2022 Special Olympics USA Games Cauldron Arts Project

The 2022 Special Olympics USA Games is accepting applications for the design and build of the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games Cauldron. The cauldron is one of the most iconic objects of the Games and will be lit by the Flame of Hope at the culmination of the Opening Ceremony at Exploria Stadium. After the Opening Ceremony, the cauldron will move to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World to serve as the centerpiece for the Games and a photo-op location for athletes, media, fans, and families. After the Games conclude, the cauldron will be installed permanently at a prominent location within Orlando.

The design should be unique, artistic, and meaningful, inspired by the 2022 USA Games brand and campaign tagline "Shine as One." The cauldron can be simple or highly stylized and should evoke a sense of wonder and demonstrate a sense of purpose, standing for inclusion and togetherness. Incorporating mechanical elements (unfold, grow, or rise-up) is encouraged but not mandatory. This should be a collaborative process utilizing talented artists, designers, and engineers working with Special Olympics Athletes. The cauldron must be created from materials appropriate to an outdoor environment in a sub-tropical climate with intense sun, seasonal heavy rain, and hurricane-force winds. Materials must be inherently flame-retardant and suitable for public viewing with minimal maintenance. The budget for the winning artist is $45,000 to cover all creation expenses including production, fabrication, and installation. If the artist is not local to Orlando, travel and accommodations must come from this budget. The deadline for completion is May 1, 2022.

Eligibility is open to local, regional, and national professional artists with experience in the design, construction, transportation, and installation of medium to large-scale outdoor sculptures and a proven track record of meeting budget and timelines. Selected artists must attend an ideation workshop with Special Olympics Athletes, oversee the full project scope from design through installation, provide one public lecture in Orlando, attend the Opening Ceremony, and participate in publicity and media promotions. Work samples should include 1-10 images and up to 1 video (11 samples maximum).