3-D Sculpture Commission, Kansas City Zoo Lion Viewing Area

The City of Kansas City, Missouri One Percent for Art program seeks to commission a professional visual artist or artist team based in the Kansas City area to design, fabricate, and install a permanent sculpture within an exterior green space adjacent to the renovation of the lion viewing area at the Kansas City Zoo. This opportunity is open only to artists based in the Kansas City, Missouri Combined Statistical Area. Artwork should address themes such as lions, Africa, and conservation.

The site is an exterior, public-facing green space measuring approximately 24' x 9' x 6' between a renovated lion viewing area and a new restroom facility. The project aims to improve the viewing area with custom art and improve ADA accessibility, including ADA-accessible seating, concrete walking paths, and a new ADA-accessible restroom. Artworks must be 3-D, free-standing, and sculptural, created from durable materials to withstand weather and pedestrian interaction. Artwork may incorporate lighting, engage pedestrians, or include interactive components. All artistic elements must comply with applicable building codes, including the Americans with Disabilities Act and the 2018 International Building Code.

The budget available for this project is $105,000, all inclusive, covering artist's fees, travel, engineering, fabrication, supplies, material costs, meeting and administration hours, labor, artist's legal review fees, approval by a Missouri-licensed engineer, permits, licenses, insurance, lighting, equipment rental, shipping, delivery, documentation, and installation. The selection process includes an RFQ phase where 2-5 semifinalists will be selected and paid a $1,000 design proposal stipend. Semifinalists will advance to the RFP phase to develop proposals and present to the selection panel. The finalist's proposal will be presented to the Municipal Art Commission for approval prior to contract development. Art installation is scheduled for Autumn 2025. Applications must include up to 10 images and 3 videos of original completed commissions, a resume, and a letter of interest. Questions should be emailed to [email protected] by Monday, September 2, 2024, 5:00 p.m. Central.