AMP: Artists' Meeting Place and Resource Collective

Request for Proposals
Art Technician Independent Contractor Services

Metro Creative Services is seeking an experienced art technician to provide maintenance, minor repairs, documentation, and database services to the permanent and portable art works in the award winning Metro public art collection. Services shall be provided as an independent contractor on an as-needed basis.

Metro's Creative Services division includes the agency's in-house design studio and brand communications, the agency's art and design excellence programs which commission a wide-range of projects for visual artists, and the interactive/online media design unit. For information about Metro and the Metro Art Program visit www.metro.net/art.

Scope of Work

* Performs maintenance and minor repairs to artworks in the Metro transit system.
* Includes, but is not limited to, general maintenance of artworks such as waxing of bronze sculptures, touch-up painting, cleaning with specialized products and working with small hand tools.
* Recommends best and most appropriate solutions for repairs and maintenance of existing and upcoming artworks.
* Undertakes research on materials and finishes specifications and art fabrication methodologies.
* Undertakes research on best practices for artwork maintenance and collection management.
* Monitors artworks in the Metro system for vandalism, theft and damage, and general conditions.
* Photo-documents artworks and records signs of damage, undue wear or safety concerns.
* Attends occasional meetings and updates the Metro artwork conservation and maintenance database at Metro Headquarters as requested by Metro.
* Provides collection services support for the Metro portable artwork collection including data entry, labeling, cataloging, storing and, on occasion, supporting framing and hanging efforts by Metro's Building Services division.

Safety/Security/General Conditions

* Art Technician will attend Metro Rail Safety Training courses prior to beginning work in the transit system environment (courses are at no cost).
* Art Technician will not operate Metro machinery or vehicles of any type.
* Art Technician's private vehicle will not be used in the performance of any tasks noted in this scope of work.
* Services require lifting materials, use of ladders, power tools and occasional night or weekend work.
* Metro shall provide necessary safety equipment and materials for proper maintenance and repairs such as solvents, paints, waxes, and other miscellaneous supplies.
* Reports to Metro offices at Metro Headquarters prior to undertaking any tasks in the Metro transit system for full project briefing and coordination with Metro departments.
* Insurance is required. Specifics will be discussed at time of selection.

Minimum Qualifications

* Bachelor's degree in Fine Art, Architecture, Industrial Design, Engineering, or other design fields or commensurate experience in the fabrication or maintenance of artworks or unique products of design requiring specialized knowledge of materials, finishes and use of construction equipment and tools.

* Three years journey-level experience fabricating and assembling of artworks or unique products of design and experience in repairs, maintenance or conservation of artworks or unique products of design.

Desirable Skillsets

* Familiarity with artwork fabrication techniques, materials and tools
* Experience working in the transit environment or other complex public environment
* Knowledge of contemporary art
* Ability to interact professionally with Metro staff, consultants, other contractors
* Ability to communicate effectively
* Familiarity with modern office computer processing programs and photographic equipment

Submittal Requirements

* Letter of interest (under 2 pages).
* Qualifications (Resume & References).
* Hourly compensation rate (failure to include specific hourly rate is considered an incomplete submittal).
* Schedule of availability (indicate a M-F work week)

Evaluation Criteria
The most highly qualified candidates may be invited for a personal interview

* Experience and qualifications as demonstrated in the resume and letter of interest (40%).
* Hourly rate (40%).
* Schedule of availability (20%).

Compensation

* Commensurate with experience and qualifications and subject to negotiation with Metro.
* Services will be provided as an independent contractor and do not include employee benefits.
* Metro will pay against submitted invoices per terms of the contract.

Period of Performance

* Independent contractor shall fulfill work by June 30, 2014, unless the Contract is terminated or extended by Metro, as provided in the Contract.
* Funding for this Contract is based upon availability of funds as determined by Metro's fiscal budget which runs from July 1 through June 30 of each fiscal year. If funding is not provided for any subsequent fiscal year during which the Contract is in effect, Metro will issue a stop of work notice.

Deadline

* Please submit materials via email only by 5:00 pm PDT July 22, 2011.
* Subject Line: Contract Art Technician Services, E-mail address: JohnsonRE@metro.net

from LA Culture Net