Boathouse Sculpture Project

The Traverse City Arts Commission is seeking to commission a new sculptural mural for the Gordon and Jean Cornwell Sailing Center Boathouse located in Hull Park on Boardman Lake in Traverse City, Michigan. The artwork will be a permanent installation and one of the first exhibits planned for the Boardman Lake Art Trail. The sculptural mural is defined as an assemblage of sculptural elements attached directly to the existing Boathouse wall. The building wall space available is approximately 8' x 60' with a 6" maximum depth. The sculpture will be unveiled in a public ceremony in Summer 2019 and will commemorate a family member of a Traverse City resident while inspiring youth and serving as a landmark in the community.

The project is open to all qualified artists age 18 and over. Michigan-based artists and Kendall College of Art and Design alumni are encouraged to apply. Teams of artists are welcome. Work sample requirements include a minimum of 10 and maximum of 16 images, up to 1 audio file, and up to 3 video files, with a total of 10-20 samples. The artist fee is $16,500 and includes all artist expenses for project completion including materials, fabrication costs, documentation, transportation, and travel. The selection process will include an Art Selection Panel review of submissions, invitation for up to 3 finalists to develop concept drawings or maquettes (with compensation), and final selection by the Arts Commission.

The selected artist must carry Liability Insurance in the amount of $2,000,000 per incident during production, with the City of Traverse City named as additional insured. Title and ownership of the artwork passes to the City of Traverse City upon acceptance and payment. Copyright remains with the artist. The City retains the right to reproduce the artwork with artist credit and copyright notice. The sculptural mural must be installed in a workmanlike manner with sufficient anchoring to prevent removal or damage, and the installation will be reviewed for safety concerns. The City reserves the right to relocate the artwork to a comparable downtown site if future City projects necessitate a change.