RFP - Exhibit Dawson Trail Park EN

Dawson Trail Arts and Heritage Tour - Commemorative Project Art on the Trail – Call for Public Art Proposals Location: Dawson Trail Park, Richer, MB Project Timeline Issue Date: April 8, 2022 Response Deadline: April 30, 2022 Expected Award: May 9, 2022 Expected Delivery: May – September 30, 2022 Budget: $35,000, plus taxes (approx. value, to be determined commensurate with scope and scale of project) Context and Art Opportunity Overview The Dawson Trail Arts and Heritage Tour is a sub-committee of the Dawson Trail Museum, dedicated to the celebration of the artistic, cultural and historic assets of the communities located along the Dawson Trail, now known as the Dawson Road or PTH 207. Our efforts are two-fold and include: 1) Year-round promotional support to a collective of artists and artisans in the region, and the hosting of an annual art tour in September to showcase the artistic talents of our community; 2) Celebrating the natural, cultural and historic legacy of the Dawson Trail. We have created a rich repository of research on our website at www.dawsontrailtreasures, and encourage the sharing of this legacy through self-guided arts and heritage tours of the region, supported by the development in 2022, of a permanent interpretive trail plan, including trail markers and exhibits, throughout our communities.

With the celebration of the Dawson Trail’s 150th anniversary in 2021, we believe there has never been a better time to honour this important chapter of our shared history with permanent exhibits that will serve as evidence of the Dawson Trail’s value to Manitoba, Canada and its people. This is an interregional project that stretches from Winnipeg (St. Boniface) to the North West angle (Harrison’s Creek) and will positively impact all the rural communities along the way.

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To this end, our Steering Committee along with host partners at the Richer Community Club, are seeking local artists/team submissions to create a permanent, public art exhibit at the Dawson Trail Park in Richer, Manitoba. The exhibit will explore the local lumber industry that has shaped this region and include an element relevant to the story of the “lost gold” that is connected to the history of the Dawson Trail. Interpretive content in support of these stories and themes can be found on our website at www.dawsontrailtreasures.ca. See also the project summary below and context/overview provided in the attached document.

Applicants are invited to submit proposals for collaborative work with other artists, architect or design teams but must remain the lead and liaison for the project. It is the artist’s responsibility to obtain approval of the proposed exhibit structure by a certified architect or engineer, however, the Dawson Trail Commemorative Project may provide assistance in providing the architect/engineer contacts for stamped approval of the proposed installation.

The selected artist will create the permanent artwork and have it installed at the Dawson Trail Park by no later than September 30th, 2022. The responsibility for the installation remains with the artist, however, the Dawson Trail Commemorative Project can provide assistance in recommending local contractors.

Project Summary Submissions are sought for an artistic proposal to create an outdoor exhibit within a maximum 20 ft x 10 ft space allocated at the Dawson Trail Park in Richer, Manitoba. The work will render the artist’s vision or artistic representation of two stories: 1) the history of lumbering in the Richer area; 2) the story of the lost gold as it connects to the Dawson Trail (see attached document for historical context).

The Dawson Trail Park is located in Richer, Manitoba, 35 minutes east of Winnipeg just off the TransCanada Highway and is managed by the Richer Community Club. It is home to the annual Richer Rough Stock Rodeo, an activity recognized in Manitoba as “Rodeo of the Year” in 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018.

The proposed artwork/structure should complement the Park’s existing buildings, landscape and structures. This includes a timber frame “trading post” area and wooden log house, as well as a large, white covered rink supported by powder coated, metal framing. The use of natural resources typical of the region may also be considered.

The proposed exhibit installation must be structurally sound and durable. Architect/engineer stamps will be required for the final design/structure and are the responsibility of the artist, however, advice and contacts may be coordinated by the Dawson Trail Commemorative Project to facilitate this process.

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The ideal proposal will include the use of durable materials and a finish that will reasonably protect the surface from general wear for a period of up to 10 years or more. Protection against elements such as wind, rain, and the sun should be considered in the final design, use of materials and/or finish. The addition of an interactive element for audience engagement would be considered an asset.

The size of the proposed exhibit installation is left to the artist’s discretion, so long as it does not surpass the 20ft x 10ft allotment. Height restrictions have not been identified but must respect municipal by laws.

The artwork must allow for the integration of at least two interpretive panels that will be provided with content specific to the chosen themes (local lumber industry and lost gold).

Exact dimensions and design of panels will be confirmed at a later date but each interpretive panel is estimated to be approximately 40”H x 20” w. Note: The Dawson Trail Commemorative Project will provide the interpretive writing and cover costs for graphic layout and printing of the interpretive panels.

Requirements and Criteria • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Artistic merit of the proposed artwork; Qualifications and professional experience of the artist; Ability to creatively interpret the key themes proposed in a manner than is relevant to the value and culture of the community; Suitability of the artwork to the proposed site and outdoor display, including its maintenance and durability; Realistic project timelines; Detailed and realistic budget; Expressed sensitivity to the site and context; Ability to complete and install the project by September 2022; Demonstrated ability to successfully execute a project of this scale and within the budget and timeline set out; Strength of supporting material and/or past projects; Appropriateness of the scale of the artwork; How closely the proposed artwork meets the goals set out in the RFP and envisioned by the community; Local considerations will be viewed as an asset by the selection committee (i.e.: artists who operate or reside within the Dawson Trail communities, members of the Dawson Trail Art Tour, etc.).

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How to Apply Artists wishing to be considered must submit the following supporting materials as a complete package: 1) Written expression of interest (maximum 1 page) Describe your interest in this particular work. Speak to your experience and ability to create artwork for the public realm. Highlight your qualifications and experience working with site-specific artwork and construction and design professionals, as well as your ability to successfully execute a project of this scale within the budget and timeline set out above. For collaborative works, please specify your roles in the creation/execution of the work.

2) Art Concept and Installation Details, 500-1000 words max (attach a word/PDF file). Be sure to include dimensions, materials, and as much detail as possible. Provide a project timeline from design stage through final installation.

3) Project Visual Support Materials – include drawings/sketches or digital images to support your submission. Note that proposal materials will not be returned.

4) Project Budget (1 page max). Please include a breakdown of all cost including your expected renumeration, with justification if it extends beyond the budget identified.

5) Curriculum Vitae and Statement of Artistic Activities (maximum 4 pages) Submit a CV and statement of artistic activities.

6) References Provide name, address, phone and e-mail for two references who can speak to your art/design practice, and interest and/or experience in public art projects. (A letter of reference is not required at this time).

7) Support Materials Up to 5 digital images that are representative of your work for the Selection Committee to review. Please include documentation or related and/or public sited artworks if applicable. Note that support materials will not be returned.

Send applications to: Dawson Trail Heritage Tour - Commemorative Trail Initiative Via email to dawsontrailtourmb@gmail.com with the subject line Art Exhibit: Dawson Trail Park Complete applications must be received on or before April 30th, 2022 at 5pm. Incomplete, late, mailed or faxed applications will not be accepted.

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Selection We thank all applicants for their interests however, only successful applicants will be notified in writing of the selection committee’s choice by May 9th.

A contract will be signed between the Dawson Trail Arts and Heritage Steering Committee and the awarded applicant that will outline services, fees charged and payment schedule. This contract will contain provisions including but not limited to rights of ownership and use. The completed artwork will be the property of the Dawson Trail Arts and Heritage Tour but the moral and copy rights remain with the artist. A retainer fee will be disbursed to the awarded artist by mid to late May, 2022. All work produced will be accredited to the artist/team.

Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee consisting of host partners (Richer Community Club), expert-consultants, selected members of the Steering Committee, and potentially, guest jurors with related experience. *Please note that the Dawson Trail Arts and Heritage Tour is not compelled to award this contest based on applications received. We reserve the right to choose to not recommend any application, proposal or finalist and to terminate or re-advertise any project. ** The awarded artist or team will be expected to develop a maintenance program in cooperation with the commissioning agency, for the proper day-to-day care of the artwork. The maintenance program should include a statement regarding the materials from which the piece is fabricated. The commissioning agency will be responsible for communicating this information to its custodial staff and providing any necessary additional tools or equipment to ensure proper daily maintenance of public artworks.

*** The awarded artist will be responsible for transporting their artwork to the site and its installation, including the necessary removal of the artwork due to disrepair or the committee’s decision.

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