Aviary Inspired Community Participation Sculpture Project

The City of Lewisville is seeking proposals from artists to create a public art project as part of its annual public art work plan. The city is commissioning an artist or group of artists to create an aviary-inspired outdoor sculpture that reflects the area's robust migratory bird activity and location within significant migratory bird pathways. The sculpture will be displayed in Thrive Nature Park, a 23-acre park featuring native Texas forest and prairie with trails and opportunities for environmental education and play.

A critical priority for this project is community participation. The artist or artist team must engage with and include Lewisville residents and visitors in the creation process of elements of the sculpture. The project is inspired by the work of Danish artist Thomas Dambo, who uses recycled/upcycled materials and works with communities to contribute built or decorated units that are used to build sculptures. The selected artist will plan and oversee the project, manage the collaborative process, and facilitate several workshops or public events for community members to create, fabricate, or finish components of the piece. Final fabrication and assembly of community contributions will be the artist's responsibility.

The sculpture should be a unique, one-of-a-kind artwork appropriate for Lewisville and its diverse community. All materials and media are acceptable if they meet project objectives. The artwork must be fabricated of highly durable, low-maintenance materials suitable for outdoor exposure and resistant to weather, physical stress, and vandalism. Priority consideration will be given to proposals with an aviary theme. Applicants may apply as a single artist or multi-person collaborative group. The budget for this commission is up to $20,000 USD, inclusive of all costs associated with the project. Applications must include eight digital images, a résumé, and a statement of interest no longer than 2,000 characters submitted via www.callforentry.org. From applications, the selection panel will choose up to six semifinalists for telephone or online interview. The selected artist or artist team will be recommended to Lewisville City Council for approval and will collaborate with the Arts Advisory Board and City staff on final design and placement.