250LEX Public Art Project

The City of Lexington is seeking qualified artists for the 250LEX Public Art Project, a major public art commission celebrating the city's 250th anniversary in 2025. A prominent outdoor site at the Robert Stephens Courthouse Plaza on Main Street in downtown Lexington has been selected for this work, which will be the largest public art commission ever undertaken by the City.

The project budget is up to $750,000 all-inclusive for artist fees, consultants, insurance, engineering, materials, fabrication, transportation, and lighting. An additional $100,000 is allocated for site preparation, and $50,000 is designated for future conservation and maintenance. The artwork must be made of durable, low-maintenance materials suitable for outdoor, all-weather installation. The design should incorporate lighting to illuminate the artwork and site, allow for open sight lines, and be visible from multiple angles. Water features will not be considered. The content must be suitable for public consumption and sensitive to the existing architectural features of the Courthouse Plaza.

Artists must submit a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) by February 29, 2024 at 11:59 PM MST. A selection committee will review credentials and invite three finalists to submit detailed proposals including scaled drawings and structural/electrical elements. Each finalist will receive $5,000 upon completion of their proposal and up to $1,500 for travel to visit the site and present their work. The selected artist will be announced in June 2024, with completion and installation anticipated for September 2025. Contact: [email protected]