Ohio Percent for Art/Youngstown State - Kilcawley Center RFQ

Description

Ohio Percent for Art/Youngstown State University - Kilcawley Center Artwork Commission RFQ
Open To: Ohio and National Artists                                                                                                            
Commission Amount: $87,000
Entry Open Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025
Entry Deadline: Friday, January 16, 2026

Project Summary: Youngstown State University (YSU) is inviting Ohio and national artists to submit up to nine (9) digital images of past work and a pdf of a combined resume/artist statement for the Youngstown State Kilcawley Center Percent for Art Project commission. From the submissions, a group of semi-finalists will be selected to meet with the committee (comprised of YSU faculty and staff), view the artwork site location(s) (virtually if needed) and learn more about the vision for the project, and create a site-specific artwork proposal. YSU employees and their spouses are not eligible to apply for this commission. Students enrolled in any degree or certificate-granting program are not eligible to apply.
Project Background and Building History: The new, modernized campus center will open in fall of 2027 and will be an exciting addition to the University with striking gathering spaces, flexible and spacious meeting rooms, a new, open dining area, black-box theater, and many more assets to better serve YSU students and the campus community. The overarching vision behind the renovation work is to "create a vibrant space that embodies YSU's values of student centrality, integration and collaboration, and a hub for future generations." 
For more information, please visit Youngstown State University website
Mission of School or Site: Since it opened in 1965, Kilcawley Center has served as a hub for
numerous aspects of YSU student life, as well as the central location for
many services and events. Nevertheless, the space needed to be
modernized and has undergone few renovations in its 59-year existence. Specifically, enhancements will include a Black Box Theater for performances, a larger Chestnut Room, and a centralized dining space. Also, the design promises to integrate indoor and outdoor spaces, with an emphasis on providing a more welcoming and accessible environment for students. 
Artistic Goals of the Commissioned Piece: The commissioned piece should add a sense of community, collaboration, engagement, and connection to the Kilcawley Center. The Center is to be the hub of student life on campus and it is the goal of the renovation to help students and staff feel welcome, comfortable, and to find a sense of home. The artwork should reflect these qualities. Literal depiction of the vibrancy, community, and energy of student life is not required. Pieces that imply it through energy, color, warmth, and activity are welcome.
Practical Considerations: The possible artwork site locations are either on interior walls in Kilcawley Center or the exterior wall that faces the outside plaza. The work must be durable and suitably maintenance-free. 
Selection Review Process: Interested artists should complete the online form (application instructions below) in addition to the nine (9) images of past work uploaded, artists should submit a single pdf that includes a current resume (maximum four pages) and artist statement. This is a Request for Qualifications (RFQ), 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 Kilcawley Center 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 Youngstown State University.

Ohio Arts Council Staff:
Kathy Signorino, Artist Programs and Percent for Art Director
614-728-6140 or kathy.signorino@oac.ohio.gov
User Entry Process

If new to ArtCall.org his the blue "+Register" button at the top of the page. If a returning ArtCall.org applicant use the green "Login" button at the top of the page and enter your email and password.Hit the orange "Add New Application+" button.
Select a category that matches your artistic medium. Create a title for your application (e.g., "Public Art Portfolio).Add the details (title, dimensions, medium, price) for image you will be uploading.Indicate if you are a Youngstown State University Alumni.Agree to the terms and hit submit entry details.
Once you submit your entry details a page will open where you can add your nine images and pdf of your artist statement/resume. Once you upload these materials your application is complete (there is no final "submit" button) You may edit your entry until the deadline day.