CALL: WASENA REBAR REDUX
LOCATION: Wasena Park, Roanoke, VA
TOTAL BUDGET: $5,000
PROPOSAL DUE DATE: January 17, 2025
APPLICATION: www.roanokearts.org/redux
Overview
Roanoke Parks and Recreation, in partnership with the Roanoke Arts Commission, is seeking conceptual proposals from artists or artist teams to create a functional art installation that will incorporate up to 120 pieces of rebar that vary in length (+/-5 feet), from the Wasena Bridge demolition. Each element will have distinct characteristics, including existing bends and widths varying between 1/2 and 1 inch.
The bridge is being torn down in anticipation of a new structure opening in the spring of 2026. Artwork can include other design elements as the design dictates, but it must include the rebar.
The piece should be spatial, but not necessarily functional. The piece could hold or define space; use a specific space of the park intentionally; invite visitors to experience its space; or change the experience of a park space. Works consisting of multiple components will be considered.
The installation is permanent and will be expected to last for many years to come. The artist should consider the materials, durability, and construction of the piece that can withstand outdoor elements with minimal maintenance requirements. The piece should be accessible and safe for all those who interact with it. The exact site can be determined by the artist, as long as it does not attach to the bridge in any way, and must work around the designs of the bridge, skatepark, and pump-track that are all currently under construction.
Above is an image of rebar out of the old Wasena Bridge. We won’t give it to you in this tangle, but do know that the 5′ pieces will not look like brand new rebar.
Project Goals
+ Place-making/spatial definition: The artwork will have the potential to inform future elements in this area of the park as the park entry path in this section is determined
+ Community Engagement: The artwork will create space that invites positive and uplifting community participation or interaction.
+ Historical Marker: By using the salvaged rebar from the old bridge, the artwork will provide an historical footnote to this highly used transportation corridor
Artwork Location & History
Roanoke, Virginia’s currently-under-demolition Wasena Bridge was constructed in 1938-1939 as a Federal Emergency Administration of Public Works Project. The bridge reached its lifespan and is being torn down in anticipation of the new bridge which is slated to open in Spring of 2026. The bridge links the Wasena Historic District to Downtown Roanoke. The Wasena Park lies below the bridge and is home to playgrounds and athletic fields, and is adjacent to the Roanoke Greenway that runs along the Roanoke River. The artwork will be located near the bridge site in Wasena Park.
Budget
The total project budget is $5,000 in addition to the salvaged materials, including but not limited to artist design and any other required professional fees, materials in addition to those provided, fabrication and installation. Any footings required for securing the art will be provided by Parks and Recreation. Artist must coordinate size and location with the City team.
Artist Eligibility & Selection
Individual artists or artist teams with some previous experience in public art installations are welcome to apply. There are no additional resources provided for materials transportation; therefore regional artists are strongly encouraged to apply, as are women and artists of color. Interested artists must be able to provide relevant past experience and demonstration of artistic expertise. They should also demonstrate the ability to clearly communicate their ideas both visually and verbally.
Applicant proposals will be evaluated and chosen by a selection panel of community volunteers and stakeholders based on the following criteria:
+ Artistic vision and clarity
+ Compliance with budget and timeline
+ Past artist experience and expertise in public art installations
+ Medium that can withstand outdoor elements (in addition to the rebar provided)
+ Accessibility
+ Integration into Wasena Park
+ Ability to be affordably maintained
Timeline
Nov. 25, 2024: Call Advertised
Jan. 17, 2025: Proposal Due (by midnight, EST)
Feb. 2025: Finalist Chosen
March 2025: Materials Available for Artist to Pickup
April 2025: Final Design Due
Summer-Fall 2025: Installation ( dependent upon coordination with other contractors on the site)
How to Apply
Upload the following resources using the form below. Please ensure that all documents are clearly marked with the artist’s name.
+ Contact information
+ Resume (max 2 sheets, teams should submit one for each member)
+ Five (5) samples of relevant work including budget, completion date, materials, and location
+ Concept proposal including drawings, renderings, or other visual representation;
+ Detailed description of the artwork, including how it meets the project goals, materials to be used, and the anticipated construction installation process, including resources and support required
Any questions about this RFP can be directed to:
City of Roanoke Arts and Culture Coordinator Douglas Jackson
douglas.jackson@roanokeva.gov
540-853-5652.
FAQ
Q: Can you deliver the rebar to me?
A: No, transportation costs are not included in the job. We can explore potential transportation services once an artist is selected as location is a key factor in that planning for the artist.
Q: How can I see what Wasena Park looks like?
A. Visiting the site is the best way. Please note that the site is going to change dramatically with the new bridge and with additional park planning and investment. Here are some resources:
– Learn about the bridge replacement
– explore the Roanoke River Greenway running through the site on Google Maps.
– see plans for the new City of Roanoke Skate Park here.
– learn about plans for an in-river park near the site
Wasena Rebar Redux
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