Download RFQ
Allentown Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) in partnership with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Allentown Parking Authority (APA), Lehigh Valley Arts & Cultural Alliance (LVACA), Allentown Mural Arts (AMA), and DLP Capital (DLP) seeks artist responses via this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the commission of an original work of art on the iconic Spiral Deck parking garage in downtown Allentown, PA. Built in 1969, the iconic 7-story structure is an important architectural element in the downtown.
APA is requesting the artwork to be inspired by the innovation, creativity, and expression of an Innovation District being developed within the surrounding blocks, which includes new galleries, new apartments, Moxy Hotel, Archer Music Hall, and Da Vinci Science Center. The south façade of the Spiral Deck overlooks a once-vacant alley that is now traveled by many visiting this newly developed “Downtown West” vibrant neighborhood.
Allentown is a city at an important juncture and is one of the fastest growing cities in Pennsylvania. In the last decade, Allentown has seen over $1B in development and over 2M square feet of new commercial and residential construction in the downtown core. Downtown revitalization has helped to turn around decades‐long trends of population decline in the city and has grown a vibrant arts, entertainment, and business district attracting new residents and businesses.
Since the early 2000s Allentown – the third largest city in Pennsylvania – has seen a wave of population growth, with the current population being the highest in the city’s history. Allentown is a majority-minority city: about 54% of the city population is Hispanic, 30% White, 10% Black, and 3% Asian. The City of Allentown values this diversity and how it makes for a more vibrant city and a stronger economy. Allentown has initiated a multi‐year public art effort to create works of art across the city of Allentown.
The budget for the project is $60,000 and is inclusive of ALL fees, including artist fees, supplies and materials, equipment, wall surface preparation & sealant, lift rental, insurance, studio costs, assistant fees/production support, technical, travel and lodging, and all other costs related to the design, production, and installation of the artwork. AEDC and AMA will assist the selected artist in applying for any required governmental approvals and AEDC will pay any required permit fees directly to the City.
The opportunity is open to artists or artist teams working in the mural arts field. Artists must have successfully completed a work of public art in comparable scale or budget to be considered for the project. Lehigh Valley‐based artists, female artists and artists of color are encouraged to apply. Allentown is committed to reflecting the diversity of our region in our selection process.
Interested artists must submit their response to this RFQ by midnight on Monday January 13, 2025. Up to 3 artist applicants will be selected as finalists, notified by January 20, 2025, and invited to attend a site visit. These artist finalists create a project proposal that they will present to Allentown stakeholders the week of February 3, 2025. Site visits and proposal presentations may be in-person or virtual. Full proposal details and requirements will be released to artist finalists at the time they are notified. Finalists not selected for the project will be offered a $500 honorarium in return for their time creating and presenting the proposal.
Submissions should be emailed to info@lvaca.org with the following subject line: “Spiral Deck Mural Application – YOUR LAST NAME.” Please include all application components listed below as a single PDF attachment, with your last name in the file name.
Application Must Include:
The following criteria will be used to determine the finalist selections:
December 9, 2024: RFQ Released
January 13, 2025: Application Deadline
January 20, 2025: Finalist Notifications
January 2025 (TBD): Finalist Site Visits
February 3, 2025: Artist Proposal / Sketch Presentations to Stakeholders
February 17, 2025: Winner Notification
April 2, 2025: Final Design Submission / Presentation
June 2025: Installation Period
July 2025: Dedication
Allentown Economic Development Corporation
AEDC’s mission is to make Allentown the best place to grow a manufacturing business. We accomplish our mission through a range of activities:
Allentown Parking Authority
The mission of the Allentown Parking Authority is to operate, monitor, and maintain convenient and accessible parking facilities and on-street parking opportunities within the City of Allentown. We believe that the safety of our visitors and our residents is the number one concern, so we maintain our integrity with our officers keeping you and your vehicle safe while in the City of Allentown.
Lehigh Valley Arts & Cultural Alliance
The Lehigh Valley Arts & Cultural Alliance is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization deeply embedded in the community that believes in the power of art to transform, heal, and unify. As a voice for cultural understanding, diversity, and the integration of the arts into all facets of life, we are a network, resource, and advocate for those creating, attending, and supporting the arts throughout the Lehigh Valley.
Allentown Mural Arts
Incorporating art into daily life. AMA is a collaborative and engaging public art and beautification non-profit program that creates opportunities for our artists to contribute to our communities’ identities, fosters neighborhood pride and a sense of belonging, and enhances the quality of life for residents and visitors.
Pennsylvania State Senator Nick Miller
In the Pennsylvania State Senate, Nick continues as an unwavering advocate for students, educators, and economic success for families and small businesses in the Lehigh Valley.
DLP Capital
DLP Capital is a private real estate investment company focused on making an impact by acquiring, developing, and building relationships, housing, leaders, and organizations.
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