In January 2023, an inclusive and equity-building Creative Placemaking Workshop was held with community members, artists, business owners, and stakeholders to address the desired site of the first public art project:
Elite Gymnastics and Recreation Center, 2745 Old Washington Road, Waldorf, MD
The goal was to generate ideas and themes for one or more specific projects at this site and its vicinity. The result was an overarching Vision Plan or point of departure for the creation of a public art program in the Waldorf Urban Redevelopment Corridor. The Plan consists of ten short-and ten long-term goals that address some of the most popular ways to create attractive, inviting, and engaging creative spaces. The foremost goals included pocket parks and landscaping, seating, murals, asphalt art, lighting, and sculpture. Some of the needs that we seek public art to consider include safety, pedestrian connectivity, and creation of a sense of place.
This Call for Artists seeks proposals to implement a key long-term goal for the space: a pocket park and outdoor space with public art as its focus. The space is intended to be enjoyed by those that attend programs at the facility, their families, and the community. The project should incorporate two- to three-dimensional sculpture, seating, walkways, and landscape design features with attention to elements that would be easy to maintain. The primary project area is located in front of the facility but artists have the option of incorporating two smaller grassy areas that also front Old Washington Road and an underutilized parking area adjacent to Old Washington Road. Particular attention should be given to pedestrian circulation which links the facility’s main and rear entrances with the features of the pocket park. Two site limitations have been identified: flagpoles must remain in place and artwork cannot be mounted to the building surface.
As the overarching goal is to create a vibrant and welcoming outdoor place—where currently none exists— unity of design and concept should be a foremost consideration. It should also appeal to visitors of all ages on both visual and conceptual levels. Ultimately, this project will serve as an ongoing engagement tool for the community, which in turn will help activate and catalyze other activity in the corridor.
Current Use & Theme
Elite Gymnastics & Recreation Center is a 29,000 square foot year-round facility that houses a variety of recreational gymnastics programs as well as a competitive gymnastics team. The recently renovated facility also features a toddler gymnastics area, multi-purpose recreation room, an observation area/lounge, and the region’s first sensory room. The facility offers a variety of programs including outdoor summer camps and fitness classes. Primary building access is located on the north, however, a secondary doorway is located on the south that can be utilized more in the future. The parking area on the south side of the property is underutilized for parking but is occasionally used for structured activities such as Zumba and youth summer camps. Public art at this location should evoke the art of movement as well as draw on the wider themes of recreation and the overall vision of the Waldorf Urban Redevelopment Corridor.
Downtown Waldorf Vision Plan and Design Guidelines
Artist Budget
Artists will be required to submit a detailed budget outlining their costs for the work, materials, travel, insurance, transportation, and installation. Artists will be expected to adhere to their budgets, as no additional funds will be provided if exceeded.
Project Budget
A budget of $50,000 is identified for the project, assuming a successful awarding of a Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) Public Art Across Maryland (PAAM) New Artworks Project Grant. Allocation of funds for the project will be determined by the proposals and budgets. A $1,000 stipend will be awarded to the winning proposal for the project design.
Maryland State Arts Council Acknowledgement
The design must include written acknowledgement to the Maryland State Arts Council as follows:
"This project is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council (msac.org)".
Also, if possible, the acknowledgement should also include the MSAC logo which can be downloaded at Recognizing MSAC Grants
