Full RFQ GOLDEN TRIANGLE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT Request for Qualifications: Art at the Intersection 

GOLDEN TRIANGLE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT Request for Qualifications: Art at the Intersection 

Qualifications Requested by Wednesday, January 8, 2025  

 Location: Connecticut Avenue Median 

Pictured L: Rania Hassan, Marker, 2020 installation 

Pictured M: HYBYCOZO, Golden Spike, 2018 installation 

Pictured R: Kate Raudenbush, Axis Mundi, 2019 installation 

Overview 

The Golden Triangle Business Improvement District (“BID”) is well-regarded for its impeccable streets,  vivid landscaping, engaging activations, and world-class public art. The BID is seeking qualifications from  an artist or artist team to design, fabricate, install, and de-install a two-year temporary public art  installation at the prominent intersection of Connecticut Avenue and K Streets, NW. The artwork will be  installed in the summer of 2026. This high-profile urban location, two blocks from The White House has high visibility from both pedestrians and drivers. This location offers a prime opportunity for impactful  and iconic public art that will be seen by many people including national political leaders. This location  has previously hosted rotating public art projects that frame the lush landscaping in the Connecticut  Avenue median. 

The selected artist should bring a new creative vision to this location while contributing to the  neighborhood’s ongoing reputation as a landmark for public art. To ensure visibility from multiple  vantage points, the artwork must include elements of height and scale, enhancing the experience during  the day and at night for all passersby. 

Budgets of up to $115,000 will be considered for the project. The final project budget must include an  artist contingency of 20% and an artist fee of 15%.  

This project is contingent upon funding availability and permitting. 

1 

Submissions are due no later than January 8, 2025, at 5:00 P.M. All qualifications must be submitted online here: https://form.jotform.com/242903865460157. 

Materials received after 5:00 P.M. will not be considered for evaluation. 

About the Golden Triangle Business Improvement District 

The Golden Triangle Business Improvement District is an award-winning non-profit 501(c)(6) corporation  that works to enhance the Golden Triangle — the 44-square-block neighborhood that stretches from  Dupont Circle to Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 

Founded in 1997, GTBID encourages economic development through capital improvement projects, a  variety of engaging events, and public art projects. GTBID also strives to increase the quality of life  through public safety and maintenance services. GTBID is dedicated to making the Golden Triangle a  great place to live, work, and play. 

PROJECT GOALS 

• Develop a visually striking public artwork that enhances the intersection of Connecticut  Avenue and K Streets, drawing attention from pedestrians and drivers alike during the  day and at night. 
• Incorporate height and scale into the design to ensure the artwork stands out from a  distance and from various viewpoints. 
• Design a site-specific artwork that responds to the surrounding architecture and  

landscape, creating a sense of cohesion and place.  

• Capture the energy and cultural diversity of Washington, DC, by infusing the artwork  with themes that reflect the District’s vibrant spirit. 
• Continue the Golden Triangle’s tradition of showcasing public art by introducing a  

fresh, engaging artwork. 

SITE LOCATION & ARTWORK FOOTPRINT 

The location for the artwork is marked on the map to the right. The  

artwork should optimize this space to achieve the goals of the project.  

• Overall size cannot exceed the following dimensions: 8 x 8 feet wide  

and 15 feet tall.  

• Sculpture should be designed to be mounted and anchored securely  

to the provided concrete sculpture pad (pad is 8 x 8 feet wide and 12  

inches deep). Anchor methods and means must be approved by an  

engineer and by peer engineering review. 

• Art must be able to withstand all weather conditions over a two (2)  

year period. 

• There is access to power at the site via a GFI 110 V outlet. • If the sculpture utilizes colored lights, palette must exclude red,  yellow, and green for traffic safety. 

ELIGIBILITY 

This request for qualifications is open to all professional artists residing in the United States. DC based artists will be given preference in the instance of identical scoring.  

Budgets of up to $115,000 will be considered for the projects. The final project budget must include an  artist contingency of 20% and an artist fee of 15%.  

Up to three semi-finalists may be selected to create concept proposals and will receive a design and  travel stipend of $2,500.  

More info on Golden Triangle Arts at: https://goldentriangledc.com/what-we-do/public-art/  DEADLINE: Wednesday, January 8, 2025 5:00 PM (EDT)  

SCHEDULE: 

ART SELECTION & APPROVAL PROCESS  

• The Golden Triangle BID will convene an Advisory Panel to recommend artists based on their  qualifications, artistic merit, prior work experience, and professionalism necessary to complete  these projects. 
• Artists that are shortlisted and asked to submit an initial design proposal will receive a stipend of  $2,500 for their time and travel. The final design proposals will be subject to review by the U.S.  Commission of Fine Arts (CFA), National Capital Planning Commission, and DC Department of  Transportation. Upon approval, the Golden Triangle BID will determine the best strategy for  obtaining the required permits.  
• The artist whose design is approved will then enter into an agreement with the Golden Triangle  BID for the fabrication, installation, and deinstallation of the artwork. The artist(s) or artist team  may subcontract with artwork fabricator(s) and installer(s).  

This project is contingent upon funding availability and permitting.  

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS  

Submit the following information to demonstrate the necessary qualifications:  

• Resume/CV  
• Up to 10 Past Work Samples  
• Work Sample Index, including project budgets  
• Professional references for three contacts.  
• Cover letter, including the following:  
• How this project relates to your past work; and 
• Your approach to this project. 

SELECTION CRITERIA 

Artistic Content 40%  

• Past Work demonstrates high standards of artistic excellence; and  
• Meets the goals outlined in this request for qualifications. 

Capacity and Sustainability 30%  

• Applicant demonstrates a high degree of professionalism and relevant work experience, in the  area of public art and public space programming.  

Audience Engagement and Impact 30%  

• Applicant demonstrates past audience engagement experience that encourages participation in  the arts; and 
• Past work appeals to a range of audiences.

HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR PROPOSAL  

Materials must be submitted electronically via Jotformat by 5:00 PM (EDT) on Wednesday, January 8, 2025.

Submit here: https://form.jotform.com/242903865460157. 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:  

Selected Artist or Team will -  

• Enter into an agreement with the Golden Triangle BID for the duration of the project.  Throughout the contract, the artist, design team, and subcontractors will be required to  maintain relevant licenses and carry professional liability insurance of $2 million and comply  with all grant requirements.  
• The GTBID shall award the Contract to the qualified Contractor whose Proposal it determines to  be the most advantageous to the GTBID and its neighborhood. GTBID reserves the right to  award the Contract based upon the initial submission, without further discussion. GTBID also  reserves the right to reject all Proposals, to postpone this RFP or to cancel this RFP, at its option. 
• Work with the Golden Triangle BID to determine the best strategy to install the artwork.  • Secure any necessary fabricators and installers, obtain cost estimates, and develop fabrication  and installation schedules.  
• Keep an itemized expense checklist and receipts for financial reporting purposes.  
• Payments will be made based upon agreed deliverables. 
• Provide an artwork maintenance plan for the completed artwork.  
• Coordinate all engineering, construction, and installation with the BID. 

PUBLICITY  

The Golden Triangle BID will include the artist or team’s information on its website, social media outlets,  and other various media outlets. A weather-proof plaque/label with pertinent information and  approved text will be installed with the artwork. The Golden Triangle BID reserves the right to  photograph the artwork for educational purposes, brochures, and other publicity. All copyrights remain  with the artist. The Golden Triangle BID will host a public dedication ceremony in the spring or summer  of 2026 upon installation of the artwork.  

QUESTIONS  

Submitters are encouraged to submit any questions by December 10, 2024. Responses will be posted on  the Golden Triangle website. 

Contact: Alexandra Benson, Manager of Public Art and Creative Activations  

Direct: 202.463.3517 

Email: [email protected] 

For more information on the Golden Triangle BID, Visit: www.goldentriangledc.com.