Sustainability Grant: Superior Court Enhancement Project

Sustainability Grant: Superior Court Enhancement Project is sponsored by Coconino County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC). This opportunity supports mission-aligned projects and measurable outcomes.

The Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) announces a public art opportunity for artists, graphic designers, and illustrators to create an original work of art for permanent display in the Coconino County Superior Courthouse. The CJCC, through its Indigenous Initiatives Committee supports this project as part of its Superior Court Enhancement project.

This project offers an opportunity to enhance the courthouse environment by integrating meaningful, culturally relevant visual expression into a shared public space. This is an acquisition grant, and the art will be purchased and become property of Coconino County and the Superior Courthouse.

This project seeks to merge cultural expression with environmental stewardship by commissioning a local artist familiar with and connected to the region and local Indigenous/Native American communities. The artist will create a piece of artwork using reclaimed or salvaged materials. Works may be two- or three-dimensional but must include, or be capable of including, appropriate hanging or mounting hardware.

For example, tapestries must include a sleeve for hanging or be compatible with temporary adhesives such as Velcro. Sculptures must fit within a feasible footprint, and installation requirements will be provided by the County. • Reflect the artist’s community heritage and honor natural features with cultural significance in the region.

• Promote waste reduction and reuse. • Uplift Indigenous voices, traditions, and visual storytelling. • Include landscapes, wildlife, traditions, or motifs with cultural or spiritual meaning.

Per court guidelines, all installed artwork must remain politically neutral and non-partisan. Overt political messages or symbols are not permitted. Cultural, spiritual, and environmental imagery is welcome when presented in a non-political manner.

The selected artwork will be permanently installed in a prominent public space within the Coconino County Superior Courthouse, such as a hallway, courtroom, or shared waiting area, where it will be visible to defendants, plaintiffs, attorneys, jurors, victims, witnesses, visitors, and court staff, contributing to a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive environment.

Artists are encouraged to consider themes of transformation, sustainability, repair, memory, and second chances, which may include giving physical materials a second life, reworking old ideas or imagery, reclaiming personal or cultural narratives, or responding to environmental concerns through concept and form.

All visual and interdisciplinary media are welcome, including photography, digital art, video, textile, mixed media, performance, painting, printmaking, fiber, and sculpture. * The artist must be a resident of Coconino County and have established residency for the previous 12 months. * Preference will be given to Emerging Artists and Indigenous Emerging Artists.

* Emerging Artists are actively developing a professional practice and have produced a modest independent body of work. They may have participated in exhibitions, competitions, or other professional opportunities and may have formal qualifications in visual arts or design. They are not yet represented by a major commercial gallery.

These qualifications should be included in the artist’s CV. * Indigenous Emerging Artists meet the same criteria while also being connected to Indigenous or Native American communities. * There are no age restrictions for participation.

* There are no limitations based on formal education, exhibition history, or representation. Emerging artists at different stages of their professional journey are encouraged to apply. • Applicants may submit no more than one (1) design proposal.

o Incorporate commercial advertising o Mimic or take the style of graffiti Each submission must include all of the following 1.

Statement of Interest & Qualifications (PDF) • 1-inch margins, minimum 11-point font o Artistic concept and approach o Qualifications and experience o Ability to submit high-resolution digital files o Purchase price for the artwork • Include contact information (name, address, email, phone number) at the bottom of the page • Submitted as PowerPoint or Google Slides • Text limited to 15 words per slide • At least one slide must include a rough mock-up of how the artwork would appear in the courthouse space (see Courthouse photos below) • If slideshow software is unavailable, images may be submitted individually Applicants should note that the artwork will be permanently displayed in the Coconino County Superior Courthouse and must remain apolitical.

Applications not meeting these requirements will not be considered. Questions: Email to: cjcc@coconino. az.

gov at least five (5) calendar days prior to the closing date • April 1, 2026: Call to Artists posted • May 1, 2026: Pre-Application Meeting (Noon, AZ Time) • May 15, 2026: Application submission deadline (5:00 PM, AZ Time) • May 29, 2026: Panel review, selection, and notification of finalists • June 15, 2026: Recommended artist approved by CJCC • By July 1, 2026: Recommended artist approved by the Superior Court • November 20, 2026: Artwork fabrication and installation A selection panel that includes court staff, community members, and arts professionals will review all submissions meeting the application requirements and deadline.

Once recommended by the panel, the proposal must be approved by the CJCC and Court administration before installation. **Scoring Criteria** • 40 points: Originality, visual/aesthetic quality, and artistic merit of proposal. • 30 points: How well the artwork fits the installation space and can be appreciated by all viewers.

• 30 points: Alignment with the goals of the Superior Court Enhancement Project, including:. o Environmental stewardship and sustainability o Inclusivity and representation o Preference given to Emerging Artists and Indigenous Emerging Artists • Review the entirety of this document prior to applying. • Late applications will not be accepted.

• Applicants may withdraw proposals before the closing date. • Offers are valid for 90 days after the closing date. • Tax responsibilities remain with the artist.

**Pre-Application Meeting** May 1, 2026 -The Pre-Application Meeting has now concluded. For those who were unable to attend, key questions and answers have been compiled and are available in the FAQ section below. Late applications will not be accepted.

Any applications received after the stated Closing Date and Time will not be reviewed. **Withdrawal of Application** Applicants may withdraw an application at any time prior to the Closing Date and Time by submitting written notice. An offer made in response to this Call to Artists shall be valid and irrevocable for ninety (90) days following the Closing Date and Time for proposal submittals.

Any interpretation, clarification, or correction of this Solicitation will be issued only by written addendum. Copies of all addenda will be distributed electronically to known applicants.

Improper Contact with County Employees All applicants, including employees, representatives, agents, lobbyists, attorneys, and subcontractors, must refrain from direct or indirect contact intended to influence or create bias in the evaluation or selection process with any individual involved in the review or approval process.

This includes, but is not limited to, members of the selection panel, County officials, judges, commissioners, or County/Superior Court staff.

**This policy is intended to:** • Ensure a fair and competitive process • Protect the integrity of the selection process • Maintain compliance with public meeting and procurement laws All questions and concerns must be directed to the designated County point-person: Dianna Kalandros, CJCC Director email to: cjcc@coconino. az.

gov **Vendors may be disqualified if they** • Contact decision-making bodies in a manner that violates open meeting laws. • Offer political support or gratuities in exchange for approval. • Obtain non-public information that provides an unfair advantage and fail to disclose it within 48 hours.

• Engage in other conduct that undermines the integrity of the process. Coconino County’s procurement process is governed by applicable County procurement policies and procedures. This Solicitation is intended to provide all relevant information necessary for submission.

In the event of a conflict, the procedures outlined in this Solicitation or subsequent addenda shall govern. These locations depicted in the photos below are representative of where the artwork may be exhibited and are not intended to be exhaustive. Artwork may also be displayed in courtrooms.

It will not be placed in non-public areas, such as offices or employee-only spaces.