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The City of Covington is launching a national design competition to create a landmark public art installation in the developing Covington Central Riverfront neighborhood. This initiative aims to establish a distinctive identity for the area and enhance community interaction.
The project is a collaboration between the Carnegie Visual and Performing Arts Center, The Center for Great Neighborhoods, ArtsWave, and the Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation. A formal request for proposals has been issued by The Carnegie and CGN.
"From the very beginning, we have acted strategically and thoughtfully to create a 23-acre neighborhood at CCR that we hope will one day take its place among Covington’s renowned historic districts," said Economic Development Director Tom West. "Public art will be a critical component of establishing the environment the people of Covington want, and we are engaging with the creative experts who can make that happen."
A grant from The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation will cover competition costs, artists' fees, and fabrication expenses. Applications are open until June 1, with finalists selected by July 1. The winning piece is expected to be fabricated by November 15 and installed by November 30.
"Public Art is an exciting way to signal the intentions of a bold project like CCR," said Matt Distel, The Carnegie’s executive director.
The site was previously home to an IRS paper processing facility before being acquired by the city in 2019 for redevelopment into mixed-use spaces including housing, retail, office space, recreation areas, a hotel, and an expanded convention center.
Proposals should incorporate artifacts saved from the IRS complex or highlight Covington's history or identity. "It’s important to us that the selected project be something that resonates with the broader Covington community," said Shannon Ratterman of The Center for Great Neighborhoods.
Community feedback will play a role in selecting the final design later this summer.
Questions about the RFP can be directed to publicart@thecarnegie.com. More information about the site is available at Covington Central Riverfront.
