Request for Proposals: Mini Galleries Design
Posting Category: Call for Submissions
Closing Date of Opportunity: March 28, 2025
Name or Organization: Calgary Arts Development
Contact Email: Tiffany.Wollman@calgaryartsdevelopment.com
Website: https://calgaryartsdevelopment.com/public-art/public-art-announcements/request-for-proposals-mini-galleries-design-fabrication-and-installation/
Calgary Arts Development is seeking proposals from designers and fabricators to design, fabricate and install 13 mini galleries to showcase public art in Calgary. The Mini Galleries program aims to enhance the visibility and accessibility of public art in the city, providing diverse artwork by local artists in attractive, secure and visible mini galleries for residents and visitors alike.
The Northeast Mini Galleries Public Art Program includes 13 mini galleries, 10 located at different community associations and three located downtown inside the Calgary Municipal Building’s atrium. The mini galleries feature 39 artists throughout the year each exhibition showcases 13 local artists, selected by a local curator, for a four-month period.
This program aims to build amazing spaces for people to come together and provides opportunities for local artists to showcase their talent while celebrating the diversity of artforms, people and cultures represented in northeast Calgary.
The new mini galleries design(s) should ensure the artwork displayed is secure, well lit, and presented at an accessible height for all users. Security of the artwork is essential, and the design and fabrication of the mini galleries should prioritize resistance to theft and vandalism. The mini galleries should be easy to use and maintain, with a minimum life span of 10 years and very little maintenance required. The design should allow for ease of access for installing new artwork, prevent dirt and debris from collecting in the galleries, prevent theft and damage of artwork, and be able to withstand changing and extreme weather conditions. Temperatures in Calgary range from –40 to +35 degrees Celsius; Chinooks and freeze-thaw cycles are common. When possible, environmentally sustainable materials and building techniques should be considered.
The expected completion date for the design, fabrication and installation of the new mini galleries is summer 2025. This will allow for up to 10 weeks for design, six weeks for fabrication, and two weeks for installation. The new design should be easily reproduced with an estimated cost between $2,500 and $7,000 per gallery (excluding GST) to design, build and install. While the program currently only operates in the NE quadrant and in Calgary’s Municipal Building, there is potential for the program to expand into the other three quadrants. The design should be easily replicable so that Calgary Arts Development can fabricate and install additional mini galleries as the program expands.
Desired mini gallery features:
10-year minimum lifespan.
Security features and combination locking system or mechanical locking system more robust than a display case lock. Security of the artwork is a top priority for the mini galleries.
Lighting (battery or solar) or design considerations to increase visibility.
Optimal visibility of artwork, i.e., potential for 360-degree viewing windows.
Use for outdoors with option for indoor installation in select locations.
Accessible design including considerations for the height of children and wheelchair users (refer to the City of Calgary’s Access Design Standards for examples).
Public safety considerations, e.g., proper anchoring, no sharp edges, or protrusions, etc.
Consideration for Calgary weather conditions.
Ease to change artwork three times per year.
Flexibility in design to display 2D and 3D artwork (two design options could be proposed).
Minimum height and width of gallery interior is 30 cm (12”), maximum 45 cm (18”) (not including stand if applicable). Interior depth of 15 to 30 cm (6” to 12”), depending on whether the design is for 2D or 3D artworks.
Ability to clean exterior and interior of viewing panel.
Ability to change light fixtures or batteries easily.
Ability to change locking mechanism.
Crowbar resistant.
Graffiti resistant.
Minimum two-year warranty period.