RE:Imagine Vacancy (Request for Proposals)

Gathering is a key theme that the neighborhood cares about, and more public spaces for gatherings are needed – generations of Bonton residents currently gather at the nearby William J Blair Jr Park on weekends to barbeque, show off their cars, and do car tricks. 

In addition to the park, current Bonton residents hold great pride in the rebuilding of the local H.S Thompson Elementary, and the neighborhood has always had a passion for its schools and its history as a community. The neighborhood is very communal, and a strong “front porch culture” with gatherings currently done in empty lots, parking lots, or William J. Blair Jr. Park. 

 The following are links, from community members in Bonton, that they feel show different aspects of the neighborhood’s “vibe”: 

• Short History of Bonton
• bcWorkshop video
  • a history of Bonton and the neighboring Ideal community

The City-owned lots at 6307 and 6309 Carlton Garrett Street in Bonton (Council District 7) were selected by the cross-departmental team for this pilot program.
The demographics for this Census Block Group (011500-3) are: 22% seniors, 25% youth, 47% Hispanic, 43% Black, and the median household income is $31,000, or approximately 30% below the median household income in the City of Dallas.

To re-imagine this landscape, we request proposals for a site-specific installation that creates a space that empowers the community while encouraging interaction within the site. 

Guidelines and Requirements: 

• Create a space for gathering that belongs to the local community and invokes feelings of some of the following words: gather, legacy, self-worth, celebration, music/jazz, life, joy, abundance 
• Possibly refer to the history of farming in Bonton and sunflowers – an iconic image in many South Dallas neighborhoods, including Bonton 
• The design should be uplifting, connective, inspiring, and colorful 
• Artist(s) should authentically engage with the Bonton community by through hosting artist talks, workshops, and/or involving the community into the artist process
• Selected artist(s) must engage in 3 workshop sessions with a pre-selected group of High School students, taking them through your creative processes of design, fabrication, and installation
• Art installation must be temporary in nature, lasting at least 6–months, and accessible within the designated space. Artist is responsible for removing the piece after the display period is over.  
• Interactive elements such as a sensory walk and/or play area are highly encouraged. 
• Artwork must provide a positive cultural experience appropriate for children and adults in the surrounding neighborhoods. 
• Artwork must be free of safety hazards, have no sharp edges, have no protrusions at a level that could be struck, not be easily climbable, and have no openings less than 3” or larger than 6” (i.e., nothing in which a child could get a body part caught). 

Information session – watch the Facebook Live video or view the Presentation

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD GUIDELINES PDF