1st Street Bridge Public Art Commission - Wichita, Kansas

Dondlinger Construction, GFT Infrastructure, Inc., Landworks Studio, LLC and the City of Wichita invite professional artists or artist teams with demonstrated experience completing complex, permanent outdoor public art projects to submit qualifications for a public art commission for the 1st Street Bridge over the Arkansas River in downtown Wichita. The selected artist(s) will collaborate with the design/build team and the City to create site-specific artwork(s) responding to the unique context and character of the location. The project uses the Progressive Design/Build construction method, with 60% design documents due November 22nd, 2025, construction commencing December 12th, 2025, substantial completion scheduled for January 10th, 2027, and final completion in April 2027.

The art budget is $570,000 and includes all costs and fees for the artist to execute the project from design through installation. Structural engineering, fabrication, delivery to site, and any necessary site/structure preparation are the artist's responsibility. The 1st Street Bridge will include 3 traffic lanes with a 17.5' combined pedestrian and bike lane on each side. Overlooks on each side are being considered to provide views up and down the Arkansas River. Current opportunities for art integration include art elements at bridge pier locations, potential enlarged pedestrian overlooks, bridge abutments along the Riverfront Trail, and landscaped areas along the riverbank.

A Selection Committee will review submissions and select finalists to respond to an RFP and develop proposals. Finalists will participate in virtual interviews and receive a $1,000 stipend for proposal efforts. Selection criteria include artistic excellence, creative process, ability to execute large-scale outdoor artwork, and meaningful relationship with the project's creative and conceptual aspects. The artwork should enhance the experience of bridge users, stand as a signature infrastructure improvement, respond to site conditions and context, consider longevity and maintenance, and be vandal-resistant. RFP submissions are due November 24th, 2025, with finalist interviews December 1st-5th, 2025, and award notification December 8th, 2025.