Bryant Park Sculpture

The City of Bloomington's Office of Creative Placemaking and Parks and Recreation Department invite public artists to submit qualifications for the design, fabrication, and installation of an interactive artistic sculpture to be located at Bryant Park. The sculpture should be unique and specific to the site, with a theme drawing from nature and highlighting the importance of wetland and water quality improvements. The design must be inclusive and accessible, featuring elements that ensure safety and accommodate a wide range of abilities and ages, including climbable features for safe interaction by people of all abilities. Materials must be durable and appropriate for exterior applications in Minnesota's climate.

The total project budget is $150,000.00, which must cover all design modifications, fabrication, engineering, installation, foundation, site preparations, site visits, transportation, insurance, and related expenses. Bryant Park is undergoing significant transformation as part of a comprehensive park master plan, featuring a fully accessible playground, central park shelter, skate spot, and improved circulation. The park renovation incorporates wetland and water quality improvements, with pond dredging and bank restoration to optimize natural water filtering functions.

Qualifications must be submitted by September 5, 2025 at 10:59 PM CST via CaFE. Applicants should provide a one-page letter describing interest and approach, one-page biographical information or resume, up to 10 work samples (including at least one outdoor sculpture completed within the last 10 years with a budget of $20,000 or more), and three references. Three finalists will be selected by September 22, 2025 and will each receive a $2,000 design payment. Finalists will present concept designs the week of October 13, 2025, with the selected artist/team announced by October 20, 2025. Installation is anticipated for Spring 2026. Questions must be submitted by August 29, 2025 at 5 p.m. to [email protected] with "Bryant Sculpture RFQ Question" in the subject line.