CALL TO ARTISTS
Request for Qualifications—Public Art in Oro Valley, AZ
Issued by the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance

EL CONQUISTADOR RESORT - NEW DAY SPA DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
Artist Resume & Application Deadline: December 18, 2019
Eligibility: Open to all artists
Project Title: Integrated Public Art Project – Privately owned Public Art
Total Art Budget: $21,000

Project Summary
The goal of this project is to develop a viable, permanent public art project for the new spa at the Hilton El Conquistador Resort in Oro Valley, AZ.  Art can be sculptural pieces or artistic elements used to enhance the surrounding property. Artistic elements are preferred to be in the form a series of smaller, or one main sculptural installation. Materials should be weather resistant and appropriate for both the climate and the building design. Preferred materials include bronze, steel, cast concrete and other natural materials.  Integrated walkway stamping and water features are acceptable mediums for installations.  The developer seeks proposals from both two dimensional and three dimensional artwork.  Integrated seating, free standing sculptures, and indoor artwork submissions are encouraged.  Preferred materials include natural materials, metal, stone and concrete.  The projects seeks to commission artwork in both modern and nature inspired forms.  Two Dimensional and Three Dimensional artist applications will be accepted.  

El Conquistador Tucson - A Hilton Resort https://www.hiltonelconquistador.com/ 
This new spa will be an exciting high end amenity to the existing El Conquistador Resort. The spa will be available to both the public and hotel guests. The architectural forms complements the existing surroundings in color and texture. A sloped roof and large storefronts frame the view of Pusch Ridge as you walk out to the pool. This roof form and the textured masonry buttress columns reflecting the forms of Pusch Ridge in the background. The interior materials consist of porcelain tile, LVT, carpet, wall coverings, salt blocks, wood slats and ceramic tile to bring color and texture to the spaces.

Installation Timeline (Construction and Desired Artwork Install dates)
It is the hope of the general contractor and the owner to have the final artwork installed in coordination with the project completion, which is estimated to be at early March - April 2020.

Project Themes
El Conquistador Resort is seeking submissions from artists in a variety of themes and materials.  The artwork can be figurative, or abstract.  

Process and Project Administration
A final artist will be identified through a developer panel review process with decisions based on the evaluation by the panel of past work and experience. The final selection of a winner will be based on phone interviews /or onsite visits. Project Goals

El Conquistador Resort – 10000 North Oracle Road, Tucson, AZ 85704
The selection of the precise location of the art elements will be part of the design process undertaken by the developer, development team members and artist. The location will need to meet the requirements of the Oro Valley Public Art process. The artistic enhancements should be designed to:

• Enhance the arrival sequence of visitors, residents and employees,
• Provide visual interest and beauty for the residents,
• Accentuate and enhance the architecture and finishes of the building
• Contribute to the overall enhancement of the Oracle Road corridor.

The project should include original, site specific designs. The artist should demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the basic building practices employed on site and an ability to work on a construction site with numerous other trades.

Project Criteria
The artist selection panel will base its decision on the follow criteria:
• Quality of the artist’s past work and perceived compatibility with the project.
• Experience in other public art projects including demonstrated ability to meet timeline and budget requirements.
• Ability to design successfully for the extremes of the Arizona climate through the use of appropriate materials.
• Understanding of the Oro Valley Public Art process and submittal requirements.

Budget
The preliminary budget is set at $21,000. However, this budget may change in response to total project costs. The total budget includes travel, materials, preparation of materials, engineering documentation and submittals, art fabrication and installation. Preparation of the site, including footings, base elements and structural base elements may be provided by the Developer, as agreed upon with the successful applicant.

HOW TO APPLY

The following materials are due on or before the deadline. Submissions can only be received in online format. Upload and fill out the online application at:
• Resumé with current contact information (Max 4 pages)
• A one page project descriptive proposal explaining your interest and potential compatibility with this project, as well as an artist range. Any proposed artist project sketches (if desired) can be included in this portion of the application process. (Max 3 pages)
• Printed images of past work, proposed artwork renderings or sketches (max 4 pages printed). Artists may include multiple images on one printed sheet. (Max 4 pages) All past project images should also include a final budget.

Project Timeline
RFQ / Call to Artists posted November 28, 2019
RFQ / Application deadline December 18, 2019
Finalist(s) selected and notified January 5, 2020
Contract with Artist February 2020
Fabrication and Installation March 2020

*All Town of Oro Valley Public Art Projects are subjected to a Public Art application and approval process. This process can take up to 2-3 months for final approval and may change the above identified timelines. Selected artist is required to produce and prepare needed documents and installation timelines on a flexible schedule according to the Town of Oro Valley approval process.

Contact
Please direct questions and correspondence to: Matt Rolland, matt@saaca.org