Request for Proposal opened for Hyde Square public art project

BOSTON - Tuesday, August 16, 2016 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) calling on artists and residents to submit their proposals for a public art project in Hyde Square, located in Jamaica Plain. The Public Works Department (PWD) and the Boston Art Commission (BAC) within the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture, in coordination with Hyde Square Task Force, Hyde Jackson Square Main Street and local residents, invite artists to submit their proposals. The selected public art proposal will be implemented in conjunction with the reconstruction of Hyde Square at the intersection of Centre Street, Perkins Street, and Day Street in Fall 2017.

"The Hyde Square public art RFP is a great opportunity for local artists and residents to share their creative vision for this dynamic area of Jamaica Plain, and we encourage all qualified residents to apply," said Mayor Walsh. "As we continue to invest in public art across the city, we look forward to engaging the community in opportunities that embrace the diversity of people and cultures that make up each Boston neighborhood."

The deadline to apply for the $100,000 project is September 14, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. This public art project is part of a larger project where PWD will reconstruct the intersection of Centre Street, Perkins Street, and Day Street, collectively known as Hyde Square. Enhancements will include increased sidewalk widths, traffic and pedestrian safety improvements, new lighting, and landscaping. A major goal of this project is to create a sense of place and enhance the public realm with artwork, which is what this request for proposal seeks to accomplish.

The RFP is open to all professional artists, artisans, architects, landscape architects, or teams with experience in public art, site responsive design, project management, and construction administration. Professionals from the Jamaica Plain/Hyde/Jackson Square neighborhoods are encouraged to apply.  The RFP was shaped by community feedback gathered earlier this summer and the successful proposal will celebrate the multi-generational and diverse populations and cultures of Hyde Square.

All questions regarding the RFP should be submitted to BAC@boston.gov by Monday, August 22 at 9am. Answers to any questions received will be posted on Monday, August 29. One artist will be selected in early Fall.

"By partnering with the Public Works Department and the Hyde Square Task Force, this project helps move forward the Boston Creates Cultural Plan, which calls for integrating arts, culture and creativity into our urban environment," said Julie Burros, Chief of Arts and Culture for the City of Boston. "We look forward to a project that embraces the values defined by the neighborhood while encouraging social engagement."

To see the full RFP visit the City's Supplier Portal or go to the BAC's "Call to Artists" page.

Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture (MOAC)

The Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture's mission is to support artists, the cultural sector, and to promote access to the arts for all. The office houses the Boston Cultural Council, the Boston Art Commission, and the Poet Laureate program. Responsibilities include leading up the City's cultural plan, Boston Creates; managing the Boston Artist-in-Residence program; curating exhibitions in City Hall; and operating the historic Strand Theater in Dorchester.

For more information, click here.

Boston Art Commission

The Boston Art Commission (BAC), an independent board of arts leaders charged with the care and custody of all artworks on City of Boston property, advocates for the creation of innovative and transformative art and promotes its accessibility to enrich the lives of Boston's diverse citizens and visitors. The Art Commission advises, supports, and consults with artists and communities, City departments, and others. It commissions, approves, and conserves the City of Boston's collection of art and historical artifacts.

For more information, click here.

Hyde Square Task Force

Hyde Square Task Force (HSTF) is an award-winning youth development and social change organization based in the Hyde/Jackson Square area of Jamaica Plain, also known as Boston's Latin Quarter. Its mission is to develop the skills of youth and their families so they are empowered to enhance their own lives and build a strong and vibrant urban community. Through high-quality arts, academic, and leadership programming, HSTF serves more than 1,200 youth each year from all over Boston.

For more information, click here.

Hyde Jackson Square Main Street

Hyde Jackson Square Main Street's mission is to create a safe, visually vibrant, economically sound business district in Hyde and Jackson Squares. The Hyde and Jackson Square neighborhood is rich with a variety of stores, businesses, and residences. People here hail from many different countries and speak many languages. Centre Street is the cross-road of the neighborhood where people greet each other, share stories, play, exercise, and shop.

For more information, click here.