtyard site spans approximately 100’ length x 60’ width. The site has sidewalks on its 4 borders.                           

·Placement and Alignment: The finished work should be integrated into the front portion of the courtyard (closest to the street) where the edge runs parallel to the sidewalk at Crawford Road. Per the city’s preference, the piece should be centered on the width of the courtyard, but can extend the full width. The existing tree that's roughly in the center of the landscaping is the primary reference point.

·Max Footprint: 13' length x 20' width.

·Length Orientation: From the center point (the tree), the footprint extends 10' toward McGirt Auditorium and 10' toward the pool area.

·Width Orientation: The 13' width extends from the widest point of the landscaping toward the center of the courtyard.

·Height: The installation may be in the range of 12’ tall but no taller. No “overhanging” parts are permitted by the City.

·Drainage: The City’s PRT will advise on any drainage considerations that may impact the installation.

Please see back of call for drawings and images. Possible considerations in the proposal, in addition to those listed in the project overview: projected imagery and/or lighting.

Design must keep sidewalks clear and safe as well as be pet, children, and family friendly. It is the responsibility of the artist to verify all dimensions, opportunities, and constraints of the site.

BUDGET/SCOPE:

The WAI’s budget for the design, construction and completion of this project is $30,000.  The proposed budget of $30,000 is intended to cover all associated costs for the visioning, design, fabrication, and installation, including artist and apprentice fees, proposal, materials (See MAINTENANCE & DURABILITY), additional labor, insurance, shipping, travel, and convening expenses. Artist does not pay for site preparation.

SUBMISSION DETAILS:

Artists/designers may apply as individuals or as a team. All proposals must be submitted through Café. IMPORTANT: Each artist can submit up to 3 proposals with 10 images. These can be images of sketches, renderings, etc. If you wish to enter additional proposals, checkout and submit the first application, then repeat the process for up to 3 applications. 

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS:

·Design Proposal: In a written statement, discuss a concept and details for the project. Include a brief outline, materials to be used, a preliminary budget, and timeline.

·Design Images: Submit 5-10 digital images of site-specific design ideas and renderings. Images must be submitted as "High" quality JPEGs, per Café.

·Work Sample Images: Submit 5 digital images of professional work. Images must be submitted as "High" quality JPEGs.      

·Resume: If submitting as a team, one resume for each team member should be submitted, as one document PDF. We ask that it include a list of previous public art projects and locations.

·3 Professional References: Submit a list of three professional references that have an intimate knowledge of the artist’s work and working methods. Include complete addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses. Also as a PDF.

·A preliminary itemized budget and timeline are required with submission. Upon award of the contract, the chosen artist(s)/designer(s) will be required to submit a finalized itemized fee proposal. This budget should include all expenses associated with the design, fabrication and installation related labor, materials, contracted services (consultants and apprentices), insurance, meetings and travel required to complete the project not to exceed $30,000.

Professional artists and designers who have demonstrated success with outdoor public works of art, with evidence of track record, are encouraged to apply. This opportunity is open to participation by individuals 18 years of age or older residing in the United States. Artists/ designers who reside or have their studios within York County and/or the southeastern United States, are highly encouraged to apply. Board and committee members of WAI or selection panel are not eligible to apply.