For Immediate Release: 5/17/2019 2:15 pm
The City of Worcester is now accepting proposals from artists and designers for the creation of benches and bicycle racks for the Main Street Reimagined project and the creation of art panels for the first phase of the Worcester Wayfinding project. The themes of creativity, innovation and revolution will be the focal point of artistic storytelling along Main Street.
The City of Worcester’s Executive Office of Economic Development and Department of Public Works & Parks (DPW&P), in partnership with the Worcester Cultural Coalition, has been working with the Urban Culture Institute to incorporate placemaking, cultural economic development and the arts into the Main Street Reimagined and Worcester Wayfinding projects. These efforts will bring the history of Worcester to life through artistic expression and build on the momentum of the soon-to-be adopted Worcester Cultural Plan.
Call for Main Street Reimagined Bench and Bicycle Rack Design Proposals:
Main Street Reimagined complements the $11 million reconstruction of Worcester’s Main Street as a Complete Street. The intent of Main Street Reimagined is to supplement the new streetscape with custom functional public art installations to add interest to and activate the public space. The City seeks proposals for benches and bicycle racks that will reflect elements of Worcester’s history, culture and community in imaginative and interesting ways.
Call for Worcester Wayfinding District Identifier Artwork Design Proposals:
The first phase of the Worcester Wayfinding project is intended to provide a system of place-making signage that emphasizes district identification and incorporates public art that welcomes visitors and promotes the city’s rich culture. Public art is an integral component of the Wayfinding Plan, and the City seeks artwork for 14 District Identifier wayfinding signs. The installations will feature art panels that explore and reflect Worcester’s history, culture and community in creative and interesting ways.
The Requests for Proposals (RFPs) are open to all artists, artist teams, and design professionals with experience in public art design. Professionals residing in or with studio space in the City of Worcester and the New England region are encouraged to apply. The City will host an optional local informational meeting for artists on Wednesday, May 29, at 6 p.m., at the Worcester PopUp, 20 Franklin Street. The purpose of the meeting is to review the RFP requirements and process.
The deadline to submit proposals for both projects is 10 a.m. on Friday, June 28. The complete RFPs, including the anticipated project schedules, may be found at: www.worcesterma.gov/finance/purchasing-bids/bids/open-bids.
