The City of Durham is seeking artists or artist teams for a public art commission at the new Fire and EMS Station 19 in Research Triangle Park, NC. The project budget is $255,000. The artwork should be site-specific, innovative, and may incorporate technology, light, or movement to represent the work of Fire EMS personnel. Key phases include concept development, design, fabrication, installation, and community engagement. The selected artist will work with city staff and the design team. The deadline for submissions is June 18, 2026. Insurance requirements include commercial general liability and automobile liability.
The RFI deadline to apply is June 18, 2026, at 3:00 p. m. ET. The project delivery is anticipated for Summer 2027, contingent upon the site construction schedule.
The City shall pay the contractor for the work, with the total dollar amount not exceeding $255,000. Invoices are to be submitted monthly, and payment will be made within thirty days of receipt for undisputed amounts.
The contractor warrants that the final artwork will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year from final acceptance, provided it has been properly maintained.
Submissions will be evaluated based on criteria including community connections, aesthetics, and technical considerations, collaboration, and cost. A panel will review submissions, and finalists may be interviewed.
The RFI is open to artists and artist teams living and working in the United States, who are eligible to work in the US and are 18 years or older. Candidates must demonstrate experience in large-scale public art and site-integrated design.
Candidates must submit at least five images or documents of previously completed projects, with the option to submit up to ten.
Questions about the RFI and process should be emailed by June 8, 2026, at 5:00 p. m. ET.
The City reserves the right to reject any or all RFIs. Failure to comply with stated requirements may increase the risk of rejection, though the City may waive noncompliance at its discretion.
The total estimated public art project budget is $255,000.
