Clifton Chenier Centennial Committee Logo
Call to Artists
Exterior Sculpture Project in Opelousas
The Clifton Chenier Centennial Celebration Project
PROJECT OVERVIEW
The Clifton Chenier Centennial Celebration Committee is seeking qualified artists or artist teams to submit qualifications to design and implement an exterior, site-specific piece of artwork of original design to be located in Opelousas at the site of Le Vieux Village/city entrance located at 828 East Landry St. Opelousas, LA, 70570. The installation will be in early spring of 2025. Full proposals are not required at this time, therefore, please only submit those materials described under submission requirements.
MISSION
The mission of the Clifton Chenier Centennial Celebration is to honor the 100th anniversary of the birth of zydeco trailblazer Clifton Chenier, an Opelousas native, through special projects and activities. The birthdate is June 25, 2025.
BACKGROUND AND HISTORY
The committee is excited to help create a work of art that pays tribute to the “King of Zydeco”. We are looking for artists to design and create an outdoor sculpture that will be installed at Le Vieux Village, located just off the main entrance to downtown Opelousas. The artwork should also complement the building and surrounding space. Le Vieux Village is a historic park featuring a collection of restored historic homes and buildings from Opelousas and the surrounding areas of St. Landry Parish. The village depicts the unique and diverse cultural heritage that is Opelousas. Although the village showcases structures from the mid-19th century and early 20th century and even a building from the late 18th century, the history of Opelousas goes back long before these dates when Native Americans, known as the Opelousa Indians, inhabited the area.
Originally from Opelousas, Louisiana, Clifton Chenier was dubbed the “King of Zydeco”—and often wore a crown and cape during performances. A significant force in evolving and popularizing zydeco around the world, Chenier infused into his music elements of rhythm and blues with his chromatic piano accordion, giving zydeco an updated sound. Accompanied by the syncopated rhythms of brother and rubboard player Cleveland Chenier, Clifton’s music exploded in the dance halls of Texas and Louisiana. In 1983, he received a Grammy award for his album, I’m Here! In 2014, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
SCOPE OF WORK
Artwork will be selected based on the art selection team’s preference for work that is:
· Inspired by the artist’s cultural or ethnic heritage
· Utilizes the concept of storytelling within the imagery
· Reflective of the culture and spirit of Opelousas’s diverse population
· Created from metal, (including reclaimed materials)
ELIGIBILITY
Open to experienced and professional artists over the age of 18 years regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, military status, sexual orientation, marital status, or physical or mental disability. Artist teams are eligible to apply. Special consideration will be given to Louisiana artists, as defined by La. R.S.25:9000.1(E).
HOW TO APPLY
Application materials must be received by June 15, 2022 via online submission
A complete application must include:
Artist résumé demonstrating a minimum of five (5) years of professional visual art experience. If submitting as a team, a current résumé should be submitted for each team member.
Statement of interest describing:
- Why you are interested in this project
- Previous experience with public art
- Your methods of working
- Your connection (if any) or interest Opelousas-St. Landry Parish area
- How you believe the art will enhance the chosen space
References that include the names and current contact information for three (3) individuals with whom you have worked, collaborated, or who have commissioned your work in the past.
Images (3) of your original completed commissions, not proposals, which demonstrate your qualifications for the project. You must include the title, medium, dimensions, project budget (price), location, and a description.
Up to 3 videos (optional) of work examples
Image specifications: JPG, PNG – Maximum size per image 5MB.
BUDGET
The proposal selected by the committee will include an all-inclusive estimated budget of $50-60,000 to cover all costs associated with the project, which includes but is not limited to, research, travel and meetings, reports (maintenance), design, materials, fabrication, engineering consultation, lighting, transport, and installation.
SELECTION PROCESS & EVALUATION CRITERIA
The Clifton Chenier Centennial Committee may include (but is not limited to) representatives from the Louisiana Division of the Arts and/or regional Arts Council.
Submissions are evaluated by the following criteria:
Artistic excellence and originality as evidenced by the representations of past work images and other supporting materials
Appropriateness of artist’s medium, style, and previous experience as they relate to the project goals and setting
Experience with projects of a similar scale and scope
Availability to participate in the design and implementation of the project as required
Special consideration will be given to Louisiana artists as defined by La. R.S.25:9000.1(E)
NOTIFICATIONS & PROPOSALS
Notifications will be issued by June 15, 2022. A full timeline of the project will be provided to those artists selected to submit full proposals.
The full proposal must include the concept, materials, size, weight, installation requirements, details of maintenance, and budget. The proposal must also include digital renderings, which display the physical volume of the space and allows for multiple perspectives of the artwork within the space.
Proposed Timeline –
Submission dates: April 1, 2022 – May 15, 2022
Finalist notified for proposal by: June 15, 2022
Proposal Due: July 2022
Installation completed by: April 2025
To submit a proposal, please email the following to tourism@cityofopelousas.com
Please include Clifton Chenier Centennial Celebration Project in your subject line.
