PUBLIC ART AT 533 EATON

Request for Proposals

Phase 1 deadline: November 21, 2021

The Studios of Key West is seeking proposals for public art at its primary facility at 533 Eaton Street, a three story, 16000sf art center with galleries, classrooms, a theater, roof terrace and bookstore. Although any proposals will be considered, our interest is centered on two locations: 

1. the Lower Roof area, which is not regularly accessible by the public, but visible from the roof terrace; and
2. the Stairwell, four stories high with blank walls and an open central space stretching 57’ from floor to ceiling.

The Studios has $26,438 designated for public art as the remaining portion of its 1% for Art obligation from the renovations of our facility. However, that figure is a minimum, not a limit; depending on the proposals we receive, our final budget may be up to twice that. Our goal is to place art in both locations (or more), but the funds do not need to be apportioned evenly between the spaces.

This request is open to artists and design professionals working in all media who demonstrate creativity, professionalism, and relevant experience. Artists living or working in Monroe County, or who have a previous relationship with The Studios (eg. former artists-in-residence) will be given some preference, but quality and suitability for the project are our primary concerns. 

Founded in 2006, The Studios of Key West serves as the hub of Key West’s thriving arts community. We were founded with the dual vision of both creating spaces for local artists and audiences to learn and connect, and of bringing world class artists to our island as a place to explore and experiment. In our galleries, theater, classrooms and artist residencies, we’ve hosted world renowned artists and musicians, and introduced thousands of our constituents to different ways of seeing and working.

The Studios’ primary facility was built in 1950 as a Scottish Rite Masonic Temple and designed in the Streamline Moderne style by notable architect Henry Hohauser. It was purchased by The Studios in 2013 and reopened after thorough renovations in 2015, with a roof terrace added in 2020. The first floor houses two galleries, box office and bookstore; the second floor a lobby gallery and 200 seat theater; the third floor has two classrooms, a gallery and 8 artist studios; and the roof terrace has a small stage, patio bars and some of the best views on the island.

The selection process will be conducted by a committee consisting of Studios staff, Board members and Artist Advisors.

First Phase

Artists are invited to submit their qualifications and proposal concepts, preferably including sketches or other images, as well as written descriptions and a preliminary cost estimate. Proposals are due by November 21 and initial decisions will be made by December 10, 2021. See below for details on what to submit.

Second Phase

Selected artists will be commissioned to elaborate fully on their proposals, with complete details on all materials and vendors to be used, engineering requirements (if any) and a final cost proposal. An artist’s fee will be paid for this work, envisioned as $1,000 plus hard costs, though subject to negotiation. The Studios may or may not commission more artists for full proposals than are ultimately selected. 

Final Phase

The Studios will negotiate final contracts with selected artists. Our goal is for final contracts to be signed by January 31, 2022, with all work completed by June 30, 2022.