RFP: Little Cocoa Bean Co

About The Company

Little Cocoa Bean Co. creates culturally diverse, ready-made, fresh and healthy baby and toddler food for the next generation of parents. Their meals are served in a chic, baby-friendly café setting that’s every parent’s dream eatery.

Mission:

• Honor our heritage – We recognize our past by creating hope, love, and health for the future.
• Prioritize inclusion – We engender a culture of inclusion and love by championing diversity.
• Celebrate every effort – We recognize parents for their efforts. We’re all doing the very best we can.
• Lead with positivity – We affirm our mission using positivity as our north star.

About the Project:

Little Cocoa Bean Co. has engaged Dorchester Art Project to bring the aesthetic and experiential vision of their new cafe (located next to the Boston Children’s Museum) to life by engaging local Boston artists on the creation of a tree installation and the decoration of the vestibule.

Project Goals:

Little Cocoa Bean Co. is seeking proposals from experienced artists to create an engaging and magical art installation for their new tot-café. The project involves two key elements:

1. A sculptural tree feature integrated within the café’s interior.
2. Concept and design of the entry vestibule that complements the theme and acts as a transition from the outside world into the experience that is, Little Cocoa Bean Co.
   • Back drop wall behind tree (in cohesion with vestibule style, application and technique).

Scope of Work:

• Tree Sculpture: A three-dimensional tree installation that serves as a centerpiece within the café…
• Vestibule/foyer: A hand-painted mural in the entrance foyer that aligns with the café’s theme…
• Backdrop wall to tree: A hand-painted wall (located behind the tree) to be in cohesion with mural at the entrance.

Design Considerations:

• The installation should align with a nature-inspired, whimsical, and playful aesthetic…
• Placement can be either a half-circle shape…
• The installation height must be 8 ft, branches start at 6 ft.
• The materials must be non-toxic, durable, and safe for children.
• They should sustain consistent cleanings and be lead-free…
• The design should encourage creativity and engagement among young visitors.
• The tree must have life-like elements…
• The vestibule art should complement the introduction to the cafe aesthetic…
• Artists are encouraged to integrate storytelling, interactive, or sensory elements.

Artist Qualifications:

• Experience in public art, murals, or sculptural installations.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating relevant work
• Boston-based, Women of Color preferred
• Ability to work within budget and timeline constraints.
• Experience working with toddler-friendly environments is preferred.

Budget & Timeline:

• Please submit a full budget (including materials, labor, and installation costs) for consideration.
• The project must be completed by mid-June at the latest.

Proposal Submission Requirements:

Interested artists should submit the following:

• A brief artist statement and resume.
• A proposed concept for the tree sculpture and/or vestibule/foyer mural (including sketches or digital renderings).
• A detailed budget breakdown.
• Estimated timeline for completion.
• Examples of past relevant work.
• At least two references from previous projects.

Submission Process:

Please submit all proposals via email to [email protected] by May 1st. Shortlisted artists may be invited for an interview or site visit. For any inquiries, please contact [email protected]. We look forward to receiving your creative proposals and bringing an inspiring artistic vision to life for our tot-café’s visitors!