ATTENTION ALL IOWA ARTISTS!
City of Coralville Iowa River Landing Outdoor Sculpture Park
Overview/Summary
The Iowa River Landing is a 180-acre mixed-use development along Interstate 80 at the 1st Avenue
exit on the Iowa River. The former industrial park has been honored on regional and national levels
for redevelopment. The multi-use district is anchored by the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center
and includes more than 330,000 square feet of retail, office, residential and entertainment space. The
University of Iowa Health Care’s 150,000 square foot medical clinic and a 100-room Homewood
Suites opened in the fall of 2012 and joined other restaurant, museum, media, and residential spaces.
The Coralville Marriott offers the Iowa Writers’ Library, a 1,000 square-foot treasure near the main
lobby that welcomes visitors with comfortable furnishings, a fireplace, and windows overlooking the
terrace and pond. Approximately 800 books written by former students, graduates, and faculty of the
nationally renowned Iowa Writers’ Workshop at the University of Iowa are available for checkout by
guests of the hotel. Over 100 authors are represented in the collection, which includes many books
that are now out of print. Featured authors include Rita Dove, Jorie Graham, John Irving, Tracy
Kidder, Philip Levine, Marilynne Robinson, Jane Smiley, and Wallace Stegner. The library also
includes a special section highlighting Pulitzer Prize winning works of authors associated with the
Workshop. A complete list of authors and books represented in the Iowa Writers’ Library is enclosed.
The interest in the Iowa Writers’ Library and the Marriott artwork, the designation of the area as a
UNESCO City of Literature, and the importance of public art in general have led the City to develop a
plan for an outdoor Sculpture Park in the Iowa River Landing based on those themes: sculptures
created by Iowa artists based on the work of authors associated with the Iowa Writers’ Library. In
addition to signage at each sculpture, a brochure will be created as a walking tour guide to provide
information about each artist, his or her inspiration, how it relates to the theme, and as a general guide
in locating each piece.
With the support of an Iowa Great Places grant through the Iowa Department of Cultural
Affairs, this project includes the selection and installation of ten permanent outdoor sculptures for
public enjoyment and appreciation in Coralville’s Iowa River Landing. This project will include the
work of exclusively Iowa artists and the theme of each piece will be tied to the Iowa Writers’ Library
located in the Marriott Hotel.
The goals of the project are to:
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Showcase the talent of Iowa artists in the Iowa River Landing
Highlight the authors of the Iowa Writers’ Library and the Iowa Writers’
Workshop
Provide art for public enjoyment
Increase awareness of the area as a UNESCO City of Literature
Offer additional information about sculpture, literature, artists, and the City of
Literature for public education
1 Qualified parties are invited to submit a written Proposal detailing the design including the theme,
selected materials and cost. This is a qualifications-based selection process. A Committee
representing the city of Coralville will select the winning proposals but reserves the right not to
select any proposal.
Project Description
The sculptures, which are estimated to range from $10,000 to $25,000 in commission, will be
permanently located at key spots throughout the Iowa River Landing area. They will be a major
feature for patrons entering and exiting the area as well as for visitors using the walking tour created
specifically for the sculpture park. Each work should be created to fit on a 4 foot by 4 foot concrete
pad. The materials for the permanent sculptures must be capable of withstanding the elements with
minimal care from the Coralville maintenance force. The artists chosen must transport their sculptures
to the site but city crews supervised by the artist will undertake installation.
The construction completion goal for the City of Coralville Iowa River Landing Sculpture Park is
anticipated for early fall of 2013.
Submittal Requirements
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Initial design conveying the artistic interpretation of the literary theme including the size and
material for the proposed sculpture and the specific book or literary work in the Iowa Writers’
Library that is represented by the proposed sculpture
The artist’s general qualifications and experience
Examples, including images, of previous public art installations and related client references
Rationale explaining why you chose this subject and material for this project
A summary of costs related to creating this sculpture
Your methodology in estimating the cost of such a project
Contact information, including name, address, telephone number, and email address
Project Timing
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Request for Proposals sent to artists
Proposals due at Coralville City Hall
Notification of Finalists
Interview of Finalists if necessary
Notification of selected artists
Submission of Final Designs
Installation
April 15, 2013
May 20, 2013
June 7, 2013
week of June 19, 2013
June 26, 2013
July 15, 2013
Beginning August 2013
Artists may submit more than one proposal for consideration.
Artists interested in providing services for this project should submit 5 copies of the requested
materials to Ellen Habel, Assistant City Administrator, Coralville City Hall, PO Box 5127, 1512 7th
Street, Coralville, IA 52241. Email or fax submittals will not be accepted. Proposals will not be
returned. Proposals are due no later than 2:00 p.m., May 20, 2013.
Questions regarding this request for proposals should be directed to Pam White,
[email protected] or 319 310 8647 or Ellen Habel, [email protected] or
319.248.1700.
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