Request for qualifications:
Eglinton Crosstown LRT public art
Deadline: November 30, 2015, 11am EST
Metrolinx invites professional artists to submit their credentials for consideration for the first stage of a competition for the upcoming Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit (ECLRT) in Toronto, Canada.
The ECLRT will run 19 km across Eglinton Avenue between Mount Dennis (Weston Road) and Kennedy Station in Toronto. There will be 25 transit stations and stops in total, with the six intermodal stations—Mount Dennis, Caledonia, Allen, Eglinton (at Yonge), Science Centre (at Don Mills), and Kennedy—being the focus for the integrated art program. Station names are subject to change.
The total integrated art budget for these six stations is 8 million CAD (all-inclusive). The budget allocation for each station is to be determined; this information will be provided to the shortlisted artists once selected.
Public Art Management (PAM) will be managing this stage of the project on behalf of Metrolinx.
About Metrolinx
Metrolinx is planning, building and delivering hundreds of projects across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area to move the region forward and give people the transportation options they need to lead productive and happy lives, now and in the future. Guided by its 25-year Regional Transportation Plan, Metrolinx is bringing very real benefits to the region and its people.
Project rationale
Metrolinx’s principles for integrated art are conditioned by a desire to link architectural expression to art in a way that is meaningful for riders, and to provide works that complement and enhance the public’s experience. These principles are also informed by underlying values of sustainable design, and the overarching functional imperative for operational performance required by transit facilities.
Future integrated artworks to be commissioned will be representative of the highest caliber contemporary art. The integrated art to be commissioned should be uplifting, impactful and relevant.
Definition of integrated art
Metrolinx defines integrated art as any type of integrated physical, visual, audiovisual artwork that goes above and beyond the base expression of a building or open space, with the explicit purpose of artistic expression. This may include: interior or exterior architectural station elements; artworks integrated into the design of sites, buildings and landscapes; or new media artworks displayed on digital screens or projected on surfaces.
Selection process
Stage 1: Request for qualifications
Professional artists are invited to submit their credentials to be reviewed by an independent external jury of senior art and design professionals, appointed by Metrolinx.
Stage 2: Request for proposals
Shortlisted artists will be invited to submit a detailed concept proposal to be reviewed by jury. Shortlisted artists will be paid design fees for preparation of their concept proposals.
Artist background
Artists who have a strong professional profile, a history of public exhibitions, and who are experienced in creating large, permanent, urban scale works for exterior and interior locations or who have successfully worked in collaborative projects are encouraged to apply.
Submission requirements
Submit a single document in PDF format.
This document must include:
1. A current CV (or one for each member of the team, if applicable)
2. Images of five recent projects (up to five images for each project) with a description of the materials, size, title, location, commissioning body and project cost
3. The names and contact information of two references (for projects completed within the past five years)
Do not submit concept proposals at this stage.
RFQ submission
Email to: art [at] metrolinx.com
On the subject line, clearly mark: “ECLRT Integrated Art RFQ” and the name of the artist/team.
Incomplete or late submissions will be subject to disqualification. All submission materials will be retained by Metrolinx. Only advancing proponents will be contacted. Metrolinx will not enter into any correspondence regarding the artist selection process nor the decision concerning advancing candidates.
Please note that applications received for this project may be considered for subsequent Metrolinx public art projects in the future.
