Welcome

Muriel Pollia Foundation

Public Art Project
The University of La Verne Sara and Michael Abraham Campus Center
Request for Qualifications

University of La Verne Mission Statement & Background
The University of La Verne, located 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles and founded in 1891, is recognized as an outstanding provider of undergraduate and graduate education. Through its academic and co-curricular programs, the University provides rich educational opportunities that relate to both the academic and personal development of its students. Philosophically, the University emphasizes four major concerns that affirm a positive and rewarding life for its students: A Values Orientation; Community and Diversity; Lifelong Learning and Community Service.

The University has embarked upon a five-year capital expansion project. The three-part Campus Center Project encompasses renovations to the Sports Science & Athletics Pavilion, creation of the Frank and Nadine Johnson Family Plaza and construction of the Sara & Michael Abraham Campus Center Building.

The Sara and Michael Abraham Campus Center Building is being developed to address the need for additional classroom space and to create a focal point for campus life. The three-story, 42,000 square foot facility will include classrooms, office space, cafe, mail room, conference rooms and quiet lounges providing a familial, homelike environment in the heart of the campus. This new building is scheduled for completion of construction by Summer 2009.

Project Background
The Muriel Pollia Foundation has provided a major grant of $250,000 to provide support for the new Sara and Michael Abraham Campus Center at the University of La Verne. $50,000 has been designated for an outdoor public sculpture installation on the site. Since this will be the first public artwork at the University, the Pollia Foundation and the University are seeking a radically inventive public artwork that should connect to the vitality of student life at the new Campus Center. The experiential nature of the artwork should also foster dialogue around the ideas it represents. The public artwork will be a highly visible feature of the campus and may serve as a catalyst for future public art opportunities around the campus. It will also support the University's commitment to quality education through exceptional contemporary art.

Criteria
The Muriel Pollia Foundation and The University of La Verne are seeking emerging and mid-career contemporary artists for the Campus Center Project. Artists must demonstrate the professional capacity to oversee the design, fabrication, and installation of public artwork. Artists must also demonstrate the ability to work in consultation with project teams, including architects, landscape architects, engineers and fabricators. Artists must be available for meetings with the project team and advisory committee. Artists may apply individually or as a team. Up to five artists/artist teams will be selected to develop proposals for the project.

Budget
The project budget is $50,000, all-inclusive and is intended to cover the cost of design, fabrication, and installation.

Eligibility
This Request for Qualifications is open to professional artists/artist teams residing in Southern California. Professional artists employed by the University are eligible to apply.

Media
Artists working in any media are encouraged to apply.

Selection Process
The artist selection panel will be composed of, but not limited to, members from the University Art Advisory Committee. The panel will review all applications and select up to five artists/artist teams based on their qualifications. The finalists will each receive a $400 stipend to develop a proposal. One artist/artist team will receive the commission based on proposal reviews and artist interviews.

Deadline
The deadline for all submissions is Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Submission Requirements:
1. A one-page Letter of Interest.
2. Professional Resume (Artist teams must submit one resume per team member.)
3. Image formats may be submitted as follows:
Ten (10) Images - Digital Files of completed artwork. All Images must be numbered (1 through 10). Digital Files must be in JPG format, 300 DPI, 5 MB or smaller.
4. Annotated Image List to accompany the Ten Images. Include the Image number, artwork title, dimensions, media, year of completion, and a brief description. If an image represents a completed public artwork, also indicate project location and budget.

All applications must be submitted on line to publicart@ulv.edu

Download the Muriel Pollia Foundation Public Art Project (pdf)

Questions?
Call Denise Manila, University Relations
909.593.3511 Ext. 4689