NJ Treasury and NJEDA Seeking Artists for New State Buildings in Trenton

TRENTON, N.J.  – The state of New Jersey is seeking artists to design, construct, and install artwork  for the new state office buildings being constructed in downtown Trenton, the NJ Department of the Treasury and the NJ Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) announced today.

The EDA, in consultation with the NJ State Council on the Arts (NJSCA), issued a Request for Expression of Interest for the building projects. Interested artists must submit samples of their work and a letter of interest by 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26, 2019.

“Showcasing the work of local artists will add unique visual elements to these projects that will remain a part of Trenton for many generations to come, said NJ State Treasurer Elizabeth Muoio. “We are excited to engage New Jersey’s thriving arts community to incorporate interesting and meaningful artwork that will enliven the new Health and Taxation buildings for the enjoyment of both state employees and visitors.”

The State Office Building Development Project is a partnership between the NJEDA and the NJ Department of the Treasury, Division of Property Management and Construction (DPMC), to construct the new Division of Taxation and Department of Health buildings in downtown Trenton. Both buildings will include decorative art elements as well as finished art pieces created by New Jersey residents.

“New Jersey is a state of innovative thinkers who celebrate creativity. Including artistic elements in the new state office buildings highlights the state’s commitment to the arts and brings new beauty to the capital city,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “We look forward to hearing from artists interested in undertaking these projects and to giving people that live and work in Trenton an opportunity to enjoy their work in and around these new buildings.”

The NJEDA is currently seeking expressions of interest from artists to design, fabricate, and install decorative elements in the following mediums: a wall mural, a terrazzo floor, a digital ceramic printed art glass wall, three-dimensional sculptural wall-mounted artwork, and an exterior streetscape and outdoor sculpture.

Artists interested in this opportunity must register and submit applications through CAFÉ, a web-based call for entry portal tailored to artists. A complete application will include a letter summarizing the artist’s interest and experience in creating public artwork, at least three references, and four to six samples of the artist’s work. Only artists who will create their art in New Jersey, Delaware, New York, or Pennsylvania are eligible for these opportunities.

After processing submissions, an Art Selection Committee at NJSCA will select a short list of up to three artists for each project. These artists will make in-person presentations at the NJEDA headquarters in Trenton and the Arts Selection Committee will choose projects based on which proposal best fits the architect’s intention as well as the style and design of the relevant building.

Additional information on the Artworks Projects is available here. Artists interested in this opportunity must submit proposals through CAFÉ by 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26, 2019. 

About the Division of Property Management and Construction

The Division of Property Management and Construction (DPMC) within the NJ Department of the Treasury is responsible for the procurement and administration of design and construction contracts for state agencies and the NJ Building Authority. DPMC also manages the planning, programming, procurement and administration of state leases for office and warehouse space on behalf of all state agencies. In addition, DPMC operates and maintains state-owned facilities in the Capitol Complex and various locations throughout the state.

To learn more about DPMC, visit www.nj.gov/treasury/dpmc/. For more information about the NJ Treasury, visit www.state.nj.us/treasury/ or follow @NJTreasury on Facebook and Twitter.

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