Request for Qualifications: Northside Twin Arena Public Art Project

Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo

Rendering by TBD Architecture + Urban Planning

Request for Qualifications
Northside Twin Arena Public Art Project

Submission Deadline: Thursday, January 6, 2025, 11:59 pm (MST)

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) is seeking an artist/artist team residing in Canada to create a site-specific permanent artwork that will enhance the visual appeal as patrons approach the Northside Twin Arena. This facility is expected to be a popular destination for sports enthusiasts with a focus on indoor winter sports, and field sports. The selected artist will be expected to manage the project from consultation, design, fabrication, and installation. This Request for Qualification is a two-stage process. Three selected artists will enter a design competition for public consultation.

Eligibility

This call is open to artists residing in Canada. Artists from equity-deserving groups are encouraged to apply.

Budget

$200,000. This budget encompasses all costs directly associated with the creation and installation of the artwork, including materials, fabrication, foundation, finishes, transportation, and installation. Artists are responsible for allocating their own artist fees.

Information Session

An online information session will be hosted on Thursday, December 5 at 2 pm (MST). Register here.

Site Description

The Northside Twin Arena will include a building of 6,420 m2 and a total site footprint of 8,000 m2. The facility will feature spectator seating for 300 people per ice sheet, and 250 parking spots for public and employees. There will be concession space and 12 locker rooms, including 2 designated referee locker rooms. The Northside Twin Arena will house two ice surfaces to be used for many activities including ice hockey, figure skating, lacrosse, ball hockey, and indoor soccer. Fort McMurray has a strong emphasis on youth sports, with organizations offering leagues in soccer, hockey, basketball, baseball, and gymnastics. The Fort McMurray Minor Hockey Association and Fort McMurray Soccer Association are particularly active, providing structured programs that promote teamwork and skill development. This new facility will encourage the development and growth of these associations.

At the entrance of this new facility, a location for a permanent piece of public art has been designated. This exterior site is visible as you walk towards the entrance of the complex and can be seen from the interior when peering through large glass windows to the outdoors. There is approximately 100m2 of space which will be equipped with a conduit for accent lighting. Weight limitations are approximately 2,500 lbs. Artists/Artist teams are encouraged to propose artworks that recognize the importance of sport and community using unique contemporary concepts that engage the public.

Site Images and Documentation

Please visit rmwb.ca/publicart to view the complete Artist Call and Site Information with Images.

Selection Process

The jury will select up to three (3) artists/artist teams to enter into a Design Competition. Artists/artist teams will be awarded $2,500 and have three (3) weeks to produce a detailed proposal inclusive of:

• Scaled drawings or in situ representations of the proposed artwork
• Project plan outline, including concept statement, detailed budget, and schedule
• A presentation to the Selection Panel will be required following public review.

A brief description and draft designs will be shared with the public for voting on their preferred design. This data will be considered in the final jury selection.

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo reserves the right to select and retain the artist deemed most appropriate for the project at its sole discretion.

Submission Requirements

Proposals will only be accepted by email as one complete PDF file no larger than 50MB.

To request an alternative submission process, please contact public.art@rmwb.ca at least 5 business days prior to the submission deadline to discuss.

1. Artist contact information:

• First & Last Name
• Address, City/Town, Province, Postal Code
• Email Address, Phone Number
• Social Media/Website Links

2. Artist Biography (200 word maximum)

3. Artist CV sharing relevant experience

4. Detailed Expression of Interest:

• Explain your interest in this project and how it relates to your current art practice. Discuss your connection to sports and recreation and what inspires you to apply to this project.
• Offer insight into how your project might consider engaging the community as it relates to the site (500 words).
• Include past experiences that relate to this project. This can include examples such as public art projects, project management, community engagement, etc. (300 words).
• Describe how you’ve approached concept development in past projects and/​or how you plan to for this project (300 words).

5. Portfolio Images
To support your application, you may upload up to 10 images of your artistic work and include a detailed image list with the following:

• Image number or Title
• Date
• Medium
• Dimensions
• Location
• Commissioning agent or client
• Budget
• Delivery timeline from Initiation to completion
• Brief description of the work

How to Submit

Proposals will only be accepted as one complete PDF file no larger than 50MB addressed to:

Attn: Public Art Wood Buffalo
Email: Public.Art@rmwb.ca
Subject Line: Northside Twin Arena – (your name)

To request an alternative submission process, please contact public.art@rmwb.ca at least 5 business days prior submission deadline to discuss.

Submission Deadline: Thursday, January 6, 2025, 11:59 pm (MST)

For additional information or questions, please contact:
Theresa Buller, Coordinator, Recreation & Culture
Theresa.Buller@rmwb.ca or 780-743-7994

Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
9909 Franklin Avenue
Fort McMurray, AB T9H 2K4
rmwb.ca
pulse@rmwb.ca
780-743-7000

Facebook @RMwoodbuffalo
Instagram @RMwoodbuffalo
Twitter @RMwoodbuffalo

Equity Deserving Groups
Groups who have historically been denied equal access to employment, education, and other opportunities and includes, without limitation, the following: members of an Indigenous community; members of a visible minority group; immigrants and refugees; people with recognized disabilities; racialized peoples; youth; women; members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community also known as the sexual and gender diverse peoples community; low-income residents; people with mental or physical health barriers; people facing employment barriers, unemployment or underemployment; and others experiencing barriers to economic and social opportunity and participation. (source: Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, Equity & Diversity Office)

Image description:
People are gathered outside the Northside Twin Arena, a modern building with large windows and a grassy field in the foreground.