The Button Project

We are seeking applications from artists and artist teams, at least 18 years old, including professional artists, sculptors, emerging artists, and creative teams of all backgrounds. 

Preference will be given to those with experience in large-scale public art projects and working with unconventional materials. 

Applicants must have demonstrated experience in creating outdoor and/or site-specific works of art and be present to assist in the installation of the artwork on site.  

Applicants must submit a comprehensive proposal for this specific commission, including the following elements:

• A brief Artist Biography/Statement
• A formal CV or Resume in PDF form demonstrating relevant past experience. Include up to three references from previous project collaborators or clients.
• Five to 10 images compiled into one PDF of past work that demonstrate the ability to execute large scale projects, including public projects.
• An explanation of why the project resonates with you along with a concept description (up to 500 words) explaining the artistic vision, intended message, and how the buttons will be incorporated. 
• Visual documentation, including three to five sketches or digital renderings showing different views of the proposed artwork. Include a description of the envisioned public art piece, detailing materials, look and feel, interactive elements (if any), and installation needs. 
• Please include size estimates.
• A project timeline from conception to installation. 

• Artistic Merit: Judged on originality, creativity, and visual impact. 
• Relevance to Theme: Must clearly reflect and honor the memory of the 1.5 million children murdered in the Holocaust, integrating the buttons meaningfully into the artwork. 
• Artist Statement: The artists/artist team should demonstrate a deep and meaningful engagement in their approach to creating commemorative artwork, clearly communicating an understanding of the monument's significance. Artists’ statements will be evaluated for their alignment with the college’s core priorities.
• Project Context: Additionally, the artist/artist team should show cultural sensitivity through their previous work and articulate a clear understanding of the public and commemorative context of this project.
• Feasibility: Practicality of the proposal in terms of budget, timeline, and technical execution. Consideration of environmental durability. 
• Community Impact: Potential to engage and educate the community, fostering reflection and dialogue about the Holocaust. 
• Durability and Maintenance: Expected to withstand extreme temperature variations and salt exposure, with a minimum lifespan of 15 years and low-maintenance requirements. 
• Process and Timeline: Artist’s ability to meet the timeline defined below.
• Submission Deadline: Proposals must be submitted by December 31, 2024.

No Contractual Relationship Call For Proposals (CFP): Issuance of this CFP and receipt of proposals does not commit Bristol to award a contract. Nothing contained in this CFP creates, nor shall be construed to create any contractual relationship between Bristol and the artist / artist team. Bristol makes no commitment in or by virtue of this CFP to purchase any goods and/or services from any supplier; nor does the receipt of any proposal place Bristol under obligation to award an agreement to that or any other artist/artist team. Such commitments and binding contractual relationships may be made only in and through a written agreement signed by both parties.

Intellectual Property: The artist/artist team retains ownership of any ideas submitted for consideration. Once the agreements and contracts are signed, the resulting artwork, along with all work in progress, becomes the property of Bristol. As sole owner Bristol maintains the right to display the artwork and use images for promotional purposes. The artist/artist team retains authorship of the work.

Safety: Artwork must meet all local safety standards and regulations.  
Insurance Requirement: The artist/artist team selected for the final installation is required to provide proof of insurance.

W9: If selected the artist(s) must be authorized to work in the U.S. and will be required to submit a Tax Form W9. 

Budget and Funding: A budget of $50,000-$150,000 is the target range for the project, covering materials, labor, and installation. 

Technical Support: Access to and consultation with an onsite project manager or engineer will be provided.

Site Visits: Interested artists/artist teams artists are encouraged to visit the campus (at their own expense) to understand the site conditions and context. Site Plan Diagram and Location of the Work are available here.

Find out more about the Grimshaw-Gudewicz Art Gallery.

Use the form below to submit your proposal.

Questions should be directed to Kathleen Hancock, Director of the Grimshaw-Gudewicz Art Gallery at Kathleen.Hancock@BristolCC.edu.

SUBMIT A PROPOSAL TO THE BUTTON PROJECT