Ohio Percent for Art/University of Cincinnati - Chemistry Building Sculpture Commission RFQ

Description

Ohio Percent for Art/UC-Chemistry Building Exterior Artwork Commission RFQ

Open To: Ohio Sculptors                                                                                                          
Commission Amount: $371,000
Entry Open Date: Monday, November 9, 2026
Entry Deadline: Friday, January 8, 2027

Project Summary: The University of Cincinnati (UC) is inviting Ohio sculptors to submit up to 9 digital images of past sculptural work for the UC Chemistry Building Exterior Artwork Percent for Art Project commission (RFQ). From the submissions, a group of semi-finalists will be selected to visit the campus, meet with the committee (comprised of UC faculty and staff), and visit the artwork site location to create a site-specific artwork proposal. UC employees and their spouses are not eligible to apply for this commission. Students enrolled in any degree-granting program are not eligible to apply.

Project Background and Building History:
The University of Cincinnati's College of Arts and Sciences continues the liberal arts tradition of community engagement, research, and activism that was established in 1819 when the university first formed. 

From the humble beginnings where early students chose from three avenues of study: a classical education leading to a BA degree, a scientific major leading to a BS degree, and a civil engineering degree, the College of Arts and Sciences has grown to include 30 academic units and Master's, Doctoral, and Graduate Certificates.

Research is also paramount to the College of Arts and Science's mission where they connect research to all of the activities, whether in the classroom or in the community. Classified as a Research I institution by the Carnegie Commission, UC ranks among the top 2.5% of colleges and universities in the US that concentrate their resources into research and innovation. 

UC is also ranked in the National Science Foundation's top 50 public research universities, and ranked first in Ohio for research and development spending in the humanities.

Mission of School or Site:  We are collectively devoted to transforming our world through the exploration and dissemination of knowledge. As researchers, we delve into the past and present, understanding natural phenomena, appreciating diverse cultures, celebrating the boundless expressions of the human spirit, and examining the intricacies of social systems and the ideas and practices that shape them.

As teachers, we accomplish this by fostering and promoting connections between the humanities, social sciences and the natural sciences. Our unwavering dedication lies in both acquiring and sharing knowledge through the lenses of critical thinking and persuasive communication. For our students, these enduring tools provide a guide toward a lifetime of learning, contribution, passion and purpose.

Artistic Goals of the Commissioned Piece:
The location for the commissioned sculptural work is the exterior courtyard space of the new building, which is called the Garden of Refuge. The work will be sited within the garden itself and should relate to the themes of arts and sciences, and highlight transatlantic and interdisciplinary conversations on ecology, community well-being, migration, and academic freedom. Technological or lighted work is not desired.

Practical Considerations:
Artwork considered for the Chemistry Building exterior project must be durable and suitably maintenance-free, and withstand outdoor environments. Images of the artwork site location(s) is above.
 
Selection Review Process:
Interested artists should complete the online form by visiting: ohiopercentforart-ucchemistryexteriorsculpture.artcall.org
In addition to the 9 images of past sculptural work uploaded, artists are requested to submit a current resume and artist statement as a combined pdf. The is a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and proposals will not be considered. 
 
The Advisory Selection Committee will review submitted materials and will develop a list of semi-finalist artists that will be invited to meet with the committee for a site visit. After the site visit, the semi-finalists will create a site-specific proposal for artwork for the UC Chemistry Building exterior sculpture project. Each semi-finalist will be offered a proposal fee in addition to an honorarium for their site visit.  Artist proposals will be judged competitively by the Committee.  Submitted proposals become the property of the University of Cincinnati.

Ohio Arts Council Staff:
Kathy Signorino, Artist Programs and Percent for Art Director
614-728-6140 or kathy.signorino@oac.ohio.gov
ArtCall.org Application Steps
Log into the system using your login credentials or create a login: ohiopercentforart-ucchemistryexteriorsculpture.artcall.orgUpdate user profile as needed.Click the submit profile update.At the next page click the orange “Add New Application+” button. Please note you do not have to create a portfolio.Select the category that matches your artwork.Create a title for your application (for example: Sculpture Portfolio)Enter the image information for your 9 images.Agree to the terms by checking the box.Hit Submit.A new page will open, click the blue attachment button, where you can add your 9 images. After one image is uploaded just select the grey add additional image button to add your next image.Once you upload all your images and your resume/artist statement your application is complete.
Note: You may edit your entry until the deadline day.