Call for Art- Cherokee Freedman Monument

Description
To honor the history and culture of the Cherokee Freedmen community, proposals are being accepted from Cherokee Nation artists to interpret the complex stories of Cherokee Freedmen, their families and their communities through a single monument.
Detail
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the livelihoods of Cherokee artists. The temporary closure of art galleries and the cancellation of art shows and exhibitions have severely affected their income.
To help Cherokee artists, rebound culturally and economically, the Cherokee Artist Recovery Act includes funds for the acquisition of Cherokee art. Cherokee Nation Businesses (CNB) is accepting proposals for an artwork monument installation for long-term display on the grounds of the Cherokee National History Museum, in Tahlequah Oklahoma. Art installation to be produced by an individual Cherokee Nation artist or by a team (2 or more) of Cherokee Nation artists to create a monument to Cherokee Freedmen Identity and Culture.

CNB only accepts bids from Cherokee Nation citizens who can provide identification.

Artwork selected will receive a label to accompany its future display and will include the Artist Recovery Act insignia and supplemental text “Property of Cherokee Nation- Acquisition made possible by the Cherokee Artist Recovery Act.”

Description
To honor the history and culture of the Cherokee Freedmen community, proposals are being accepted from Cherokee Nation artists to interpret the complex stories of Cherokee Freedmen, their families and their communities through a single monument. Artist proposals can explore historic Cherokee Freedmen community members, significant events or highlight cultural lifeways of the Cherokee Freedmen Community.

Potential Themes could include:
Joseph “Stick” Ross
Emancipation and Reconciliation
Education
Cherokee Freedmen communities
Submissions will be reviewed for selection by a committee.

Project Proposal should include:
•        Conceptual rendering of proposed installation, including proposed mediums with proposed dimensions
•        General approach to project
•        Narrative of theming and interpretation
•        Proposed project schedule with key milestones, including installation timeline
o        Artist(s) may submit bid as a phased approach if providing details of what will be completed during each phase.
•        If proposing as a team of 2 or more artists, the following must be included:
o        A project lead as the general contractor and a list of other artists as subcontractors
o        Cherokee Nation Businesses will hold contract with the project lead, who will work directly with Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism staff to coordinate artwork and installation
o        All team members must be citizens of the Cherokee Nation Treasures
•        Projected cost estimate with a breakdown of associated costs such as labor, materials and artist fees (broken down per artist, if applicable)
•        Proposal should include if the base is part of the bid
•        The possible weight of the finished product should be included. Anything over 250 pounds could require the rental of a crane or lift and would need to be added into the proposal.
•         Artwork will apply to all safety standards and structural requirements

REQUIREMENTS
        Artists’ submissions should include image of artwork, dimensions, medium, and price.
        Artists are allowed to submit a maximum of 5 proposals for this piece.
        Artists that submit their work with syllabary will be subject to having our translation team review for accuracy.
        Artists’ work will be subject to a review of cultural authenticity.
        It is the artist responsibility to mail or deliver the art if selected.
Proof of Citizenship
Cherokee Nation law requires the purchase of art from Cherokee Nation citizens only. You must submit a copy of your Blue Card or Citizenship Card when submitting an initial proposal. No exceptions.

Bid submission:
Bids will be accepted digitally. Deadline for this bid is April 4th, 2025, at 5:00pm

Bid information for digital submissions:
Bids can be submitted digitally to CED Senior Buyer, Amy Eubanks at artbidsubmissions@cn-bus.com. If you have any questions, please contact Amy Eubanks via email or at (918) 422-6593.
Documents

RFP

Bid Form