$60,000 West Central Community Center Sculpture Commission

Sculpture at the River Market announces a public art commission for the West Central Community Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. The commission budget is up to $60,000. Artists are invited to propose a visually interesting, safe, three-dimensional public art piece that conveys a welcoming message. The sculpture site is approximately 26' x 36' and is adjacent to the West Central Community Center, with glass walls allowing the sculpture to be appreciated from inside and outside. The site is flat with minimal landscaping, and electricity is available at the side.

The sculpture must be three-dimensional, durable, easily maintained, and free standing. Artists must address engineering, construction, installation, and maintenance standards. The winning artist will be required to submit a stamped structural engineer's drawing before the second installment payment. The piece must be fabricated with bolting or attachment to a concrete surface or suitably designed footing. The artist is responsible for footing design and engineering; the City of Little Rock will prepare the site for installation, and the artist will assist with installation.

Eligibility is open to all fine art sculptors who are residents of and/or working in the United States. Work must be produced by the sculptor or under their personal supervision and made by hand or with appropriate tools and casting techniques. Submissions must include 6 images: 3 of the proposed sculpture and 3 of the artist's recent works. The entry fee is $5.00, and artists may submit up to 3 applications. After the February 13, 2020 deadline, three semifinalists will be selected and notified on February 25, 2020. The three finalists must travel to Little Rock to present their proposals on April 17, 2020 at "A Night in the Garden" party and will receive a $350 travel stipend. The competition winner will be announced at the event. Installation is scheduled for April 2021. The project budget must include all costs related to design, engineering, materials, fabrication, travel expenses, required insurance, shipping, and installation, excluding crane costs if needed. Payment will be made in three installments: 50% upon contract signing, 25% when the piece goes to fabrication (after structural engineer drawings are submitted), and 25% upon installation completion by April 1, 2021.