Beacon of Service: An Innovative Sculpture for Fire & EMS 19

@CreativeDurham
Arts@DurhamNC.Gov
DurhamNC.Gov/5528
Beacon of Service:
An Innovative Sculpture
for Fire & EMS 19
Request For Interest (RFI)
CALL FOR
ARTISTS

Call for Artists: Request for Interest (RFI)
Beacon of Service: An Innovative Sculpture for Fire & EMS 19
Date Issued: May 18, 2026
RFI Deadline to Apply: 3:00 p.m. ET, June 18, 2026
The City of Durham's Cultural & Public Art Program (referred to as "City") in partnership with the Durham
County Public Art Program is seeking an Artist, Artist Team, or Artist and Fabricator Team (referred to as
"Candidates") with experience in creating site-specific public art installations for the new Fire and EMS Station
19, located on Davis Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709. This project is part of a broader initiative to
expand public safety facilities and enhance community engagement in the RTP area. The total budget for this
public art project is $255,000, encompassing all aspects of the project from design through installation.
The project seeks a signature artwork that communicates the critical, life-saving work of Fire & EMS personnel
and highlights the unseen networks of care, coordination, and vigilance that protect the community every day.
The selected Candidate should incorporate technology and may incorporate light, movement, form, dynamic,
responsive elements, or other methods to visualize service patterns, response journeys, or other metrics that
illustrate Fire & EMS operations over a set period, or as a dynamic representation of Fire & EMS activity.
Key project components may include:
* Interpretations of Fire & EMS service through contemporary, forward-thinking design, including kinetic,
data-responsive, or visually dynamic elements.
* Integration with the facility's LEED Gold commitment.
The selected Artist(s) will work with the City, County, Fire & EMS staff, the design team, and construction team
to ensure a high-quality public artwork that enhances both the facility and the public realm. The selected
Artist(s) will be under contract throughout the design and construction phases of the new Fire & EMS Station
19, from 2026 through 2028.
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Early site rendering of new Fire & EMS Station 19.
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20. Project Manager and Contact with City; Questions about this RFI.................................................................. 4
DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT AND NATURE OF RFI........................................................................................................ 4
30. Project Description ........................................................................................................................................... 4
31. Site Description ................................................................................................................................................ 5
32. Project Background .......................................................................................................................................... 5
33. Community Engagement .................................................................................................................................. 6
40. Scope of Work .................................................................................................................................................. 7
50. Project Budget and Compensation Amount .................................................................................................... 8
60. Definitions in this RFI: City, RFI, Proposal, Candidate, Contractor, Should ..................................................... 9
70. Contract ............................................................................................................................................................ 9
70.1 Interpretation and translation services ......................................................................................................... 9
100. Insurance Requirements of Selected Candidate(s) ...................................................................................... 10
110. Discretion of the City .................................................................................................................................... 10
SCHEDULE ................................................................................................................................................................. 10
120. Proposed Schedule ....................................................................................................................................... 10
140. Deadline to Receive Submissions ................................................................................................................. 11
141. Concurrent Release Notice........................................................................................................................... 11
GETTING MORE INFORMATION ON THE PROJECT AND RFI PROCESS ..................................................................... 11
150. Questions...................................................................................................................................................... 11
151. Pre-submittal Meeting ................................................................................................................................. 11
EVALUATION CRITERIA ............................................................................................................................................. 12
180. Evaluation Criteria ........................................................................................................................................ 12
190. Call for Artists/RFI Eligibility ......................................................................................................................... 13
200. Project Partners ............................................................................................................................................ 13
240. RFI Submission RequirementsThe RFI submissions shall include the following: ......................................... 15
300. Candidate to Bear Expense; No Claims against City .................................................................................... 17
310. State Treasurer's lists regarding Iran and Boycott of Israel ......................................................................... 17
320. Notice Under the Americans with Disabilities Act ....................................................................................... 17
330. Values of City of Durham regarding Treatment of Employees of Contractors ............................................ 17
Sample Artist Contract and Non-Collusion Affidavit ................................................................................................ 18
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20. Project Manager and Contact with City; Questions about this RFI
Direct questions and concerns to:
Att: Stephanie Minor
Cultural & Public Art Program
General Services Department
2011 Fay Street
Durham, NC 27704
(919) 560-4197, ext. 21243
stephanie.minor@durhamnc.gov
If you have concerns about this RFI that you believe are not being addressed by the project manager, please
contact:
Att: Rebecca Holmes
Cultural & Public Art Program Manager
General Services Department
2011 Fay Street
Durham, NC 27704
(919) 560-4197, ext. 21245
rebecca.holmes@durhamnc.gov
DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT AND NATURE OF RFI
30. Project Description
The City of Durham in partnership with Durham County is developing a new Fire and EMS Station in Research
Triangle Park, located on Davis Drive, south of NC-54. As part of this project, the City and County are
commissioning public art that will honor the dedication of first responders and enhance the public and staff
experience. This RFI seeks to identify Candidates with the vision and technical expertise to deliver site-specific,
durable, and impactful artwork that reflects the mission, readiness, and community trust embodied by Fire &
EMS personnel.
The goal of this public art project is to use technology to highlight Fire & EMS service and develop a signature
artwork that communicates the critical, life-saving work of Fire & EMS personnel through contemporary
approaches. Candidates may incorporate light, movement, form, technology, and/or data visualization to reveal
the unseen networks of care, coordination, and vigilance that sustain Fire & EMS operations. Opportunities may
include dynamic, responsive, kinetic, or data-driven installations that visualize metrics such as response
patterns, number of personnel on duty, and/or community impact.
The City and County seek to identify Candidates with demonstrated experience in large-scale public art and a
proven interest or track record in site-integrated design that employs technology, interactivity, or data-driven
elements to create engaging, adaptive, and dynamic public experiences.
The selected Candidate(s) will work to:
* engage Fire & EMS personnel, City & County staff, and community members through in-person or virtual
engagement sessions;
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* develop designs for public artwork that visually interpret the life-saving work, readiness, and community
trust embodied by Fire & EMS, while connecting to the site and its context in Research Triangle Park;
* design, fabricate, and install a durable, site-specific artwork that utilizes technology and incorporates
light, movement, visually interactive technology, or data-driven elements to create a meaningful,
engaging, and site-responsive experience.
For more information on this project visit: https://www.durhamnc.gov/5528
31. Site Description
The new station will be within Research Triangle Park (RTP) located on Davis Drive south of the intersection with
NC-54. The new facility will serve as an operational base supporting the relocated Fire Department and a new
platform for the County EMS.
Davis Drive in Durham is a key corridor connecting major employment centers, research institutions, and
regional highways. The area is characterized by a mix of corporate campuses, emerging development, and
increasing public infrastructure investment. Its strategic location supports high daily traffic and positions the
new Fire & EMS Station 19 to serve both a growing workforce and surrounding communities.
RTP is one of the largest and most prominent research parks in the United States, known for its concentration of
technology companies, life sciences firms, and research institutions. Established to foster collaboration and
innovation, RTP brings together startups, global corporations, and academic partners in a campus-like setting.
Today, it continues to evolve with new mixed-use development and public amenities.
32. Project Background
Fire & EMS Station 19 is being developed to replace an older, outdated facility on Old Page Road and to improve
emergency response coverage in southern Durham and Research Triangle Park. The project is part of a broader
City-County initiative to co-locate Fire and EMS services, increasing efficiency and coordination while serving a
rapidly growing population and employment center. The new station will provide a modern facility designed to
improve response times, support training needs, and meet current and future public safety demands.
Fire & EMS Station 19 is being developed through a coordinated effort between the City of Durham and Durham
County. As call volumes increase and service areas become more complex, both the Durham Fire Department
and Durham County EMS have identified the need for a modern, strategically located facility that improves
response times, enhances operational readiness, and supports evolving service delivery models. The co-location
of Fire and EMS within a single facility reflects a shared commitment to efficiency, coordination, and high-quality
emergency response.
This project brings together multiple partners whose work is closely aligned through the Capital Improvement
Plan (CIP). The City's General Services Department Design & Construction Project Management division and
Durham County Engineering staff are working in tandem to guide the project from concept through
construction, coordinating across departments, consultants, and stakeholders to deliver a facility that is durable,
sustainable, and responsive to long-term public safety needs.
About the City of Durham's Fire Department
The City of Durham Fire Department provides fire protection, rescue services, fire prevention, and emergency
response across a rapidly growing and increasingly complex urban landscape. Its work extends well beyond fire
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suppression-crews respond to medical calls, vehicle accidents, hazardous materials incidents, and technical
rescues, often serving as the first point of contact in moments of crisis. As Durham continues to expand, the
department has focused on modernizing facilities, strengthening community relationships, and maintaining a
high level of readiness across diverse neighborhoods and commercial areas, including Research Triangle Park.
About Durham County Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Durham County Emergency Medical Services delivers advanced life support and pre-hospital care throughout
the county, operating as a high-performing, data-driven system with a strong emphasis on clinical excellence
and response time. EMS teams handle a wide range of calls, from critical emergencies to community health
needs, and play a central role in connecting residents to the broader healthcare system. Known for its
innovation and performance standards, Durham County EMS continues to evolve alongside the region's growth,
integrating new technologies, expanding service capacity, and working in close coordination with fire, hospitals,
and public health partners.
About General Services Design & Construction Project Management Division
The City of Durham's General Services Department Design & Construction Project Management division
oversees the planning, design, and construction of municipal facilities, guiding projects from early concept
through completion. Acting as the City's in-house project management team, staff coordinate across
departments, consultants, and contractors to deliver buildings that are functional, durable, and aligned with
long-term operational needs. Their work emphasizes efficiency, sustainability, and accountability, ensuring that
public investments support high-quality infrastructure and responsive city services. Project Management is
housed within General Services alongside the Cultural & Public Art Program, and their close coordination and
teamwork support the successful delivery of Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) public art projects.
About Durham County Engineering & Environmental Services
Durham County Engineering oversees the planning, design, and construction of County facilities, managing
projects from early concept through completion. Serving as the County's in-house project management team,
staff coordinate across departments, consultants, and contractors to deliver buildings that are functional,
efficient, and responsive to operational needs. Their work prioritizes long-term performance, sustainability, and
responsible stewardship of public resources, ensuring that County investments support essential services and
future growth. Durham County Engineering works in coordination with the County's public art program, and
together their collaboration supports the successful delivery of Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) public art
projects.
Funding
The funding for this public art project is provided through the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The CIP is a
critical component of Durham's long-term financial planning, focusing on the development, maintenance, and
enhancement of public infrastructure and community assets. For more information on the CIP, visit the City's
official website here:
https://durhamnc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=b61fe1f535e347ef9c0036299a5b02fb
To learn more about the City's Percent-for-Art Program, visit the City's website here:
https://www.durhamnc.gov/3312/Resources-FAQs
33. Community Engagement
To reflect the community's voice, the selected Candidate(s) for this project will plan and facilitate inclusive and
accessible community engagement activities to encourage staff & resident input and participation as outlined in
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the "Scope of Work" section. The selected Candidate(s) will be expected to lead, host, facilitate, and participate
in community and staff engagement activities before finalizing their designs to gather feedback from Durham
residents. The City of Durham may use virtual platforms to assist the Candidate(s) throughout the engagement
process. The selected Candidate(s) will work with the City's contracted site design team, City & County staff, and
resident committees to plan and coordinate their community engagement plans.
40. Scope of Work
The specifics of this project's scope of work will be defined by the selected Artist(s) in collaboration with the
City. The services and obligations that will be required from the Candidate during the contract period include,
but are not necessarily limited to:
1. Design Phase:
a. Concept Development: Collaborate with the City of Durham's Cultural & Public Art
Program, Durham Fire Department, Durham County Emergency Medical Services, the
City's contracted architect and site designer, and community stakeholders to develop a
concept that aligns with the project's goals and resonates with the local community.
b. Design Presentation: Provide detailed design drawings, materials specifications, and
lighting plans, as applicable. This phase will include steps for feedback and approvals from
City departments and residents, and a presentation and approval from the Public Art
Committee.
c. Structural Review: Work with a licensed structural engineer to review the design for public
safety and provide signed and sealed (stamped) engineering drawings for all structural
components of the installation. These drawings must meet all applicable local, state, and
federal codes and will be submitted to the City for review and permitting.
d. Community Engagement: Design and lead community meetings and workshops to gather
input and refine the design, ensuring it reflects the community's desires and values.
e. Coordination with Site Development: The Artist or team will work closely with the City of
Durham's project construction management team to ensure seamless integration with
existing infrastructure.
f. Permits and Compliance: The Artist is responsible for coordinating all necessary permits,
inspections, and compliance with local and state codes related to the final artwork and
public safety.
2. Fabrication and Materials:
a. Material Selection: Choose materials that are resistant to weather, corrosion, fading, and
vandalism, suitable for both indoor & outdoor installation as specified in the project goals.
Materials should complement the building and align with RTP requirements.
b. Construction: Fabricate the artwork according to the approved design, ensuring all
components are structurally sound and comply with safety standards.
3. Installation:
a. Site Preparation: Coordinate with the City's project team to ensure the site is prepared for
installation, including necessary foundations and infrastructure.
b. Transportation and Assembly: Manage the logistics of transporting the artwork to the site
and assembling it securely.
c. Integration: Ensure the artwork integrates seamlessly with existing site features, such as
pathways, water features, and landscaping.
4. Lighting and Electrical Work:
a. Lighting Design: Incorporate lighting elements that enhance the artwork's visibility and
impact, considering both daytime and nighttime aesthetics.
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b. Electrical Coordination: Subcontract with a licensed electrical team to ensure all lighting
components are safely installed and meet code requirements.
5. Artist Mentee:
a. To strengthen Durham's creative economy and expand opportunities for local artists, the
selected Artist or Artist team will include an Artist Mentee, an emerging or mid-career
artist, based in Durham or the surrounding region who will support the development and
implementation of the public art installations.
b. Ensure meaningful artistic integration and mentorship under the lead Artist(s), with public
credit and inclusion in documentation and promotional materials.
6. Maintenance and Documentation:
a. Maintenance Plan: Provide a comprehensive maintenance plan including budget, timeline,
and materials detailing recommended care and upkeep to ensure the artwork's longevity.
b. Documentation: Submit high-quality photographs (with photo credits) and descriptions of
the completed installation for archival purposes and promotional use.
c. Coordination with Site Development: The Artist or team will work closely with the City and
County staff and the project's construction management team to ensure seamless
integration with existing infrastructure.
d. Permits and Compliance: The Artist is responsible for coordinating all necessary permits,
inspections, and compliance with local and state codes related to the final artwork, water
features, and public safety.
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50. Project Budget and Compensation Amount
The selected Artist or Artist Team will have an estimated total public art project budget of up to $255,000,
inclusive of all costs associated with this public art project including, but not limited to: artist fees, other
subcontractors' fees, insurance that meets the standards of the City of Durham, engineering, permits, materials,
fabrication costs, transportation, installation of the artwork, community engagement, and documentation of the
artwork on site.
A maximum budget of $1,000 within the total contract may be allocated towards engagement sessions for
materials, engagement session needs, and/or a local consultant/facilitator (18 or older) that will collaboratively
work with the City and the selected Artist or artist team to facilitate community engagement.
A planned budget of $2,000 within the total contract may be allocated towards an Artist Mentee (18 or older) as
part of the project team. The mentee will work alongside the lead artist(s) during the design, fabrication, and/or
installation phases to gain hands-on experience with a large-scale public art commission.
The following is a proposed budget of total project costs:
Category Amount Notes
Artist Fees $ 45,000 Concept design, project management, meetings, travel &
lodging if required, and coordination with the design and
construction team.
Community $ 1,000 Supports outreach activities, meetings, and materials to
Engagement engage Fire & EMS staff and the community in the design
process.
Artist Mentee $ 2,000 Stipend for a local, emerging artist to participate in the
project, supporting mentorship and workforce
development.
Design Development $ 5,000 Design documentation, renderings, and materials research.
Technology $30,000 Supports hardware, software, programming, and
Integration & Lighting integration of interactive, data-driven, or light-based
elements within the artwork.
Fabrication & $155,000 Production of artwork, finishes, and durable interior and
Materials exterior materials. Artwork signage.
Transportation & $ 7,500 Equipment rental, rigging, labor, and site preparation.
Installation
Insurance, Permits & $ 7,500 Liability insurance, permitting, and technical/structural
Engineering review.
Contingency $ 2,000 Unforeseen expenses or design adjustments.
Total $255,000
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