Utah State University Animal Science Building - Utah Public Art

Request for qualifications from artists and/or artist teams interested in creating site-specific artwork(s) for the Utah State University Animal Science building. Professional artists and artist teams residing nationally are eligible for this commission.

UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls 28,900 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU Online educates students from all 50 states and 55 countries. For over 25 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns in all of Utah’s counties.

USU is proud to announce that they have joined the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by conference championships in multiple sports, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported. USU seeks to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. They believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful.

USU ANIMAL SCIENCE BUILDING 

At 107 years old, USU’s Animal Science building was one of the first finished buildings on campus. This historic building (pictured on page 7 of the linked document) currently houses USU’s Mathematics and Statistics department, which provides students with access to faculty currently working in nationally recognized research programs in data science and AI. This capital project will include an expansive building addition, as well as updating existing facilities. The addition preserves the historic aspect of the original building, while also ensuring its continued use and ongoing campus relevance. 

The Animal Science Renovation and Addition includes a brand new Data Science and Artificial Intelligence lab (DSAI). DSAI is committed to improving student outcomes, driving research impact, and providing appropriate support for this growing educational field. DSAI strives to deliver ethical AI and machine learning solutions, positioning Utah State as a leader in non-exploitative, unbiased solutions for industrial and societal needs. The Animal Science renovation will also feature expanded space for the Aggie Math Learning Center, a tutoring center open to all USU students.

COMMITTEE STATEMENT

The Art Selection Committee seeks interior artwork to be installed as part of the addition and renovation of the historic Animal Science Building. The Committee has identified two possible areas for artwork integration within the historic portion of the building, each with unique opportunities. A building site plan is available on page 6 of the linked document.

The Art Selection Committee is interested in artwork  that exemplifies the importance of learning and collaboration, encouraging students to actively engage in their own education. The faculty of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics believe strongly in both the science and beauty of mathematics. They seek work that exemplifies the foundational universality of mathematics — including the mathematical rhythms and patterns found in nature and life — while also creating a universally welcoming environment for the wide array of students that will utilize the services within this building.

Artwork may be proposed for the following areas:

• 1st floor central corridor renovated area in the historic building portion.
  • This area will have standard height ceilings and would be suitable for artwork installed on or integrated into the walls
• 3rd floor double-volume on the south side in the historic building portion.
  • Artwork could be suspended and be visible through the historic south-facing window

The artwork’s subject matter and content must be appropriate for public exhibition and not contain advertising, religious references, sexual or violent content, or convey political partisanship.

BUDGET

$164,000 is available for the project. This project budget is for all related expenses of this Public Art commission, including (but not limited to) artist fees, fabrication, support structures, insurance, shipping, travel, lighting, installation, documentation, etc.

ELIGIBILITY

Professional artists and artist teams residing in the United States are eligible for this commission. Artists living in Utah will receive additional weight in the review process. Applicants must have a U.S. Tax ID Number (SSN, EIN, ITIN, or other). Art Selection Committee members and staff of Utah Arts & Museums or Method Studio are not eligible to apply for this commission. All Art Selection Committee members will declare any conflict of interest and recuse themselves from the vote when reviewing artist applications.

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

Interested artists may submit applications online via CallForEntry.org. Register at www.callforentry.org and follow the directions for registration and submitting material for this Public Art Request for Qualifications. The application process will prompt you for all necessary documents and information. This includes up to 10 images and/or up to one movie file of previous work, a CV or résumé, and a Statement of Interest explaining your interest in the project and how your work might relate to the project. Utah Arts & Museums will not be responsible for delayed applications or damaged electronic files. Faxed or emailed applications cannot be accepted. Questions or assistance requests must be made at minimum 48 hours before the submittal deadline.

To request an accommodation for a disability, please complete an Accommodation Form at least two weeks in advance of the October 12th deadline. Accommodation forms can be found at artsandmuseums.utah.gov/accessibility. 

DEADLINE

Complete application packages must be RECEIVED by 
October 12th by 11:59p.m. MT

SELECTION PROCESS AND SCHEDULE

The Selection Committee will review all properly submitted qualifications, from which a short list of semi-finalists will be selected. Semi-finalists will be asked to present a full proposal to the Committee on January 27, 2027, to include concept, budget, and timeline. All semi-finalists will be awarded an honorarium to help defray the costs of the development of the proposal. The honorarium will be applied toward the commission amount for the artist(s) awarded the commission(s.) Utah Arts & Museums will not be responsible for applications delayed or lost. The USU Animal Sciences Committee reserves the right to withhold the award of a commission or re-release the call for entries.

Schedule:
October 12, 2026, 11:59pm MDT | Deadline for receipt of preliminary materials
November 3, 2026 | Committee review and finalist artist notification
January 27, 2027 | Finalist interviews and presentations
Summer 2028 | Artwork completed
September 2028 | Project substantial completion

ARTIST SELECTION COMMITTEE

Lucas Davis Project Manager, Division of Facilities Construction & Management

Matt Wallace, Principal Architect, Method Studio

Jordy Guth, Utah State University Associate Director of Planning and Sustainability

Tom Graham, Utah State University Project Architect

John Stevens, USU Mathematics & Statistics Department Head

KimberLeigh Hadfield, USU Mathematics & Statistics Senior Lecturer

Kevin Moon, USU Data Science & AI Center Director

David Brown, USU Mathematics & Statistics Professor

Brent Thomas, USU AMLC Director/Assistant Professor Professional Practice

Katie Lee-Koven, Executive Director and Chief Curator, Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art

Please do not contact committee members directly. If you have any questions about this or other projects, information is available at: artsandmuseums.utah.gov/publicart/. Or contact: Hannah Nielsen at henielsen@utah.gov 

Interested artists may submit applications online via CallForEntry.org. Register at www.callforentry.org and follow the directions for registration and submitting material for this Public Art Request for Qualifications. The application process will prompt you for all necessary documents and information. This includes up to 10 images and/or up to one movie file of previous work, a CV or résumé, and a Statement of Interest explaining your interest in the project and how your work might relate to the project. Utah Arts & Museums will not be responsible for delayed applications or damaged electronic files. Faxed or emailed applications cannot be accepted.

To request an accommodation for a disability, please complete an Accommodation Form at least two weeks in advance of the October 12th deadline. Accommodation forms can be found at artsandmuseums.utah.gov/accessibility. 

Professional artists and artist teams residing in the United States are eligible for this commission. Artists living in Utah will receive additional weight in the review process. Applicants must have a U.S. Tax ID Number (SSN, EIN, ITIN, or other). Art Selection Committee members and staff of Utah Arts & Museums or Method Studio are not eligible to apply for this commission. All Art Selection Committee members will declare any conflict of interest and recuse themselves from the vote when reviewing artist applications.