Lexington’s Public Arts Commission is inviting professional and practicing artists living in Kentucky, Indiana, or Ohio to submit qualifications to propose a permanent, site-specific artwork for the green space area located at the entrance to the Lexington Detention Center.
The Detention Center is located on Old Frankfort Pike, a National Scenic Byway. “Old Frankfort Pike is lined with world-class farms. It attracts tourists and local residents, who enjoy taking a drive to celebrate the beauty of our countryside,” Mayor Linda Gorton said. “The work of a talented artist can add to the beauty of Old Frankfort Pike, while serving as a positive beacon of rehabilitation and renewal to those who come and go from the Detention Center.”
Artists and design teams interested in this project can access the official request for qualifications (RFQ) on the Public Arts Commission website. Artists must submit their qualifications through CAFÉ – Call For Entry. All interested and qualified applicants must submit qualifications by 11:59 p.m. (MST – Mountain), Wednesday, November 8.
“The artist should reflect upon and recognize the human worth, dignity, and value of individuals who are incarcerated, the public servants who work at the Detention Center, and the families of those incarcerated,” said Heather Lyons, Director and Arts and Cultural Affairs in the Mayor’s Office.
Bill Farmer, Chair of the Public Arts Commission, said, “The Public Arts Commission is excited about the new public art that will reset the view along Old Frankfort Pike near the detention center, and this RFQ formally begins the process. The commission looks forward to engaging with the community throughout the selection process.”
A selection committee composed of Public Arts Commission members and other community stakeholders will review the credentials of professional and practicing artists who submit qualifications and can demonstrate experience successfully executing large-scale public sculpture projects. Entries not meeting requirements will not be considered.
Upon review of all qualified RFQs, three finalists will be invited to submit a commissioned proposal for the design of a site-specific public artwork.
For more information, go to lexingtonky.gov/boards/public-arts-commission or contact Lyons at (859) 258-3123, or via email, hlyons@lexingtonky.gov.
