RFQ Submission Deadline: November 13, 2025
Total Budget: $300,000
The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for public artwork to be installed on its new residence hall. This residence hall will house up to 300 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, offering diverse living arrangements and amenities.
The committee’s goal with the selected artwork is to create a vibrant environment that welcomes people with a piece that is refined yet adds character and unique qualities to the building. They would like the artwork to help the building stand apart from other buildings in Omaha, as a lively location that is clearly where health profession students can study, play, relax, and most importantly, call home.
The artwork does not have to have a literal tie to health professions and can be abstract and/or non-representational. The letter of interest should describe how your work would be a good fit for the building and the people using it, how it would achieve the goals listed in the RFQ, and, if applicable, and connections to health professions.
The UNMC Campus is home to the Healing Arts Collection: https://healingarts.unmc.edu/permanent-collection/
Project renderings, site plans, as well as full RFQ for this project: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1f1iGXMnHGzmz1QlGpMP-1hK2hqJ2AAlj?usp=sharing
Selection Process
The Residence Hall Selection Committee, in consultation with the NAC, has full oversight for the selection of an artist for this project. Professional public artists/teams within the U.S. are eligible. The Committee reviews RFQ submissions on SlideRoom. Finalists will receive a presentation honorarium ($3000) and a travel stipend ($2000), if applicable. Finalist presentations should include concept, design, detailed budget for the available funds, installation method, projected maintenance.
Budget
A maximum of $300,000.00 is allocated for this project. All expenses for the selected design and commission are the responsibility of the artist/team, including but not limited to: travel/lodging, fabrication and supplies, installation expenses (as needed: engineering, rigging, equipment rental, etc).
Selection Criteria
Letter of Interest and clarity of conceptual approach. Evidence of ability to
complete projects from prior artwork, and mastery of skills.
Timeline *subject to change
RFQ Open: Sept 15, 2025
Submission Deadline: Nov 13, 2025
Finalists Notified: Dec. 2025
Proposal Presentations: March 12, 2026
Artwork Installed, by or before: April 2027
Application Requirements
Submit materials on Artwork Archive:
https://www.artworkarchive.com/call-for-submission/nebraskapublicart/request-for-qualifications-for-unmc-residence-hall-omaha
Visual Support Materials
Image descriptions: Label each uploaded image with title, medium, year, project budget, and any relevant description.
Images: Ten (10) jpg images of completed relevant artworks.
Video: Optional video file may demonstrate moving parts, time-based work, functionality, etc. (mov, wmv, of flv files, no larger than 60MB each, nor longer than five minutes each.)
Required Materials
CV/Resume: Limit to three pages.
Three Professional References: Complete contact information for references with a deep knowledge of artwork and work methods, and for which project they worked with you.
Letter of Interest: Briefly describe how you intend to use the site; describe your artistic style, background, and relevant past completed projects, and how they relate to this project. Use 500 words or less.
Application Fee: No Fee
Contact
Meagan Dion, Public Art and Artist Programs Specialist
Nebraska Arts Council, meagan.dion@nebraska.gov