Request for Artist Qualifications University of Alaska Anchorage Alaska Leaders' Archive

Deadline for Entries: Received by Wednesday, June 10, 2026 9:59 pm AKDT. Applications will be accepted online only through CaFÉ at: www.callforentry.org. 

This RFQ is open to all professional artists.  The University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) is requesting qualifications from artists for exterior artwork to be commissioned for the UAA/APU Consortium Library currently under renovation to house the Alaska Leaders Archive

Submitted applications will be judged on a competitive basis from which up to three finalists may be selected. Finalists invited to propose may be interviewed. Finalists will be provided with plans and paid $1,500.00 to develop a detailed design proposal.

The selected artist’s budget will include all costs of design, engineering, fabrication, installation, artwork transportation, special handling fees, special lighting (if any), applicable permitting, photographic documentation, liability and automobile insurance, and an identifying plaque made to UAA standards and specifications.  State laws related to public construction, including licensing, insurance, bonding, and payment of prevailing wage rates, may apply.  Finalists will be apprised of this information.

ART COMMITTEE DIRECTIONS and THEMES

The Alaska Leaders Archive contains historical records and artifacts from influential and notable figures of Alaskan history. The Alaska Leaders Archive contains the records, papers, and artifacts of Alaskans, broadly represented, whose legacy of leadership and public service advanced the development of the state, and whose collections provide important context to our state and nation’s history.  The Alaska Leaders Archive is envisioned to educate and inspire future leaders to address local, state, national, and global challenges.

Artwork should portray a theme related to civic leadership and community engagement. Artwork can be symbolic or abstract, a literal interpretation is not required. Art should not be a literal representation of actual Alaska leaders. Art must be visually appealing from all sides. Artwork with a functional element might be desirable.

Artwork should be stimulating and illuminated.

Artwork should be visually appealing and engaging to those who work and study in the building.  At the same time, artwork should be intriguing for first time visitors or members of the general public. 

PROPOSED LOCATION (see attached site plan)

1.      Outdoor green space adjacent to curved eastern façade.

EXPECTED ART INSTALLATION DATE

Prior to October 31, 2026. The installation dates of selected artworks should be within one year from date of contract signing.  Artist’s references must also attest to past performance and meeting deadlines. 

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

Any modifications to interior or exterior lighting will be at the expense of the artist and coordinated and approved through the project manager.  Modified lighting features must be commercially available in Alaska.

Artwork should work well with existing architectural elements.  Arrangement or composition of artwork should not interfere with the design of existing finishes. 

Areas of circulation and public access around artwork should be ADA compliant.

The selected artist will coordinate with the project manager and landscape architect to preserve existing landscape.  In this climate, snow accumulates and does not typically melt between snowfalls from October through March.  Artwork must be designed to be resilient to vandalism, weather, including but not limited to freeze thaw conditions, rain, hail, and UV exposure. Additionally, snow removal should not require special equipment or extra duties performed by maintenance staff.

MAINTENANCE AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

The installed artwork must be permanent and designed to last the life of the building. Artwork of all media types will be considered. Viewers may touch the artwork if it is installed in an accessible location, therefore artwork must also endure substantial public use. Public safety is of great importance in this facility. Routine maintenance and display considerations must be minimal. Replacement features if required, must be commercially available in Alaska.

• A short letter of interest no more than one page in length. The letter should describe:
  • The general nature of your approach to making art for the public realm
  • How your work is or could be connected to the themes of this project
  • Why your medium or media would work well with this building
  • Include how your work is priced, or a budget range of past work
• 10 digital images of past work.  Limit images to artwork created in the past 10-15 years.  Do not submit proposals or preliminary sketches in lieu of images of completed work unless your proposal has been accepted and/or is in progress for another project.
• A current resume no more than two pages in length.  Limit your past art project list to work completed in the past 10-15 years.
• Names, titles and phone numbers for three professional references who can attest to: success of past projects, qualifications and ability to complete the work on time and in coordination with the project manager, as well as ability to work with contractors and consultants, landscape architect and others on the design team.

The criteria for selection will include:

• Quality, appropriateness, and originality of the artist's past work as evidenced by the digital images, the letter of interest and resume
• Durability, maintenance requirements, and safety considerations related to past commissions
• Past projects and references that attest to qualifications and ability to complete the work on time and in coordination with a firm construction timeline
• Ability to work with contractors and consultants, landscape architect and others on the design team