Call to Artists: Animating Infrastructure at Ward 5 School Apartments

Introduction

Downstreet is thrilled to announce a unique opportunity for artists to contribute to the revitalization of the historic Ward 5 school in Barre, Vermont. This building, which holds deep ties to our community, is being transformed into the Ward 5 School Apartments – a development of nine new apartment homes for low- and moderate-income households. As part of this development, we are seeking an artist to create a piece of functional public art that will not only enhance the site but also act as a bridge between the residents of Ward 5 School Apartments and the broader Barre community.

This project is supported in part by the Vermont Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Project Background

The Ward 5 school, originally a cherished educational institution and later the offices of the Barre Housing Authority, has stood vacant since 2013. Thanks to strong community support and dedicated efforts by Downstreet, construction began in late 2023 to convert this historic building into affordable housing while preserving its architectural legacy. This project, which is set to be completed by December 2024, represents a significant milestone in Barre’s ongoing growth and resilience.

The building is prominently located on a hill on Humbert Street, making it a visible landmark from various points in the city, including Route 62. We envision this site not just as housing but as a vibrant community hub that honors its history while looking to the future.

If you would like to take a tour of the site before the submission deadline, please sign up and we will notify you about tour dates.

Artistic Vision

We invite artists to propose designs for a functional and permanent public art installation that will animate the existing staircase at the site and its surrounding area, creating a welcoming and inclusive space that connects the Ward 5 School Apartments to the community. The staircase, which provides a vital connection between the development and the surrounding neighborhood, presents an opportunity for creative enhancement. We are looking for an artist who can integrate themes of growth, inclusion, and resilience into their work, reflecting the building’s past as a school and its future as a permanently affordable housing development.

Potential elements of the project could include:

• Cladding or redesigning the existing staircase
• Designing site furniture around the staircase
• Creating interactive elements for children’s play
• Crafting new staircase railings or other architectural features
• The artwork should be visible from the surrounding roads and sidewalks, serving as a focal point that draws both residents and passersby.

Community Impact

Our goal is to create a public artwork that fosters a sense of pride and belonging among the Ward 5 School Apartments residents and the broader Barre community. This project is particularly important now, as Barre continues to recover from the devastating floods of July 2023. We believe that this art installation will serve as a symbol of our community’s strength and resilience, providing a positive focal point as we move forward together.

The project will also generate excitement and engagement around the opening of the project. A ribbon-cutting event to take place in early 2025 will highlight the completion of the building and the unveiling of the public art project, drawing attention from local and state-wide media.

Selection Process

Artists will be selected through a rigorous review process led by a local committee comprising community leaders, architectural experts, and arts professionals. The selection criteria will emphasize artistic merit, functionality, inclusivity, and community engagement. The selected artist will work closely with Downstreet and the community to refine their design and ensure that it meets the project’s goals.

Artist Stipend and Budget

The selected artist will receive a stipend of $4,000 to develop a design for the public artwork. The creation and installation (including artist time) of the final artwork should have a budget of no more than $10,000. 

Timeline

October 1, 2024: Call to artists announced

November 1, 2024: Artist submission deadline

December 2024: Artist selection

January 2025: Artist announcement at ribbon cutting ceremony

January-March 2025: Design development and community engagement

March 2025: Final design approval

How to Apply

Interested artists should submit their proposals by 4:00 pm November 1, 2024. In addition to the application questions, submissions should include a detailed CV, up to five images of previous work in a single document, and an itemized budget for the proposed project. 

To apply, please complete the application form. A Google account is required to complete the application. Please create a Google account if you do not have one. 

If you have any questions, please contact Ryan Moritz, Downstreet’s Director of Development and Communications, at rmoritz@downstreet.org