Call to Artists: Mountain Line Downtown Transfer Center City of Missoula Public Art Committee Missoula, Montana Submittal Deadline Monday, September 14, 2020 (5:00 pm) PROJECT OVERVIEW The City of Missoula Public Art Committee invites artists residing in Missoula County to apply for a public art project to create art on the south-facing entrance of the Mountain Line Downtown Transfer Center (DTC). The goal of this project is to visually represent Mountain Line’s commitment to sustainabillity and to transform the DTC entrance into a more inviting, colorful space. THE SPACE The project will encompass three pillars and two beams at the south-facing entrance of the DTC, located at 200 W Pine St, Missoula, MT 59801. The DTC is the central hub where all Mountain Line buses return and depart multiple times per day and where riders come to catch the bus or make transfers between routes. The space also sees non-Mountain Line traffic as people explore Missoula’s downtown or visit the DTC’s vendor, Ninja Mike’s. It is the only public-facing location Mountain Line has, outside of bus stops and shelters, and should act as an ambassador of Mountain Line’s mission of service and the agency’s commitment to sustainability. DIMENSIONS Pillars (x3): • Total height from base to beam is 129". • Each rectangular section of the pillar is: o 13"h x 21"w (x4 sides) • Each smaller, joining section of the pillar is: o 3"h x 18"w x 1.5" deep (x4 sides) o First and last joining section are less high, at 1.5"h x 18"w x 1.5" deep. • Base of the pillar is: o 27"w x 24"h • Each pillar has a triangle at the top. That triangle is included in the overall height of 129". Beams (x2) (see red line & numbers in pic denoting two beams) • Height and width are the same for both; length varies and may be off by a few inches, but it's very close to actual length. o 10"w x 24"deep o Length 1: ! ~170" (14' 2") o Length 2: ! 424" (~35' 4") Art should cover all exposed sides except for the top of the beams. ARTIST’S AWARD The total budget for this project shall be $5,000 and includes all materials and artist’s labor. Artists painting the DTC will use a four-step process: applying primer, painting the design, applying a protective isolation coat, and applying the final protective varnish or clear coat. Applying vinyl will be a two-step process: application of vinyl, application of clear coat protector. Artists will also be required to paint and seal the DTC concrete bases. MATERIALS Artists must select one of the following methods to complete the DTC. A. Painted DTC: The Missoula Public Art Committee has specified the following acrylic-based products for use: 1. PRIMER: BULLS EYE 1-2-3 (Zinsser) Available at paint & hardware stores in Missoula. 2. PAINT: GOLDEN ARTIST COLORS, LLC (https://www.goldenpaints.com/) Golden Artist Colors, LLC has technical tips on their websites related to painting murals. For example, some colors have a longer lifespan than others (some reds & yellows fade rapidly – discuss specific color with company). Products can be ordered through the University of Montana Bookstore, is available locally at Michael’s, and through other vendors. a) GOLDEN ARTIST COLORS (https://www.goldenpaints.com/technicalinfo/technicalinfo_murals) 3. ISOLATION COAT (layer between paint & protective clear coat) a) GOLDEN ARTIST COLORS: Isolation Coat (https://www.goldenpaints.com/products/varnish-top-coat/protective- coatings) 4. PROTECTIVE VARNISH / CLEAR COAT a) GOLDEN ARTIST COLORS: MSA Varnish (https://www.goldenpaints.com/products/varnish-top-coat/protective- coatings) B. VINYL DTC: Artists producing “digitally enhanced works” may choose a printed vinyl “wrap.” Artists must use a “high performance” vinyl. Please note, vinyl applications must be applied professionally. Further, printed vinyl must also have a clear coat applied for added protection. Vinyl “wraps” are available from sign companies throughout Missoula. CONCRETE BASES: The Missoula Public Art Committee has specified the following products for painting and sealing the concrete bases of each pillar at the DTC. 1. NEW LOOK SMART COLOR for concrete. Available in various colors. 2. DIAMOND CLEAR CURE & SEAL (concrete sealant – comparable to varnish). Concrete products available at Macon Supply (local) or any concrete supply company. APPLICATION PROCESS & DESIGN CRITERIA • Artwork MUST BE ORIGINAL and MAY NOT be work that has been sold or reproduced in any way. • Artists MUST reside in Missoula County. • Use the template provided to propose a design concept. • Design MUST include all visible SIDES of the DTC pillars and beams except for the top of the beams. • If the design is to include text, it MUST be included in the design. The DTC MAY NOT be used for advertisement or to promote a business, product or viewpoint. • Designs MAY NOT include any breach of intellectual property, trademarks, brands, images of illegal activity or involve the attachment of any object(s) to the space. • To dissuade graffiti vandalism, designs should not mimic or take the style of graffiti. • The finished artwork will be in the public domain and therefore may be subject to vandalism. Accordingly, artists should be thoughtful about having large open areas in the design -- for example, large areas of a single color might give a vandal the perfect spot to deface the work. GUIDELINES FOR PROPOSALS The Downtown Transfer Center Project is designed to enhance the Missoula community by creating a more welcoming downtown space for everyone, and to connect the community with Mountain Line’s public transportation service, which benefits us all. Artwork on DTC will help viewers understand that public transit benefits everyone in the community by helping keep seniors and those with disabilities active and mobile; by increasing accessibility for all, leading to a more inclusive community; by offering accessible service at zero-fare, to ensure everyone has equal access to transportation; and by helping keep our air clean and lowering our valley’s carbon footprint. Successful proposals will focus on Mountain Line moving our community forward sustainably – focusing on both environmental and community health. Artists are encouraged to review Mountain Line’s commitment to a zero-tailpipe-emissions fleet by 2035 located on the agency’s sustainability page: www.mountainline.com/sustainability. Artists are also encouraged to consider the following information to inspire their design: Since the debut of Mountain Line’s Zero-Fare program in 2015, ridership has increased almost 70 percent. Mountain Line now provides more than 1.5 million rides annually. INCREASING BUS RIDERSHIP BENEFITS US ALL More people riding the bus equates to less traffic congestion, less need for parking facilities and a healthier community, as more people choose active transportation. And, fewer private vehicles on the road results in less air pollution in the Missoula Valley. The ridership gains achieved through the Zero-Fare program has also been essential to securing millions of dollars in federal grants in just a few short years, leading to the purchase of 12 electric buses and bus stop improvements for the Missoula community. In short, a robust Mountain Line helps keep Missoula a more livable and prosperous community for everyone. Artists should understand that the finished work will be in a functioning space that welcomes people from all walks of life and that there may be instances of vandalism and the need for repair. Mountain Line cannot guarantee how long the artwork will remain in place. Material longevity estimates are approximately seven years (vinyl) and up to 25 years (paint), assuming no unexpected damage occurs. THE SELECTION PROCESS Artwork will be selected in a two-part process. First, the Missoula Public Art Committee will review all submissions and will narrow the selection down to semi-finalists. The Missoula Public Art Committee expects that submissions will be of the highest quality in both concept and execution, and is comprised of artists, arts professionals, and community representatives. The Selection Committee will also include representatives from Mountain Line and the Public Art Committee. Semi-finalists will go before a second selection committee comprised of Missoula Public Art Committee and Mountain Line representatives. Applications will be evaluated on the basis of aesthetic, artistic and technical merit. Past performance will also comprise a portion of the criteria used in the selection process. The Selection Committee will review all materials received by the specified deadline for content, completeness, qualifications, experience, and references. Any changes to the project scope will be noted at the Public Art website (Current Art Calls): http://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/899/Public-Art-Calls or http://www.missoulapublicart.org. ARTIST ELIGIBILITY The project is open to artists residing in Missoula County. All applicants are eligible regardless of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, national origin, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. If you are unsure about eligibility, contact the City of Missoula before applying. In an effort to compile a diverse collection of artwork and artists, individuals will be awarded no more than two (2) commissions in a thirty-six (36) month period. If awarded the DTC commission, artists are encouraged to carry a comprehensive general liability insurance policy. PROJECT TIMELINE Monday, September 14, 2020 Submission deadline Complete submissions are to be received by the Selection Committee no later than 5:00 p.m. Sept 15-18, 2020 Works judged by selection committee Friday Sept 18, 2020 Semi-finalists announced The Selection Committee will schedule interviews with finalists through conference calls or socially distant, personal interviews. Sept 21-24, 2020 Semi-finalists interviewed Friday, Sept 25, 2020 Commission awarded The Selection Committee will award the commission.