Art Nine Disc Golf Course Public Art Project

Johnson County Park & Recreation District is commissioning artists to create site-specific, permanent sculptures for the Art Nine disc golf course at Shawnee Mission Park, 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee, KS 66219. The project seeks to hire three artists or artist teams to each create a series of three art pieces, with nine total sculptures placed in proximity to each of the nine tees on the family-friendly course.

The Art Nine course will incorporate art at each tee and aims to encourage discovery of disc golf as a fun, healthy, and relatively inexpensive pastime for individuals and families. Artists should create whimsical sculptures that celebrate the natural environment within Shawnee Mission Park, including native flora, fauna, animals, and birds. Selected artists will be responsible for developing final design documents, executing fabrication and installation, providing maintenance and conservation instructions, and participating in community outreach and dedication events as requested.

Design specifications require sculptures to be fabricated of highly durable, low-maintenance materials that can withstand Kansas weather with a life expectancy of 20-30 years. Height should not exceed 9 feet, and artwork must have no points or sharp edges that can pose a hazard to pedestrians. Lighting will not be incorporated to protect the natural habitat. The total budget is $126,000 ($42,000 per artist). Artist eligibility is open to professional artists residing within 250 miles of the Kansas City area. Applicants must submit a letter of interest (no more than 2 pages), CV/resume (no more than 3 pages), names and contact information for 3 professional references, up to 10 sample images of previous artwork, and a corresponding image list with artwork details. An optional virtual informational session will be held via Zoom on Wednesday, May 3 from 11–11:30 AM.