Nine Art Projects Will Help Create Unique Feeling in Revitalized Downtown; Selection Volunteers Needed
ROCKVILLE, Md., July 8, 2005—The revitalization of Rockville’s downtown will present a rare opportunity for several artists: They can help create the atmosphere that will dominate Rockville Town Center for decades.
The City’s Art in Public Places program will oversee nine public art projects that are being commissioned for the future Rockville Town Square development now under construction. Rockville Town Square will be a 15-acre, mixed-use project that is Phase I of a town center that is expected to eventually expand to more than 60 acres. The success of creating Phase I as a vibrant downtown is of great importance. Appropriate artwork can help foster that vibrant atmosphere.
Proposals for artwork for Rockville Town Square are now being sought. Entries must be postmarked by Monday, Aug. 15.
Applications are being accepted from local, regional and national artists. The new Rockville Town Square will be an active destination featuring an environment with street-level retail, restaurants and shops, more than 630 residential units, a new cultural arts building, a public plaza designated to host concerts and other special events, the new Rockville Regional Library and three public parking garages.
Artists who wish to submit ideas for artwork to be included in Rockville Town Square must identify how their site-specific proposal is significant to Rockville. The nine selected art projects should embody the “who, what, when or where of Rockville” while celebrating the overall feel of Town Square. A budget of $475,000 is dedicated to the effort.
The nine pieces of artwork will fit the following opportunities:
1. North Washington Street Facade 1. $90,000 budget. Six street-level grills must provide designated airflow for ventilation of the parking garage while creating visual intrigue for the pedestrians and vehicular traffic on the street. Media is open.
2. North Washington Street Facade 2. $60,000 budget. Three street-level architectural niches on an exterior wall of a grocery store on a busy street. Media is open.
3. North Washington Street and Beall Avenue Corner. $25,000 budget. Street-level 2-D or 3-D mural or sculpture provides an opportunity for pedestrian viewing.
4. Beall Avenue and Maryland Avenue (West Side). $30,000 budget. A sculpture and/or wall treatment at a major intersection in front of the Rockville Regional Library (visible from the children’s section of the library).
5. Beall Avenue and Maryland Avenue (East Side). $100,000 budget. Sculpture in coordination with fountain base at a major intersection located within a small public plaza/gathering place.
6. Hungerford Drive Parking Garage Façade. 80,000 budget. Facade treatment that is perhaps the most visible due to its location on Route 355 and proximity to the Rockville Metro Station.
7. East Middle Lane Mural. Budget $10,000. Temporary mural/banner in a prominent location for approximately 5-10 years until future development of adjacent property.
8. North Maryland Avenue Sidewalks. $40,000 budget. Surface grade art images interspersed within the sidewalk created out of individual pavers or other materials for the new “main street.”
9. Newmarket Street. $40,000 budget. The artist is challenged to create an art experience based on discovery of a series of many separate elements.
A group of Rockville residents will serve as the selection forces for the nine works of art scheduled for the Rockville Town Square area. Volunteers are currently being sought to serve on the committees.
For more information on artwork proposals, or to volunteer to serve on the selection committee, visit www.rockvillemd.gov/arts/call-entries.htm or contact Betty Wisda, Rockville’s arts program supervisor, at 240-314-8681, or Kathleen Moran, the City’s arts program specialist, at 240-314-8682.
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