The Durham Police Department’s new headquarters on Main Street is set to open next fall, and the city is seeking artists who want to use it as a canvas.
We already expected Durham artists to turn in some decidedly political submissions, but then we read the request for proposals.
While submissions can take pretty much any form — sculpture, mural, photography, mosaic, lighting or electronic installation — there are some caveats regarding the subject matter.
In addition to promoting the police headquarters as “as a welcoming center of collaboration and innovation” and integrating the building into its East Durham surrounding, commissioned works should also be “inspired by the Durham Police Department’s 148-year journey to twenty-first century policing, conveying ideals such as peace-keeping and public safety, valor and integrity, professionalism and resolve, camaraderie and commemoration, transparency and inclusion, citizen engagement, community service and goodwill, and research and technology.”
You don’t have to be local to apply, but we’re eager to see how Durham artists in particular decide to take on that assignment. (Applicants do have to be professional artists, though, whatever that means.)
A selection committee will evaluate candidates based on their submissions as well as their past work and ability to manage projects.
There are two areas up for grabs, one inside the complex and one outside, and the total combined budget is $200,000. The deadline to apply is December 1. One or more artists will be selected by February.
Find more information and apply here. Let’s see what you got, Durham.
