Bronze Figure of Kathy Kozachenko Public Art Commission

The City of Ann Arbor invites qualified bronze artists or artist teams to submit qualifications to design, fabricate, and install a bronze figure of Kathy Kozachenko in front of Larcom City Hall at 301 E. Huron Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan. This public art commission is part of the City of Ann Arbor's Bicentennial celebration in 2024 and reflects a City Council resolution to recognize Kathy Kozachenko's contributions to public service, civil rights, and the LGBTQ+ community, coinciding with the City's 200th anniversary and the 50th anniversary of her election as an Ann Arbor councilmember. Kozachenko was elected to the Ann Arbor City Council on April 2, 1974, as the first openly gay or lesbian candidate elected to public office in the United States.

The figure should be about life size and designed using images from the 1970s, including Kozachenko's attire. The pose will be based on a photograph of Kozachenko taking oath into office with her right hand raised. The figure should sit on a base that elevates it about a foot off the ground to be level with the existing garden bed's low wall. The budget for this commission is up to $75,000, inclusive of all costs associated with the project including design fee, fabrication, foundation and base, transportation, installation, permits, insurance, and contingency. All applicants must consider long-term conservation and maintenance of public art. The artwork must be fabricated from durable, low-maintenance materials appropriate for public display and meet American Disability Act (ADA) standards.

Applications must be submitted online by March 8th, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST. Required submissions include: a letter of interest (2000 character max), resume (maximum two pages per person), ten artwork images, artist bio (2000 character max), and three professional references with contact information. A selection panel will evaluate applicants based on letter of interest and alignment with project goals, quality and creativity of past work, demonstrated experience with permanent bronze public artwork, resume, and references. Semi-finalists (3-5) will be selected in April 2026 and asked to draft a preliminary budget and timeline. Semi-finalist interviews will occur in May 2026, with the finalist awarded in June 2026. Project completion and installation is targeted for Spring/Summer 2027. The selected artist will contract with the City of Ann Arbor and be responsible for all aspects of the project including research, design development, obtaining structural engineer drawings, sourcing materials, fabrication, installation, permits, and participation in an unveiling event.