In this artwork, how is the Acquisition discussed?
The Washington D.C. Department of Transportation believed that the watchtower, which served as a lookout point for the bridge's former role as a drawbridge (which ended in the 1960s), was an eyesore and requested the assistance of the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities to find an artist to create something that would enhance the space.In all, 122 artists applied for the project, a selected group of artists were brought to the watchtower to experience the space, and five finalists were selected. The submission requirements set by the District Department of Transportation reflected concerns for driver safety: no additional extensions to the height of the tower or flashing lights were allowed, the artwork could not slow down traffic, and of course safety, low maintenance, and durability to the work of art were required. The finalists' projects were also reviewed by the U.S. Coast Guard, the Federal Aviation Administration and the Federal Highway Administration. Eventually, Mikyoung Kim was selected as the artist for the work.
U.S. Coast Guard District Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration Mikyoung Kim drawbridge watchtower Federal Highway Administration