Call for Visual Artists: A Stairway to Opportunity!

There is growing scientific evidence that the way we design our buildings, streets, and neighborhoods can influence healthy behaviors.

In fact, urban planning that encourages things like bike riding and more stairclimbing is a simple and easy way towards improving your cardiovascular health, and just two minutes of stair climbing a day burns enough calories to prevent the average U.S. adult annual weight gain. 

Through funding from the , ’s Center for Arts & Culture is releasing the following call for proposals inviting artists, designers, and local organizations to re-design two flights of stairs and the corresponding stairwells of 247 Herkimer Street, located at Restoration Plaza.

The goal of this project is to transform the existing stairwell in an innovative way to make it more prominent and inviting to building users, thereby encouraging its use and eventually making it an active lifestyle choice. The chosen applicant will be provided a modest fixed budget of $7,000.

Call for Proposals:

The candidate will create a cosmetic re-design of the main stairwell which will carry out the following objectives:

• Encourage building users to choose the stairs over the elevator for travel between floors.
• Enhance the experience of those taking the stairs.
• Celebrate the cultural aspects of the community in which the stairs are located.
• Incorporate  a consistent theme that reflects the building’s use and the mission of Restoration’s Center for Arts & Culture

Eligibility:

• Individual and group applicants are invited to make submissions
• Designers and artists of color and those residing from the Brooklyn community are particularly encouraged to make submissions.
• If younger than 18, you must provide parental consent.

Time Line:

• November 9: Release of RFP
• November 17 (2 pm and 5pm): Artists are invited for a site visit at 247 Herkimer to visit the stairwell. During the site visit, artists will have an opportunity to ask questions regarding the RFP.  RSVP attendance by emailing ksmith@restorationplaza.org or calling 718-636-6969
• Friday, December 2: RFP Submission Deadline
• December 5-9: Individual meetings with select finalists
• December 12: Notify winning artist
• December 12-January 9: Finalize artist work plan including timeline and budget
• Week of January 9: Project Implementation

 Submission Requirements:

1.     Artist resume

2.     Samples of past work

3.     Proposed sketch of redesign

4.     Project description and how it incorporates the mission of the Center for Arts & Culture as well as the goal and use of this space.  Should not exceed 3 pages, 12 point font, double spaced.  The description should include:

• How the re-design will visually lead people to the stairs;
• How the re-design will enhance the overall stair use experience;
• Why the re-design is cost-effective and replicable;
• How the re-design is culturally appropriate to our community;

Potential Benefits If Selected:

Restoraiton anticipates numerous opportunities for press and recognition for the selected artist, including a ribbon-cutting event to be held upon the unveiling of the finished stairwell. The artist will also receive recognition on a press release as well as on Restoration’s website which boasts some 40,000 hits annually and our facebook page which has over 1600 supporters. We envision the project as being used as an example for similar stay-fit redesign projects city-wide.