Call to Artists (RFQ) - Public Art Project Celebrating "Allyship"

Project Overview

Artists or Artist Teams are invited to submit qualifications for a permanent public sculpture or installation that celebrates the concept of the quest for allyship — the active, intentional, and ongoing practice of supporting, advocating for, and standing in solidarity with communities different from one's own.

The commissioned artwork will serve as a symbol of unity, reminding those who encounter it that lasting change and meaningful progress are built when diverse groups come together in mutual respect, empathy, and action.

This initiative is driven by a coalition of mission-aligned organizations who believe that diverse cultural experiences are wanted and valued in our community. The artists are encouraged to explore the themes of allyship both personally and as a community.

Covington, Kentucky

The project will be installed in Covington, Kentucky. For decades, Covington has led in the adoption of inclusive public policies. Covington was the first City in Kentucky to ban conversion therapy for minors, has held a Fairness Ordinance since 2003, has an active Human Rights Commission, and passed The CROWN Act.

Covington's story continues as one of progress, resilience, and the power of coming together to build a community where everyone can truly belong.

Covington also has a legacy of investing in and celebrating the arts. Covington is home to impressive murals, bronze sculptures, street-art, architectural beauty, and a giant alien sculpture. The coalition seeks to celebrate and reflect on these community values by commissioning this piece of art for the community.

Theme: Allyship

The selected proposal will have a strong expression of the theme. The theme of allyship is intentionally broad and open to interpretation.

Allyship: the state or condition of being an ally: supportive association with another person or group specifically : such association with the members of a marginalized or mistreated group to which one does not belong.

Location

The artwork will be installed on the corner of 8th and Russell Streets on the southwest corner. Thoughtful integration of the physical environment and local culture is strongly encouraged.

Eligibility

Open to all individual artists or artist teams with demonstrated experience creating site-specific public artworks. Applicants must submit a full application to be considered.

Budget

The total budget for the commissioned artwork is $100,000.00 inclusive of all artist fees, design, engineering, fabrication, transportation, installation, insurance, community engagement, and applicable taxes.

Selection Process

• Applicants must submit qualifications to jarrod@bldgbrands.com by 5:00 pm on October 30th.
• The Artist Selection Committee will choose up to five Finalists. Finalists will be invited to develop a full proposal. Artists will receive a stipend of $1,000 for a completed proposal.
• Finalists will be invited to an interview with the jury and one will be selected for funding.

Process Curator

The application and selection process will be curated by BLDG Brands, 30 W. Pike Street, Covington, KY 41011.

How to Apply: Qualifications

The selection of the artist or artist team is a two-step process. The initial RFQ submission will reflect the qualifications and experiences of the applying artist(s). The proposal must include the following, submitted as a single PDF to jarrod@bldgbrands.com.

1. Letter of Interest: The 2-3-page letter should provide an overview of the artists' interest in the overall project. The letter should highlight the artist's or artist team's skills and relevant experience.
2. Current resume: If submitting as a team, a current resume should be submitted for each team member.
3. Experience: Up to five (5) examples of similar art projects or creative installations. Each example should include a summary of the project including the purpose, materials, budget, timeline, partners, and management. Specific examples related to "allyship" are encouraged.
4. Reference: Three (3) professional references with e-mail addresses and phone numbers.
5. Optional: Up to five (5) selections of support materials such as reviews, news articles, and other related information.

Proposal Submissions (Semifinalists - Invite Only)

Up to five (5) artist or artist teams will be selected to submit a full proposal.

1. Proposal Narrative: The 2–3-page document will provide an overview of the project including the theme, artistic approach, and environmental considerations.
2. Conceptual Renderings: Sketches, digital renderings, or models that illustrate the proposed artwork in context.
3. Budget: Total project budget including artist fees, materials, fabrication, transportation, installation, and contingency.
4. Timeline: Proposed schedule for design, fabrication, and installation.

Applicants must submit a brief statement detailing how their proposed sculpture physically models interaction or progression, and how they intend to capture the diverse, lived experiences of Covington's communities within the artwork's conceptual phase.

Finalist Selection Criteria

• Artistic Excellence – Quality, originality, and impact of the proposed artwork.
• Relevance to Theme – Articulated connection to allyship.
• Feasibility – Practicality of design, budget alignment, and ability to be fabricated/installed safely.
• Durability & Maintenance – Suitability of materials for long-term outdoor display.
• Community Reflection Connection – Relation to the cultural and social context of the site.

About the Sponsor

This project is sponsored by a network of organizations that includes the Seminary Square Neighborhood Association, the Esperanza Latino Center, the NKY Pride Center, the OneQuest Health, Inc. and other individuals and community-based organizations, independent of the formal local governments.

The Artist Selection Committee will review initial RFQ submissions and choose up to five finalists, who are invited to develop a full proposal and receive a $1,000 stipend. Finalists are then interviewed by the jury, and one is selected for funding based on artistic excellence, relevance to theme, feasibility, durability and maintenance, and community reflection connection.