LexArts Inc. in association with the Lake Cumberland Slaves Memorial seek artists to create public art that recognizes slave graves both marked and unmarked in the Lake Cumberland area. This artwork will create a visual landmark within the community. The goal is to commission proposals by three experienced public artists for the site with the expectation of realizing one of the proposals next year, according to a LexArts statement. There is no application fee to enter.
Project Description
The Lake Cumberland Slaves Memorial board was created in an effort “To recognize and honor slaves and their burial sites in the Lake Cumberland area, to demonstrate that every person be regarded with dignity and respect.” Goals/Objectives to accomplish the mission include the following:
• To recognize and honor those sold into slavery in our community.
• To demonstrate to all that these lives are not forgotten, that these lives made a difference.
• To bring dignity and respect to their final resting place.
• To make every effort to learn the names of those buried.
• To promote inclusiveness of everyone in the life of our community.
• To develop an educational program that illustrates the daily life of a slave and the many contributions they made.
Project Budget
The project budget is $50,000. The budget is negotiable but must include travel, research, design, execution, insurance, taxes, site preparation and materials. LexArts will confirm the feasibility of completing the project within the estimated project budget during preliminary design.
Project Site
The selected site remains uncertain. Various sites have been proposed. The City of Somerset has offered multiple locations but the most logical site is on the grounds of The Mill Springs Battlefield Museum and Visitors Center. The Mill Springs Battlefield Museum and Visitors Center board has identified three locations on the grounds of the museum. The selected artist will have the opportunity to suggest locations that best displays their work.
Timeline
Deadline for Artist Qualifications May 30, 2016
Artist Notification June 8, 2016
Finalist Proposals Due July 15, 2016
Application Guidelines (Incomplete Submissions will not be accepted)
Apply here.
Required:
– A one page artist statement describing public art experience and interest in the project.
– A current resume (no more than three pages)
– Up to 6 digital images of past mural / art work in .jpg format no larger than 500 kb each. Each file must be named with the artist’s surname and image number to correspond to an image list (e.g. 01 Smith).
For more information, please contact Nathan Zamarron at 859-255-2951 or nzamarron@lexarts.org
Eligibility
We are committed to a policy of providing opportunities to people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, veteran status, or physical disability. Any artist may apply.
Selection Process
The submitted qualifications will be reviewed by a selection committee comprised of artists, arts professionals and community leaders. The images from the top artists will be exhibited in a gallery setting allowing the public to vote on their favorite works. Using public input as one component in the selection process, the committee will identify three finalists. The three selected finalists will have the opportunity to visit the site, meet with LexArts and community representatives. Finalists will be paid $500 to develop a design and deliver a proposal of composition, concept statement and process. A review of the final design will be conducted by the selection committee. One artist or artist team will be selected to realize their proposal.
Critical Selection Factors
• Resonance with the project description
• Artistic distinction
• Public Safety
• Low maintenance, durability
• Contextual integration into a specific urban site and its intrinsic character
The strength of the submitted images of past artworks demonstrating ability of the artist(s) to complete similar or related projects will be considered critical selection factors. In addition, the Committee is interested in a wide variety of creative solutions to the challenges of an outdoor public artwork.
Request for Proposals (Phase II)
Successful proposals will be expected to provide:
•A written document expressing the conceptual framework and artistic point of view that will guide development of the project ;
•One or more drawings of the proposed work of art; models are optional. Drawings and/or models should illustrate the conceptual relationships between the artwork and its environment.
•A timeline and budget (not to exceed $50,000) for production and installation;
•A detailed list of materials and construction requirements, with attention to issues of durability, maintenance and public safety.
Brief history of Lake Cumberland Area
Pulaski County was established in 1798, at that time the county went all the way down to the old Tennessee line between Wayne and Knox and the southern part of the county was Indian land. In 1800 a part of Pulaski became Wayne and in 1802 there was no longer any Indian land. Then in 1826 several acres of the southern part of Kentucky was now Tennessee with McCreary County being formed in 1912 from the Southern part of Pulaski and part of Wayne and Whitley.
The city of Somerset was founded in 1789 by Thomas Hansford and received its name for Somerset County, New Jersey, where some of the early settlers had come from. It was incorporated as a city in 1887 and made the county seat. Point Isabel was on Lake Cumberland just south of Somerset, in 1890 and was renamed Burnside for General Ambrose Burnside, Union general during the Civil War.
Pulaski County is known as having a significant Civil War battle. The battle of Mill Springs (also known as the battle of Fishing Creek {Confederate terminology} and battle of Logan’s Cross Roads {Union terminology}), was fought in both Pulaski and Wayne Counties, near Nancy. It was the first win for the Union Army on January 19, 1862. At the present time there is a Museum next to the National Cemetery in Nancy, Kentucky. The Battle of Mill Springs Battlefield Association is at the present time working on the Museum, battlefield and other battlefield property in Wayne County becoming National.
Upon researching it has come to knowledge that Pulaski County had 149 slave owners in the past. It was also found out that there are many of the cemeteries that have unmarked slave graves. It would only be right that we recognize these slaves. The slaves were in old Pulaski, McCreary, and Wayne Counties – hence Lake Cumberland Slaves.
Research Links
Information on Lake Cumberland can be found by visiting these sites:
