Request for Qualifications
Victoria Mansion, a 501c3 non-profit organization, is seeking a BIPOC artist to create an illustration for our Unwilling Architects Initiative, which works to uncover the lives of the individuals enslaved in New Orleans by Ruggles and Olive Morse, the first owners of the house. The work is a paid commission, partially funded by Coffee by Design’s Rebel Blend Fund. This work will hang in Victoria Mansion as a long-term to permanent exhibit.
Download the PDF with full details and visual references for Victoria Mansion here.
Project Overview
Since 2021, our Unwilling Architects Initiative has prompted extensive research into the lives of the 27 Black and mixed-race individuals known to have been enslaved in New Orleans by the Morses, the Mansion’s first owners. This effort has begun to uncover much about these enslaved persons, whose uncompensated labor in Louisiana contributed to the fortune that built Victoria Mansion. This important work endeavors to shine a light on these individuals’ lives and bring their stories into the full human history of this landmark property.
According to Timothy Brosnihan, Executive Director, “Through bringing the individuals enslaved by the Morses back into the story of Victoria Mansion and American history, we are engaging the arts to reach our community in a much deeper way. By sharing works of art to engage visitors we can develop a fuller awareness and understanding of people’s lived experience.”
Also known as the Morse-Libby House, Victoria Mansion was built between 1858 and 1860 as a summer home for two people, Ruggles Sylvester Morse and his wife Olive. Though both from Maine, the Morse family made their home in New Orleans, Louisiana. Morse made his fortune operating luxury hotels, although he also invested in many side businesses, as well as being an active participant in the slave economy that was so pervasive in New Orleans. This spectacular summer home was designed by the architect Henry Austin of New Haven, CT, and is widely considered one of the finest examples of the Italian Villa style in America.
A visit to Victoria Mansion is a visual experience, where history is interpreted through objects and images. However, in this case there is very little material culture allowing us to interpret the lives of individuals enslaved in New Orleans. To better tell this part of the Mansion’s history, we plan to engage a BIPOC visual artist to examine this important story.
Timeline
March 15, 2025: Letter of Interest due
April 15, 2025: Shortlist of artists announced and sample sketch commissioned
June 1, 2025: Sample sketch due
July 1, 2025: Final artist chosen
Fall 2025: Production of artwork and artist reception
Required RFQ Response
To be considered for this commission, please submit a letter of interest by 5PM on March 15, 2025. Include an artist bio, references, and 3-5 examples of your work that most closely illustrate the final scope of work (detailed in the PDF here).
Your package can be emailed to Staci Hanscom, Director of Education & Public Programs, at shanscom@victoriamansion.org.
Compensation
The selected artist will receive a commission stipend of $3,000.
Questions about this opportunity? Please contact Staci Hanscom, Director of Education & Public Programs, at shanscom@victoriamansion.org.
