Request for Qualifications: (Un)Known Project Call for Artists (Broken Wings Still Fly)

Request for Qualifications: (Un)Known Project Call for Artists
Project Vision and Sculpture Park Overview

The (Un)Known Project Sculpture Park will stand as a testament to the resilience, humanity, and stories of those whose names and lives have too often been erased. The site will embody remembrance, justice, and hope, while creating space for reflection, dialogue, and healing for generations to come.

This RFQ seeks qualified artists for a sculpture commission connected to the (Un)Known Project Sculpture Park:

Broken Wings Still Fly – A powerful, multi-generational depiction of Black women’s resilience, hope, and leadership. The sculpture should feature a human-like female figure and imagery honoring multiple generations, representing the journey from enslavement to freedom. This sculpture is inspired by (Un)Known Project’s original play of the same name, rooted in the lived experiences of enslaved women in Kentucky.
- Artist Stipend: $25,000, Rest and Recovery Stipend $1,000
- Materials/Installation/Transportation Budget: $100,000
Who Should Apply
- Artistic Practice: Large-scale, outdoor sculpture and/or 3D design.
- Register for Info Session March 23, 2026 6 p.m. EST https://form.jotform.com/260753609781061
- Deadline to Apply: April 1, 2026
We welcome applications from:
- Professional artists, collaborative teams, or collectives with experience in large-scale public art.
- Artists with a deep commitment to historical truth, racial justice, and community engagement.
- Scope of Work (for Commissioned Artist)
  
  1. Research & Community Engagement
  - Engage with (Un)Known Project partners and community stakeholders; review relevant archival and oral histories.
    
    Partners could include Roots 101 African American Museum, Frazier History Museum, Farmington Historic Plantation.
  - Participate in at least 3-5 community engagement touchpoints (workshops, site walks, listening sessions, community conversations).
    
    (Un)Known Project will make introductions and support the identification of groups or individuals to be engaged as needed.
  2. Design Development
  - Concept drawings/maquettes; materials/specifications; maintenance plan; accessibility and safety considerations; interpretive approach.
  3. Engineering & Permitting
  - Provide stamped engineering drawings if required; coordinate permitting and compliance with local authorities (with Owner support).
  4. Fabrication & Installation
  - Fabricate to approved specs; coordinate site prep and foundations; install safely and professionally; attend punch‑list and hand‑off.
  5. Documentation & Maintenance
  - Deliver high‑quality photos/video; complete as‑built drawings; maintenance manual and plan (materials, finishes, cleaning schedule, coatings)
- Artist Selection and Engagement Process:
  
  Phase 1: Request for Qualifications [See selection timeline below]
  
  Phase 2: Finalists for the sculpture are provided with a $500 stipend to develop preliminary proposals for art installations. This will include draft designs, materials, scale, installation/transportation, and maintenance plan.
  
  Phase 3: Sculpture Design and Creation - the artists selected and commissioned to create the public art installation will conduct community engagement and historical research to inform their design. Final designs must be engineered for permanent exterior display, meet all safety codes, consider floodplain/site conditions near the Ohio River where applicable, and be fabricated from durable, low‑maintenance materials (including but not limited to stone, bronze, stainless steel, Corten, high‑performance coatings). Plans must include recommendations for ongoing maintenance and repair. Sculpture will be mounted on cement platforms.
- Anticipated Timeline (subject to change)
  This timeline may need to shift due to unforeseen circumstances, weather, permit limitations, etc.
  - Info Session Monday, March 23, 2026, 6 pm Register for Info Session here: https://form.jotform.com/260753609781061
  - Deadline to Apply: April 1, 2026
  - Finalists Notified: April 9, 2026
  - Finalist Orientation / Site Visit: April 11, 2026
  - Finalists will present their preliminary draft proposals to the Selection Committee - Virtual: April 22, 2026 This session will include committee members from the Commission on Public Art
  - Commissioned Artist(s) Notified: April 24, 2026
  - Design Development & Approvals: May 2026 – June 2026
  - Present designs for feedback approval: June 8, 2026
  - Designs finalized by June 22, 2026
  Important dates:
  - Selected artist(s) will meet with the (Un)Known Project team and the Louisville Metro Director of the Office of Arts + Creative Industries throughout May and June 2026 to discuss how their plans are evolving and to provide input as part of the process. Team will be available throughout the development phase to support the artists.
  - Selected Artists will present their final design plans to the Commission on Public Art in Early July 2026 (Exact date to be determined) as part of the finalization process.
  - Fabrication: July – Early February 2027 (Regular check-in with (Un)Known Project Team)
  - Installation & Dedication of installation: March 2027, in honor of Women's History Month.
- Name*
  
  First NameLast Name
- Your Email*
  example@example.com
- Address*
  
  Street Address
  
  Street Address Line 2
  
  CityState / Province
  
  Postal / Zip Code
- Cell Phone Number*
  
  Area CodePhone Number
- Age*
- ManWomanTransgenderGenderqueerAgenderGenderlessNon-binaryCis ManCis WomanTrans WomanThird GenderTwo-SpiritBigenderGenderfluidAsexualBisexualGayStraight (heterosexual)LesbianPansexualQueerQuestioning or unsureSame-gender lovingOther
- Are you available to attend in person Finalist Orientation / Site Visit: April 11, 2026?
- Artist Statement *
- What is your work about? What questions or topics are you exploring through your practice? *
- What about (Un)Known Project interests you? *
- Describe the methods and process used to create your work.*
- Describe a recent artistic collaboration you’ve participated in. Did you encounter challenges? If so, how did you overcome them? *
- Describe a time when you had to adapt a project or art piece. What created the need for that change, and how did you problem solve to identify a solution? *
- Website
- Instagram Handle
- Tiktok Handle
- Facebook URL
- LinkedIn Handle
- Name*
  
  First NameLast Name
- Phone Number*
  
  Area CodePhone Number
- Email*
  example@example.com
- Years Known*
- Name*
  
  First NameLast Name
- Phone Number*
  
  Area CodePhone Number
- Email*
  example@example.com
- Years Known*
- Attach CV/Resume as a pdf (No more than 2 pages ) *
  
  Browse Files
  
  Cancelof
- Attach 6-10 work samples that best demonstrate your experience in similar types of work as a combined PDF *
  
  Browse Files
  
  Cancelof
- Insurance: Commissioned artist(s) must carry general liability and workers’ comp (or equivalent) during fabrication and installation; proof required prior to contracting. Artists and any subcontractors will need to list Louisville Metro and IDEAS xLab as 'additionally insured' while completing any work on Metro property and for the duration of the engagement.
  
  Please note: Applicants are not required to send a design proposal at this time. Selected artist(s) will be offered a stipend to develop a proposal as part of the final selection process.
  
  A Selection Committee will review RFQ submissions and identify up to three finalists. Each finalist will receive a stipend to develop a detailed proposal (concept, materials, engineering/installation approach, community engagement plan, timeline, and refined budget).
- I have read the (Un)Known Project Insurance Requirement
- IDEAS xLab/(Un)Known Project  does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, height, weight, physical or mental ability, veteran status, military obligations, and/or marital status. 
  
  More information about the project or to submit your application, please visit www.ideasxlab.com/unknown
  
  Email unknownproject@ideasxlab.com with questions about the Call for Artists.
- Should be Empty:

Request for Qualifications: (Un)Known Project Call for Artists

Who Should Apply

Artistic Practice: Large-scale, outdoor sculpture and/or 3D design.