In recognition of the RPI School of Architecture’s commitment to civic engagement and design leadership in the Capitol Region, the Dean is pleased to announce a unique, stand-alone design competition for all the faculty in the School of Architecture intended to benefit The Refugee and Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus, Inc. (RISSE), located at 715 Morris, Street, Albany NY.

With this announcement the School of Architecture is soliciting design proposals for an art installation in the historic Emmaus United Methodist Church in Albany, NY. This installation is co-sponsored by RPI SoA and Refugee and Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus, Inc. (RISSE) – a community-based not-for-profit organization that has recently acquired the church. RISSE’s mission is “to equip refugees and immigrants to build sustainable, independent lives by offering language and literacy instruction, as well as support with life skills and integration into US culture and community.” The organization serves refugees from over 40 different countries around the world who have been displaced because of war, persecution, or violence.”

This design competition presents an opportunity to reimagine a portion of the church’s sanctuary as a new space for the display of an artwork that embodies and celebrates RISSE’s institutional mission and provides an area for an exhibition gallery.

The installation will be opened to the public on June 23rd, 2024, coinciding with a public media event with community stakeholders & RISSE, in celebration of World Refugee Day 2024.

“My dream, my highest aspiration for Emmaus Church is that it become a place where our families can experience the joy of art, in as many forms and unexpected places as our imagination, contacts and resources will allow.  It saddens me that art isn’t widely valued in the way that we value basics such as food, clean air and a roof over our heads. My wish is that these refugees get to experience the transformative power of art. They deserve it.”

For the full brief & competition documents: https://rpi.app.box.com/folder/249179874155