RFQ: Ceiling-based/hanging artwork at New Highmark Stadium

About the Project

The Buffalo Bills Public Art Program seeks to commission professional visual artists, or artist teams, to create site-specific public artwork(s) to be placed in (new) Highmark Stadium. This artwork will be thematic, public-facing, and part of the permanent collection at the Stadium.

Through an open Call for Artists Request for Qualifications (RFQ) / Request for Proposals (RFP) process, the Public Art Program will solicit applicants, review portfolios, and select qualified artists or artist teams who can innovatively and thoughtfully design within the context of the new stadium.

Over three separate Calls for Artists, the Buffalo Bills Public Art Program will be seeking sculptural ceiling art, murals, and wall-based artworks of various sizes and budgets to be curated on multiple levels of the Stadium.

The public art at Highmark Stadium should reflect the city’s diverse demographics, team and fan engagement, and be welcoming to travelers of all backgrounds to experience artwork in an inclusive environment. Arts and sports are universal languages that allow people to express themselves and connect with others across communities, cultures, and generations.

About the Buffalo Bills Public Art Program & General Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are located at https://www.buffalobills.com/new-stadium/public-art-program

The Buffalo Bills Public Art Program at Highmark Stadium is for new site-specific work created to best fit each stadium location.

Please do not send portfolios or links directly to us. Applications will only be accepted through https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=15000

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RFQ (Request for Qualifications)

Commission Description: Ceiling-based artworks

The Buffalo Bills Art Program seeks to commission a professional visual artist(s), or artist team, to create site-specific ceiling-based/hanging/suspended artwork(s) to be placed in 2 different locations in New Highmark Stadium. One artist/artist team will be selected for each location. This artwork will be thematic, public-facing, and part of the permanent collection at the Stadium. Ceiling-based/ suspended/hanging artworks may include (but not limited to) sculptural artworks, mixed-media or assemblage, illuminated artwork utilizing electricity or digital components, relief or ceiling-mounted sculptural works.

 Artwork will be located in public spaces, in pedestrian circulation areas throughout the stadium. To avoid interference with the adjacent seating, concessions, monitors, wayfinding, and ADA regulations, the site for these pieces is a zone overhead – above person-reaching height. As pieces will be within the public space, artwork should be designed to withstand weather, temperature fluctuations, occasional contact from the general public or maintenance staff. Hang-ready artwork with durable materials will need to be engineered to follow site specifications and safety regulations.

The use of archival materials is required, as installation will be exposed to natural light through perimeter glazing, weather, temperature changes, air circulation, potential dust and debris, and high-traffic from visitors and fans. Installation shall follow weight limitations and not interfere with functional lighting requirements or life safety components within the space.

Keep in mind, legacy, longevity, and appropriateness for the site.

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Theme

Artwork themes should welcome visitors and locals to New Highmark Stadium. The artwork imagery should embody a moment(s) in Buffalo Bills football history, “about” Buffalo NY, local landmarks, fan engagement, traditions, and/or other meaningful representations. These representations can be realistic or abstract.

About the Location(s): Stairwell/Escalators, overhead area(s) 

Location 1: 300 Level Concourse, Vertical Circulation

Location 2: East Club, Vertical Circulation

One artist/artist team will be selected for each location.

The Concourses are attendees’ first and last impression of New Highmark Stadium. Central circulation of artwork areas may be flanked by seating areas, concessions, TV monitors, wayfinding, and sponsor signage. A high roof over the circulation space is designed with glazing or architectural details bringing natural light into the concourses and suites. The primary finishes in the space range from CMU block, acoustic tile to painted finishes, cement flooring, carpet in suite levels, and various wall coverings.

Budget

The Buffalo Bills Public Art Program commission locations and budgets are as follows:

Location 1: 300 Level Concourse, Vertical Circulation, up to $250,000, all inclusive 

Location 2: East Club, Vertical Circulation, up to $200,000, all inclusive 

Budget includes, but is not limited to, semifinalist stipends, design fees, travel, mileage, per diem, engineering, fabrication, supplies, material costs, meeting and administration hours, labor, artist fees, legal review fees, approval by a New York-licensed engineer, permits, licenses, additional power/electrical/data to site, lighting, programming, contingency, equipment rental, delivery/shipping, documentation, installation, usage & licensing.

APPLY HERE https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=15000

Application Requirements

RFQ Application Materials

Artist Statement/Team Bio

• Introduce yourself &/or your team

 Letter of Interest, up to 1-page

• Clearly describe your interest in the project and how you/your team will be able to contribute to its success.

• Explain how your art practice is connected to the Buffalo Bills, Orchard Park, or Western NY.

• Articulate your interest and/or experience in public art design, fabrication &/or project collaboration.

• Summarize your experience in developing and/or executing creative projects of this scope in the public realm at stadiums, Buffalo NY (if applicable), public buildings, and beyond (i.e. site-specific art installations, interactive and participatory artworks, multimedia projects, creative placemaking events, festivals, etc.).

• Tell us which artwork area you are interested in for a potential proposal.

Resume/CV (for each team member)

• Artist’s Experience: list your professional experience including any commissions,

residencies, touring, exhibitions, collaborations, and projects involving the community and

work in the public sector.

• Education: list your educational background and training

• Experience working with organizations, institutions, developers, locally and beyond

References

• 3 professional references

Images, video, audio or multi-media

A relevant body of work that demonstrates conceptual, aesthetic, and technical mastery

in at least one artistic medium. Attach up to 10 .pdf or jpg. images &/or links to audio and/or video files.

• Include descriptions within your uploaded portfolio images and/or an Image list with title date/year, materials, size, and budget.

RFP Submission Materials (for semifinalists only)

• Introduction: About the Artist and Artists team, fabricators and any support staff (if CVs have changed from RFQ phase, please provided)

• Project Budget breakdown: artists fees, materials/supplies, fabrication, labor, equipment rental, delivery, contingency, installation

• Timeline: include milestones for supply ordering, fabrication phases, potential site visits, delivery, installation.

• Artwork Proposal: include drawings, sketches, renderings, maquettes, 3-D examples as visuals for the artwork, written description of project processes, materials & vision.

• Maintenance Plan: include an overall maintenance plan and overview of durable materials used – include coordinating with weather, cleaning schedule, and safety.

For RFQ/RFP inquiries contact:

Holly Hayden

Public Arts Consultant & Artist Liaison

[email protected]

Buffalo Bills Public Art Program at Highmark Stadium

For more information visit https://www.buffalobills.com/new-stadium/public-art-program

APPLY HERE https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=15000

03/24/2025