Open Call: Trebly Park Cafe Artwork Commission

Call Summary

The Downtown Redevelopment Authority/Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No.3 (DRA / TIRZ 3) and Weingarten Art Group (WAG) invite Houston artists/artist teams to submit designs for an interior artwork to be installed at the newest site of Tout Suite, Houston’s well-loved EaDo café, to be located at Trebly Park, Downtown’s newest greenspace, scheduled to open to the public in early-September 2022. One artist/artist team will be selected to realize this permanent installation.

This commission will be the third public artwork on location, sharing company with an outdoor installation by New York duo, Chiaozza, and an exterior gateway structure by internationally renowned Berlin-based artist, Tomislav Topic of Quintessenz.

Budget

The selected artist/artist team will have an all-inclusive budget of $15,000 for this project. This total figure includes, but is not limited to: artist/artist team fee, design, labor, materials/supplies, fabrication/production/installation, transportation, and insurance costs.

Project and Artwork Location

A former Goodyear tire shop, Trebly Park has been reinvented as a uniquely delightful destination – inviting visitors to wander and gather inside this new vibrant greenspace. Located at 1515 Fannin, the site will host live performances, have food and beverage offerings, and serve as a much-needed public oasis in this southern part of downtown Houston.

DRA and WAG seek a site-specific commission to activate the east wall of Tout Suite Café. The commission will be highly visible from both interior and exterior viewpoints, with the wall measuring approximately 9’H x 14’6”W.

The following media will be considered: wall surface painting, vinyl applique, low-relief sculpture, or possibly a lightwork (one concealed duplex outlet is available for use) A multi-media installation will not be considered.

Artist Eligibility

This opportunity is open to artists who are over 18 years of age and reside or work in the Greater Houston area.

Application Components

Up to 2 design concepts for initial consideration
Artist Statement (300 words maximum) to include:
- Narrative about artist/artist team visual art practice
- Brief description of proposal, including title(s) of artwork
Resume (2 page maximum) including contact information and/or website/Instagram
Portfolio Examples (3 – 5 most relevant)

Selection Process

WAG, in consultation with the DRA, Tout Suite ownership, and the café’s interior designer will review all submissions.

Up to three artists/artist teams responding to this RFP will be short-listed and given the opportunity to visit the park/café site, currently under construction, prior to making final design submissions.

One artist/artist team will ultimately be selected for this commission and will work directly with DRA and WAG to finalize designs and prepare for installation.

Selection Criteria

Artwork that both delights diverse audiences and invites community gatherings
Concept that compliments the design and aesthetics of Tout Suite Café and Trebly Park
Submissions that are original designs and appropriate for an interior public space
Artwork that requires minimum maintenance

Submission Instructions

Submit materials via PDF to Olivia Kimbrell at olivia@weingartenartgroup.com with email subject line: “Trebly Park – Café East Wall: Your Name”.

The deadline for submissions is Friday, June 24 at 11:59pm CST.

Timeline

RFP release: Friday, June 10, 2022

RFP deadline: Friday, June 24, 2022

Short-listed artists notified: Friday, July 1, 2022

Short-listed artists site visit: Wednesday, July 6, 2022

Final concept sketches received: Monday, July 18, 2022

Selected artist notified: Friday, July 22, 2022

Contract finalized: Friday, August 5^,2022

Artwork fabrication: August 5 – August 19, 2022