State of S.C. issues public art RFQ

Remembering Robert Smalls

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at 11 a.m. ET


A note to readers

The Hub paraphrased information from the original RFQ for publication purposes. As with SCAC grant guidelines, you are strongly encouraged to read the RFQ in full before beginning the submission process.


The Department of Administration, on behalf of the Robert Smalls Monument Commission, is seeking professional resumes and information from sculptors, artists, designers, etc. interested in contracting to design a monument to Robert Smalls.

The monument will be placed on the State House grounds in Columbia.

The RFQ says the design is to “…honor Robert Smalls …[and]… represent the remarkable contributions, achievements, and accomplishments of this forgotten son of South Carolina and … serve as an overdue tribute to the many slaves who sacrificed alongside him.”

Born a slave in Beaufort in 1839, Smalls famously escaped and commandeered a Confederate ship, delivering its black passengers to freedom with great risk. He joined the Union army and served as a civilian with distinction. He went on to serve in the South Carolina House of Representatives and Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives. He started a railroad in Charleston, opened a school for black children, and published a newspaper, among other notable accomplishments. He died Feb. 22, 1915.

Regarding the monument, the RFQ goes on to advise…

While the design should be unique, it should complement the aesthetics of the State House, its grounds and the other monuments, statues, and historical markers already existing on the grounds.  Attached to this communication are two documents that may be of assistance in understanding the aesthetics of the 22-acre State House ground, a map with the locations of buildings and existing monuments and a pdf document displaying photos of the State House and selected monuments on the grounds.

As part of a submission, responders should include a general description of an overall design concept or concepts for consideration along with sufficient information (examples of past works) demonstrating the responder’s ability to turn design concepts into tangible work. Responder’s submissions should also comply with the requirements of Subsection B Content and Order of Submittals [in the RFQ].

The Commission is also tasked with recommending a location for the monument to the South Carolina State House Committee. Public monuments are seldom viewed as one singular artistic expression. Instead, the Robert Smalls Monument will be viewed as one of as a series of monuments that tell multiple stories about the history and values of people and places in South Carolina. Therefore, the submission may include a recommended location for the monument taking into account the proximity to the State House and existing monuments.

While ultimately the commission will look to the selected sculptor, artist or designer to develop the monument’s design, the commission has indicated an initial preference for a monument that reflects the challenges that Robert Smalls faced and overcame and the long-lasting contributions he made to this State and Country during various periods of his life – from slavery to the Civil War to his post-war achievements as a politician, statesman, harbor pilot, etc.

All questions about the RFQ are due by 3 p.m. ET on Oct. 10. Questions must be submitted via email to Elsie Montgomery (Elsie.Montgomery@admin.sc.gov). Questions will not be accepted verbally or in any other form. It is the responder’s responsibility to ensure that their questions have been included and answered in an amendment to the RFQ.

Update, 14 Oct. 2024, 08:45 ET: The Department of Administration provided The Hub an RFQ amendment with answers to public questions.


Documents


Submission process

Those responding to this RFQ must:

  • Provide 11 copies of their RFQ response in a three-ring binder and include the following information in the order specified. The commission might or might not ask you to provide missing information. If the commission allows any responder to provide missing information, it will afford all responders an opportunity to provide missing information, where appropriate. The specified content and order shall be:
    1. Artist’s basic professional resume and biographical information.
    2. Examples of past work, particularly those works of a similar scope and nature. Include associated documentation and photographs of all completed works.
    3. A general description of an overall design concept or concepts for the monument.
    4. A minimum of three (3) references with contact information (name, telephone number, e-mail).
    5. Any other information or expression of inspiration that the responders feel will enhance changes of being included in the shortlisted group of artists who will be invited to submit a Request for Proposals.
    6. Artist’s fee requirements. Please submit two copies of fee requirements separately from items 1 through 5.
  • Submit one (1) electronic copy of its response in a searchable PDF format as one continuous file on a thumb/flash drive.

The original hard copy must contain an original signature of the responder from an individual with the authority to commit the responder and should be marked “Original” on front cover.

RFQ responses should be addressed to Elsie Montgomery and be delivered to the physical and email addresses shown on the cover page of the RFQ.

 The deadline to submit the materials requested is Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024 at 11 a.m. ET.


Image description: Blue background with images of past winners The text says, “South Carolina Governor’s Awards for the Arts. It’s time to submit your nominations! Arts in education, organization, government, business/foundation, individual, individual artist. Deadline is Nov. 4.”