Public Arts Sculpture

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS Public Arts Sculptor December 12, 2022 Summary: The Town of Manteo is seeking a qualified artist to design, produce, and install a large public art project. The project will consist of a life size standing sculpture of Chief Manteo, a Native American Croatan Indian that befriended English explorers who landed on Roanoke Island in 1584. He was a member of the ruling family of the Croatan subtribe of the coastal Algonquian group. Chief Manteo was one of two American Indians to enter into the English record early on and was integral to the establishment of Anglo-Indian relations at Roanoke, the first English experiment with permanent settlement in America. In 1590, when English ships returned with supplies, they found Roanoke Island deserted with no sign of the colonists or Chief Manteo. The unexplained disappearance of this settlement became known as The Lost Colony. Their story became is the subject of the longest running outdoor drama carrying the same name.

Chief Manteo is one of the key characters in the show, and is how the Town got its name. Sculpture Overview: The sculpture will be located outdoors at the Town Common located at the intersection of Budleigh Street and Lord Essex Avenue in downtown Manteo. The Town Common consists of a parking lot, a landscaped green space with benches, bike racks, pergola, and restrooms that are currently under construction. The sculpture must be an outdoor sustainable art piece that is able to remain outdoors in all types of weather conditions, including tropical weather storms. It must be self-supporting, including a base and any necessary supports. Renderings of the Town Common can be found attached to this RFQ. Entry Requirements: All respondents wishing to be considered must submit the following materials: 1) Statement of Interest: One page outline demonstrating experience and ability to design, produce, and install such a work on schedule and proposed budget. 2) Digital images of 10 prior commissions in the same or similar medium, including artist’s name, title of work, medium used, project date, project dimensions, current project location, and a brief description of the work. 3) Three relevant professional references complete with name, title, phone number and email address. Please provide references who can speak to your ability to create sculptures. 4) Any potential travel needs. Selection Criteria and Process: The selection of an artist, or artist team, shall be based on whose body of work best meets the requirements. Items to be reviewed and considered are artistic merit and expertise, proven successful art projects of similar scope, ability to successfully execute the project, and expressed interest in creating artwork within the community setting. Interviews with potential finalist may be conducted prior to the final decision. All submissions must be received by the Town of Manteo no later than 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time on Wednesday, March 1, 2023. Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered. Photographs upon which the work should be based are available at the Manteo Town Hall, 407 Budleigh Street or on the Town’s website at https://www.manteonc.gov/departments/finance/purchasing/view-bids-rfp. All submissions are to be directed to Melissa Dickerson, Town Manager, Town of Manteo, PO Box 246, Manteo, NC 27954 or mdickerson@manteonc.gov.