The Unified Civic Monuments Project is actively seeking artists with the talent and expertise necessary to create these exciting new public monuments right now!
A total of four monuments will be placed by 2022. Two complementary monuments, one in each city, will represent recognized civil rights leader Martin Luther King. Two additional monuments, unique to each city, would honor a historic figure specific to that city.
Request for Qualifications
Released: June 19, 2021
Brief Description
The Unified Civic Monuments Project is an initiative to commemorate social justice and honor the historic legacies of Benton Harbor and St. Joseph, Michigan. The project proposes to publicly place a total of 4 monuments in 2022. Two complementary monuments, one in each city, would represent recognized civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Two additional monuments, unique to each city, would honor a historic figure specific to that city. Artists are invited to submit a statement of interest and qualifications to design and create these important new monuments.
A 1 page statement of interest outlining why this project is of interest to you and why you would be a good fit.
For qualifications, we are seeking to understand what your art looks like, if you have completed major projects before, and if there are any direct ties to this project that are particularly relevant. We are also seeing your unique creativity and approach to art and problem solving. A resume with links to articles and websites, past exhibits or projects, and general education, as well as 12-15 images is ideal.
This project is led by the founders of the African American History & Literature Gallery in Benton Harbor, Michigan – with the support of Krasl Art Center, Lake Michigan College, the Benton Harbor-St. Joseph Arts & Culture Social Justice Group, Berrien Community Foundation, and the cities of Benton Harbor and St. Joseph.
The selected artist(s) will collaborate with stakeholders and community members to develop public artworks for outdoor public sites to be identified in tandem with the artwork’s creation. The project is open to artists residing in the United States. BIPOC artists will be given preference. Artist teams and mentor-mentee relationships are welcome. Budget: $600,000.
A virtual information session was hosted June 30 to provide additional information about the community and Unified Civic Monuments Project. Please contact tmiller@krasl.org to request the recording or ask direct questions and learn more.
To be considered for the project, please submit a brief statement of interest and full outline of artist qualifications to tmiller@krasl.org by July 31. Up to 5 artists/artist teams will be invited to submit formal proposals. Invited candidates will be announced August 28 and, upon acceptance, will receive a stipend to develop their formal proposal.
The Job of the Artist
Minimum 18 months of personal labor + project management: drafting models, descriptions, proposals; attending events and providing speeches, making final design and artworks, contracting services for production, transport and installation.
- Submits a letter of interest & credentials (email to tmiller@krasl.org by July 31, 2021)
- Reviews and responds to the Call for Artist (4 weeks)
- Attends public announcement of selection for the project,
- Interacts with and listens to committee & community feedback.
- Synthesizes all feedback into a viable visual model for the project.
- Revises proposal based on further feedback and interactions.
- Assists in site development.
- Attends community events showcasing the model – providing a speech and social interaction.
- Produces the approved sculptures: personal labor, plus contracting foundries and artists assistants required.
- Fully manages the transport of the sculptures to the site.
- Manages the installation of the sculptures in coordination with the site managers.