The City of Covington, Kentucky, is moving forward with plans to install a significant public art piece in the developing Covington Central Riverfront neighborhood. This initiative is part of a broader effort to give the area a unique identity and enhance community engagement.
In collaboration with the Carnegie Visual and Performing Arts Center, The Center for Great Neighborhoods (CGN), ArtsWave, and the Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation, the city has launched a national design competition to select an artist for this project. A formal request for proposals (RFP) has been issued by The Carnegie and CGN.
Tom West, Economic Development Director, stated: “From the very beginning, we have acted strategically and thoughtfully to create a 23-acre neighborhood at CCR that we hope will one day take its place among Covington’s renowned historic districts. Public art will be a critical component of establishing the environment the people of Covington want, and we are engaging with the creative experts who can make that happen.”
Funding from The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation will cover competition costs, artists' fees, and fabrication expenses. Applications are open until June 1. By July 1, three to five finalists will be chosen to develop detailed proposals. A winner will be selected by August 15 with installation planned by November 30.
Matt Distel, executive director of The Carnegie said: “Public Art is an exciting way to signal the intentions of a bold project like CCR...we intend for this project to serve future generations of this community.”
The site for this artwork was formerly occupied by an IRS paper processing facility until it closed in 2019. The City purchased and redeveloped the property for mixed-use purposes including housing and retail.
Successful art proposals should consider incorporating elements saved from the IRS complex or reflecting Covington's history or identity. Shannon Ratterman from CGN emphasized community involvement in selecting the final proposal: “It’s important to us that the selected project be something that resonates with the broader Covington community.”
The selection committee includes representatives from local arts organizations as well as community leaders.
For more information on submitting proposals or learning about the site's history visit Covington Central Riverfront's website or contact publicart@thecarnegie.com.