Request for Qualifications: AgriCultural Roots Mural
Veggielution is seeking an artist/artist team with a demonstrated interest in art and storytelling, history and recognition projects to create a mural for their community farm stand. The artist must have cultural sensitivity to the diverse communities who work at the farm and use the farm stand as a source of fresh food. The artwork budget is $3000, and the mural must be installed by December 6, 2021.
Veggielution is a 2-acre community farm and gathering space located at Emma Prusch Farm Park in East San José that connects people from diverse backgrounds outdoors through food and farming programs. The farm is commissioning an 8ft tall by 10ft wide detachable mural inside the newly renovated farm produce stand for AgriCultural Roots, a storytelling and historical recognition project that honors the contributions of immigrant Japanese, Chinese and Filipino farmworkers to the Valley.
When we think of Santa Clara County’s history, we are often brought back to the prevailing narrative of the “Valley of Heart’s Delight,” a region of pastoral settings, flowering orchards, and lush landscapes set around the narrative of the European immigrant farmer. However, this narrative does not fully depict a well-rounded history of early agriculture in the County. Much of this industry’s growth continues to rely on the contributions of Asian immigrants—their stories often untold and unseen.
SCOPE OF WORK:
Design concepts for 8ft tall x 10ft wide wall space
at least two (2) co-led community feedback meetings
Translation of design concept to installation of mural
PROJECT BUDGET: $3000, including time, transportation, and materials.
SELECTION PROCESS:
An Ad Hoc Art Committee consisting of Veggielution staff, Art Builds Community consultants, design professionals, educators, and community partners will convene to recommend artists to invite to apply for this commission. Invited artists are asked to submit qualifications in electronic form including:
Link to website portfolio or digital images showing up to ten examples of comparable work.
A list describing each image, including title or project, location, year, medium, dimensions, and budget.
A letter of interest describing how they will approach the proposed artwork, availability to complete the project by 2nd weekend of December 2021
A resume (link or attachment)
Three professional references including name of reference, email address, and phone number.
Please send questions and packet of materials electronically to:
Quynh-Mai Nguyen, Project Coordinator
quynh-mai [ at ] artbuildscommunity [ dot ] com
The committee will narrow down a short list of 1-3 artists to be interviewed. During the interview, artists will present past comparable work, experience, and answer any questions that the committee may have regarding the presentation. Artists will also be asked to describe how they will approach the project and work with the community.
SELECTION CRITERIA:
Relevance of past artwork, experience or ability of working on a large-scale mural installation.
Artistic Excellence
Ability to complete project on budget and schedule.
A collaborative spirit that prioritizes client input and timely communication
Cultural sensitivity
TIMELINE:
Open Request for Qualifications: Monday, July 19, 2021
Deadline for Submissions: Monday August 16, 2021, at 11:59PM PST
Evaluation & Short List: Wednesday, August 25, 2021
Finalist Interview: Monday, August 30, 2021
Contract Issued: Wednesday, September 8, 2021
Community Feedback Session #1: Saturday, October 2, 2021
Community Feedback Session #2: Saturday, November 6, 2021
Installation Week: Tuesday, November 29 - December 6, 2021
Mural Unveiling: 2nd weekend of December 2021
Questions: Quynh-Mai Nguyen at quynh-mai [ at ] artbuildscommunity [ dot ] com
RFQ: https://www.artbuildscommunity.com/work/agricultural-roots
More project information: https://veggielution.org/agricultural-roots