Local artists are being invited to submit proposals to create a site-specific original artwork for the Officer Dining Room in the Lexington Detention Center.
The vision for this project is to commission a local artist, or artist team, to create a site-specific and significant work of art that will contribute to a positive and stress-reducing environment, and that will create a visual break from the institutional setting.
"This is a wonderful opportunity to display the creative works of our local artists in a government building,” Mayor Linda Gorton said. “Our Detention Center employees are hardworking individuals, and this project will improve their work environment.”
The purpose of this artwork is to enhance the environment of the dining room with a distinctive aesthetic experience, provide excitement and interest, and reflect the mood, ideas and themes identified by the Detention Center Employees.
“The Artist Project at the Division of Community Corrections is already lifting spirits. It is a fun and exciting interactive process for the Corrections Officers,” said Chief of Corrections Scott Colvin. “Heather Lyons, the Mayor’s Director of Arts and Cultural Affairs, has brought an energy and enthusiasm for this project that is infectious to the officers working with her on this. They look forward to meeting the Artist and watching the space transform into something with meaning and beauty.”
The chosen artist will have a total budget of $8,250.
Artists interested in this project can access the official request for proposals on the Public Arts Commission website. Artists can email their proposals to hlyons@lexingtonky.gov, or hand deliver their proposals to Lyons at the Government Center, 200 E. Main St. All emailed proposals must be submitted to Lyons 11 p.m., Wednesday, May 17. The deadline for hand-delivered proposals is 5 p.m., Friday, May 12.
For more information, check out the Public Art Commission Approved Work Plan at lexingtonky.gov/boards/public-arts-commission, or contact Heather Lyons, Director of Arts and Cultural Affairs, at (859) 258-3123 or via email, hlyons@lexingtonky.gov.
