The Clifton Chenier Centennial Celebration Committee is seeking qualified artists or artist teams to submit qualifications to design and implement an exterior, site-specific piece of artwork of original design to be located in Opelousas at the site of Le Vieux Village/city entrance located at 828 East Landry St. Opelousas, LA, 70570.  The installation will be in early spring of 2025. The committee is excited to help create a work of art that pays tribute to the “King of Zydeco”. We are looking for artists to design and create an outdoor sculpture that will be installed at Le Vieux Village, located just off the main entrance to downtown Opelousas.  The artwork should also complement the building and surrounding space. Le Vieux Village is a historic park featuring a collection of restored historic homes and buildings from Opelousas and the surrounding areas of St. Landry Parish.  The village depicts the unique and diverse cultural heritage that is Opelousas.  Although the village showcases structures from the mid-19^th century and early 20^th century and even a building from the late 18^th century, the history of Opelousas goes back long before these dates when Native Americans, known as the Opelousa Indians, inhabited the area. Originally from Opelousas, Louisiana, Clifton Chenier was dubbed the “King of Zydeco”—and often wore a crown and cape during performances. A significant force in evolving and popularizing zydeco around the world, Chenier infused into his music elements of rhythm and blues with his chromatic piano accordion, giving zydeco an updated sound. Accompanied by the syncopated rhythms of brother and rubboard player Cleveland Chenier, Clifton’s music exploded in the dance halls of Texas and Louisiana. In 1983, he received a Grammy award for his album, I’m Here! In 2014, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Artwork will be selected based on the art selection team’s preference for work that is: · Inspired by the artist’s cultural or ethnic heritage · Utilizes the concept of storytelling within the imagery · Reflective of the culture and spirit of Opelousas’s diverse population · Created from metal, (including reclaimed materials) Eligibility- Open to experienced and professional artists over the age of 18 years regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, military status, sexual orientation, marital status, or physical or mental disability. Artist teams are eligible to apply. Special consideration will be given to Louisiana artists. Please see commission link for additional info and instructions. Thanks, RFP Team