Bob Crane Community Center Art Installation - Request for Qualifications

The City of Upper Arlington Parks and Recreation Department invites artists and/or artist teams to submit qualifications to design and install a site-specific sculptural or three-dimensional artwork for the Bob Crane Community Center (BCCC). The selected work should define a gathering space within the BCCC, fostering a welcoming environment that supports health, wellness, and connection. The installation budget is $100,000, all-inclusive, covering artist/design fee, materials, fabrication, installation, transportation/shipping, project documentation, engineering, travel, site modification, per diem expenses, and contingency.

The Bob Crane Community Center, located at 3200 Tremont Road in Upper Arlington, Ohio, officially opened April 6, 2025. The state-of-the-art facility spans 165,000 square feet across five floors and includes an indoor pool, gymnasiums, fitness studios, event space, art gallery, and health and wellness services. The artwork will be installed in the Main Floor Lobby, a gathering space adjacent to the Welcome Desk, Fitness Center, and other amenities, with opportunity for hanging installation or sculptural display.

Eligible artists must reside in the United States and demonstrate quality and integrity in past artworks, ability to complete projects on time and within budget, ability to install artwork in an indoor setting, and understanding of the site and Upper Arlington community. Up to three finalists will be selected based on past projects and experience. Each finalist will receive a $1,000 honorarium to attend a site visit, produce a design and installation proposal, and present to the selection panel. The selected artist will be notified by October 9, 2026, with fabrication occurring November 2026 through February 2027 and installation in Fall 2027. Entry deadline: May 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. Submit 6-10 images of past work.