The Asterisk (*) in the title of this call indicates that artists will have to supply uncompensated services, like concept sketches, to apply

Sealed Proposals, plainly marked “RFP 49-24,” Peirce Island Public Art on the outside of the mailing envelope, addressed to the Finance/Purchasing Department, 3rd Floor, City Hall, 1 Junkins Avenue, Portsmouth, NH 03801 will be accepted until 1:00 pm on Friday May 24, 2024.

The City of Portsmouth welcomes proposals from artists in all media, including but not limited to sculpture, reliefs, mosaics, landforms, lighting and sound, for a commissioned, original, permanent work-of-art for a specific location on Peirce Island. Peirce Island is a natural, recreational 27-acre area on the Piscataqua River which includes salt marshes, tidal pools, rocky cliffs, meadows, and features many interesting views of Portsmouth and the neighboring Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Further information, including specific proposal requirements, may be obtained by visiting the Bids and Proposals section of the City of Portsmouth website:

Please submit proposals in a sealed envelope by 1:00 pm ET on Friday May 24, 2024.

To be considered complete, proposals shall include all materials as described in RFP’s Submittal Requirements:
1. A current resume or CV for the artist (and members of the artist team).
2. A written statement, not to exceed three pages, that describes the artist’s or artist team’s concept for the Peirce Island artwork including a description of any planned engagement activities and installation features.
3. A preliminary sketch, rendering or representation of the proposed artwork.
4. Itemized budget estimate to include artist fee, fabrication, and installation expenses.
5. Approximate project timeline.
6. Up to 5 images of recent, relevant work with short description, project location, context, and date of installation. Provide a reference with contact name, commissioning organization, and phone/email contact information.

Artists, including finalists, will not be reimbursed for the cost of proposal. Materials will not be returned.

Requests for additional information or for administrative questions must be directed in writing to [email protected]. All questions will be answered in writing and posted on the Bids and Proposals section of the City of Portsmouth website. The deadline for questions and Call for Artists—Percent for Art Commission, Peirce Island, Portsmouth, NH 2 requests for additional information is Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 2:00 pm ET.

The City of Portsmouth and its agents reserve the right to reject any or all proposals, to waive technical or legal deficiencies, and to accept and negotiate any terms of a proposal that may be in the best interest of the City. The City may request clarification or additional information of artists. By submitting a proposal, the artist authorizes that The City may undertake such investigation as may be necessary to verify the artist’s qualifications and reputation. The City and its agents may make the names and designs of finalists public.

Please see commission document for full project information and application instructions.