Request for Proposals: Mini Galleries Design, Fabrication and Installation

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Graphic for RFP Mini Galleries call

Request for Proposals: Mini Galleries Design, Fabrication and Installation

Calgary Arts Development

Request for Proposals issued: February 3, 2025 
Responses due: March 28, 2025

Introduction 

Calgary Arts Development is seeking proposals from designers and fabricators to design, fabricate and install 13 mini galleries to showcase public art in Calgary. The Mini Galleries program aims to enhance the visibility and accessibility of public art in the city, providing diverse artwork by local artists in attractive, secure and visible mini galleries for residents and visitors alike. 

About Calgary Arts Development  

  • Vision: A creative, connected Calgary through the arts where everyone is empowered to live a creative life.  
  • Mission: The arts have the power to create vibrant communities and bring together diverse voices and perspectives. We support artists in the development of their skills and the expression of their creativity. Calgary Arts Development supports and strengthens the arts to benefit all Calgarians.  

We acknowledge that the land we gather on, Mohkinsstsis, is the ancestral territory of the Siksikaitsitapi — the Blackfoot people — comprising the Siksika, Kainai and Piikani Nations, as well as Treaty 7 signatories, the Tsuut’ina Nation and the Îyârhe Nakoda Bearspaw, Chiniki and GoodStoney First Nations. Today this land is home to the Otipemisiwak Métis Government Districts 5 and 6 as well as many First Nations and Inuit from across Turtle Island.  

We acknowledge that there has been art, music, dance, storytelling, and ceremony on this land since time immemorial and it is in the spirit of this land and its people that we do our work. 

Background 

In March 2021, The City of Calgary announced Calgary Arts Development as the future steward and operator for Calgary’s public art program. As the city’s arts development authority, Calgary Arts Development is uniquely positioned to create and deliver a public art program built upon our knowledge of, and strong relationships in, the arts community. 

When we use the words “public art,” people often think of large-scale sculptures. However, public art has evolved and includes so much more. At its core, public art is working with an artist and a community to realize ideas in public space. The resulting artwork can be interactive; it can make use of digital technology; it can be temporary; it can be functional; it can be social; it can be a living artwork such as a garden — the possibilities are endless.  

Project Description 

The Northeast Mini Galleries Public Art Program includes 13 mini galleries, 10 located at different community associations and three located downtown inside the Calgary Municipal Building’s atrium. The mini galleries feature 39 artists throughout the year each exhibition showcases 13 local artists, selected by a local curator, for a four-month period.  

This program aims to build amazing spaces for people to come together and provides opportunities for local artists to showcase their talent while celebrating the diversity of artforms, people and cultures represented in northeast Calgary. 

The new mini galleries design(s) should ensure the artwork displayed is secure, well lit, and presented at an accessible height for all users. Security of the artwork is essential, and the design and fabrication of the mini galleries should prioritize resistance to theft and vandalism. The mini galleries should be easy to use and maintain, with a minimum life span of 10 years and very little maintenance required. The design should allow for ease of access for installing new artwork, prevent dirt and debris from collecting in the galleries, prevent theft and damage of artwork, and be able to withstand changing and extreme weather conditions. Temperatures in Calgary range from –40 to +35 degrees Celsius; Chinooks and freeze-thaw cycles are common. When possible, environmentally sustainable materials and building techniques should be considered.  

The expected completion date for the design, fabrication and installation of the new mini galleries is summer 2025. This will allow for up to 10 weeks for design, six weeks for fabrication, and two weeks for installation. The new design should be easily reproduced with an estimated cost between $2,500 and $7,000 per gallery (excluding GST)  to design, build and install. While the program currently only operates in the NE quadrant and in Calgary’s Municipal Building, there is potential for the program to expand into the other three quadrants. The design should be easily replicable so that Calgary Arts Development can fabricate and install additional mini galleries as the program expands. 

General  

  • Before proceeding to the next phase, the project budget and schedule need to be approved by Calgary Arts Development. If this cannot be agreed, Calgary Arts Development may choose to cancel or renegotiate the contract to achieve the intended project deliverables. 
  • At project completion, Calgary Arts Development will retain ownership of the design for reproduction as required.  

Deliverables 

  • Design submissions at 25%, 75% and 100% completion including renderings (can be digital files) 
  • Fabrication and installation of 13 secure mini galleries by end of summer 2025 
  • Schedule and budget at each phase 
  • CAD files and as-builts 
  • Comprehensive maintenance guidelines 
  • Warranty for the structure, materials and workmanship 

Budget 

The budget for this project is not to exceed $90,000 (excluding GST). 

For full RFP details and application guidelines visit RFP: Mini Galleries Design, Fabrication and Installation  | Public Art Announcements.

Submission Requirements 

Submission should be no more than 20 pages. 

  1. Cover Letter: Company/Individual details, understanding of services, commitment and proposal summary.  
  2. Statement of Work: Description of how services will be provided, including a proposed design and user experience, and approach to UGC and moderation.  
  3. Technical Approach: Outline of technical approach, including the technologies and frameworks to be used. 
  4. Pricing: Detailed budget breakdown, including costs for development, design, testing, deployment, staff training and ongoing support. All prices must be provided in Canadian dollars.  
  5. Previous Work: Examples of similar projects completed, with references. 

RFP Timeline 

  • February 3, 2025: RFP release date  
  • March 18, 2025, at 5pm MT: Clarifying questions due  
  • March 28, 2025, at 5pm MT: Deadline for proposals  
  • April 7 – 11, 2025: Interviews  
  • April 25, 2025: Selection announcement 

More information about the program and the current exhibition can be found here.

Contact for Questions 

For any questions regarding this RFP, please contact Tiffany Wollman, Public Art Project Lead, at tiffany.wollman@calgaryartsdevelopment.com.  

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