Title
Artist Contract for State Route 303 Public Art Project
Description
This report requests the Economic Development and Housing Subcommittee recommend City Council approval to enter into a contract with Eric Powel for an amount not to exceed $80,000 to design and oversee installation of public art enhancements for new traffic interchanges that are part of the State Route 303 Improvement Project in Phoenix.
THIS ITEM IS FOR CONSENT ACTION.
Report
Summary
The Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-2028 Public Art Plan includes a project to integrate public art into the State Route 303 Improvement Project from Lake Pleasant Parkway to I-17. The project, a partnership between the City of Phoenix, the Maricopa Association of Governments and AZ Department of Transportation, adds additional traffic lanes in each direction, new traffic interchanges at I-17, 43rd Avenue, and 51st Avenue, and bridges to accommodate a future interchange at 67th Avenue in District 1. The public art enhancements will be integrated into traffic interchanges at 67th Avenue and I-17. Enhancements will be cast cement relief and may be included on traffic interchange bridge piers, abutments, safety barriers, and other site improvements.
A selection panel reviewed 214 applicants from artists who responded to a Request for Qualifications to establish a qualified vendor list (QVL). The panel identified 43 artists to be included in the Pre-Qualified Artist Roster. Artists were selected based on demonstrated artistic quality, collaborative experience, appropriateness, and the potential to create an impactful design. The QVL selection panel included: Rebecca Johnson, Project Manager, Seattle Office of Arts & Culture; Stacia Holmes, Recreation Supervisor, City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department; Matilda Bubb, Cultural Planner, Boise City’s Department of Arts & History; and Yuko Yabuki, Visual Artist, Phoenix, AZ.
Using the QVL, a three-person selection committee recommended Eric Powel based on his demonstrated two-dimensional design skills that would translate well into cement rustications and his demonstrated ability to work closely with design teams and involve the community in meaningful ways. The selection panel included: Myesha Harris, Special Project Administrator, City of Phoenix Street Transportation Department; Joe Diaz, City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Deputy Director; Eric Wilson, Horticulturist, City of Phoenix Street Transportation Department.
Financial Impact
The State Route 303 Public Art Project is one of 42 projects in the FY2023-2028 Public Art Plan that the City Council approved on July 3, 2023. The proposed $80,000 will cover all costs related to the design and construction oversight of the artwork, including the artist’s time working with city staff, project consultants, and the local community to produce a complete and buildable design. Additional funding in the Plan for this project will cover staff time, contingency, and administrative costs. The funds for this project come from Arizona Highway User Revenue Funds.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
The Phoenix Arts and Culture Commission reviewed and recommended this item for approval on Sept. 12, 2023, by a vote of 12-0 and one abstention.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Inger Erickson and the Office of Arts and Culture.