Requests for Qualifications from Artists Interested in the Joe Marfuggi Riverwalk

Riverfront Recapture and the Joe Marfuggi Riverwalk Public Art Committee (The Committee) have opened a Request for Qualifications to identify qualified artists interested in developing site-specific permanent artwork to be installed along the Joe Marfuggi Riverwalk. This RFQ is the first phase of a two-phase process, the second is a Request for Proposals, where selected artists will provide their vision and ideas for the project. 

Timeline:

• RFQ Deadline: September 30, 2021 (midnight EST)
• Notification to Artists Continuing to RFP: October 22, 2021
• RFP Meetings & Q & A Sessions: November 10, 2021
• RFP Deadline: January 7, 2022 (midnight EST)
• Notification to Selected Artists: February 15, 2022
• Contract & Fabrication Phase: February 16 – August 30, 2022
• Art Installation: Late Summer/Early Fall 2022

About the Project
The Joe Marfuggi Riverwalk is named in honor of Riverfront Recapture’s long time CEO, Joe Marfuggi. With both vision and the ability to bring people of all cultures, interests and ages together at the waters edge, his humility and persistence will be honored and his story is one that needs to be documented. The Joe Marfuggi Riverwalk is to be a celebration of Riverfront Recapture’s success led by a beloved man who encouraged participation by the example of hard work and an impish sense of humor. 

The Joe Marfuggi Riverwalk will extend 2.5 miles from Riverside Park to Windsor Meadows, creating connections through our future park to Windsor, South Windsor, and Keney Park.  Construction will begin in the spring of 2022 and be complete by the end of 2022. 

Art will be installed in five locations along the riverwalk, and visual storytelling will be incorporated all along the riverwalk. The budget for art installations along the Joe Marfuggi Riverwalk is $340,000. 

Eligibility:
This opportunity is open to professional or emerging/student artists 18 years of age and older residing in a state with the Connecticut River passing through or being its border may apply.  Proof of address will be required as part of the submission process. The application is open to individuals who meet these requirements regardless of race, color, national origin (ancestry), sex, sexual preference/orientation, gender identity, gender expression, transgender, marital or parental status, creed, religion or political beliefs, mental or physical disability, genetic information or status as a veteran. Artists must have the ability to travel to Hartford, Connecticut to complete the installation.

Selection Process
The Committee will make artist selections based on the following process:

• Receive Request for Qualification submission by September 30
• Review all complete RFQ submissions
• The Committee will select a minimum of 10 artists, maximum of 20
• Notification to artists that have been selected to move on to the RFP phase

Evaluation of Qualifications
Submissions will be evaluated only if the application is complete, received by the deadline, and requirements are met. The Committee will make selections based on the artist’s prior work, the artist’s ability to complete and deliver a project that meets the stated goals, and the reasoning provided in the artist’s letter of interest. During the selection process, artists may be asked to participate in an interview, and references may be contacted.