Project Title: Commissioning of Sculpture from Recycled Music Instruments in Honor of Grant Lansdell

Introduction: Fishers Music Works is seeking proposals from qualified metal artists for the creation of a sculpture utilizing old music instruments, dedicated to honoring the memory of the late Grant Lansdell, esteemed trombonist. This project aims to pay tribute to Grant Lansdell's legacy while promoting sustainability and artistic expression through the repurposing of discarded musical instruments. We invite experienced metal artists to submit their proposals for consideration.

Project Objectives:

1. Create a unique sculpture that embodies the essence of music, sustainability, and the legacy of Grant Lansdell.
2. To repurpose old and unusable music instruments into a work of art that serves as a lasting tribute to his contributions to the music community.
3. To showcase the talent and creativity of the selected artist.
4. Ideally:  Final work of art can exist outdoors, unprotected from weather and elements of nature.

Scope of Work: The selected will be responsible for the following:

1. Designing and conceptualizing the sculpture with a focus on honoring the memory of Grant Lansdell.
2. Utilizing primarily recycled metal from old music instruments in the fabrication process.  Raw materials (instruments) will be provided by Fishers Music Works.
3. Fabricating and assembling the sculpture in accordance with the approved design.
4. Delivering and installing the completed sculpture at the designated location.

Proposal Requirements: Interested artists are required to submit the following:

1. Artist Portfolio: Including examples of previous sculptures or relevant artwork.
2. Concept Proposal: A detailed description and visual representation (sketches, drawings, or digital renderings) of the proposed sculpture, with clear connection to the legacy of Grant Lansdell.
3. Materials and Techniques: Explanation of the materials and techniques that will be used in the fabrication process, with consideration given to the incorporation of old music instruments.
4. Timeline: Proposed timeline for completion, including key milestones such as design, approval, fabrication, and installation.
5. Budget: A detailed budget breakdown, including estimated costs for materials not provided by Fishers Music Works, labor, and any additional expenses.
6. References: Contact information for at least two professional references who can speak to the artist’s experience and quality of work.

Selection Criteria: Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Artistic merit and creativity of the proposed design, with a strong connection to the legacy of Grant Lansdell.
2. Demonstrated experience and proficiency in metalworking and sculpture.
3. Feasibility of the proposed timeline and budget.
4. Alignment with the project objectives and theme of sustainability.
5. Professional references and track record of delivering high-quality work.

Submission Instructions:

Complete and submit below form on this page.  Late submissions will not be considered.

Timeline:

• RFP Issuance:  September 1, 2024
• Submission Deadline:  December 31, 2024
• Proposal Evaluation:  January 1, 2025 through February 28, 2025
• Notification of Selection: March 15, 2025
• Project Commencement: April 1, 2025

Budget & Materials:

• $5000
• Fishers Music Works is budgeting $4000 for this art project.
• Fishers Music Works will provide raw material in the form of 50+ recycled brass instruments to the artist.

About Grant Lansdell:

Grant Lansdell (10/11/65 – 7/11/22) was an indomitable musical force in the greater Indy area.  He was incredibly moved by musical experience, and he believed that sharing and reliving these experiences brought ALL people closer to each other in ways that couldn’t be expressed verbally.  He spent his professional life researching, purchasing, and selling bleeding-edge consumer audio products for global manufacturers and regional retailers.  In his down time, he was a volunteer/freelance musician for multiple ensembles – often simultaneously.  He also instructed students virtually through the pandemic, as if to offer a glimmer of hope during an otherwise challenging episode in the life of a child.  When he wasn’t helping other people relive their favorite musical moments through technology, he was creating new ones for himself, his students, bandmates, and audiences. 

Grant Lansdell was so much more than an obsessed audiophile and esteemed trombone player.  He was a believer in the restorative and therapeutic power of music.  He was a musical evangelist!  He proudly served his vision of community through shared artistry with every concert he watched, listened to, played in, or helped to plan –

and he radiated immense joy as he did it.  It’s ironic that a man so well-versed in audio equipment was a “spiritual amplifier” of sorts – using every musical experience as fuel to mount or inspire several more.  He tirelessly used his musical gifts to improve the world around him.

Since Grant was tragically taken from us in July, 2022, we have redoubled our efforts to fill the void he left behind.  This sculpture should perhaps not commemorate the man so much as his contributions to the community around him.  He was an extremely talented musician, but he was also a jovial soul who inspired others to explore their musical talents.  He encouraged and supported innovative and bold actions in the name of performing art.  This sculpture should invoke some of those same qualities and values.

Contact Information - For inquiries:

president@fishersmusicworks.org
P.O. Box 375

Fishers, Indiana  46038

We look forward to receiving your proposals and collaborating with a talented artists to create a meaningful tribute to Grant Lansdell’s legacy. Thank you for your interest in working with Fishers Music Works.

Sincerely,

Doug Whisman

President

Fishers Music Works

Fishers Music Works is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) based in Fishers, Indiana. Since 2013 our mission has been to ignite musical passion in our community through musical performances and education. We operate multiple bands and ensembles including Fishers Community Chorus, Mudsock Jazz Combo, White River Wind Symphony, White River Chamber Orchestra, and Nickel Plate Jazz Orchestra. You can learn more about our organization at our website: www.FishersMusicWorks.org.