Call for Public Art: Farmers Market Sunshade, Ann Arbor, MI

The Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Elevate Program is seeking to commission an artist or artist team to design and install a unique shade structure at the Farmers Market in Ann Arbor, MI. The DDA is open to proposals of different mediums, including fabric or rigid materials, and desires a work that is positive, balances shade and light for different times of the year, and involves color.

The shade structure will be located on the east side of the Farmers Market at the intersection of Detroit Street and N 5th Avenue in a recently constructed plaza space. The site features existing poles that are 6" wide and 12' high. The artist's proposal should cover a majority or all of the area between the poles, though designs do not have to completely shade the area. The lowest point of the shade structure material should not hang below 10 feet. The structure is intended to be up year-round and last for 10+ years, made of highly durable materials that can withstand wind, rain, snow, and sun exposure. Artists may propose to paint the poles and may suggest design-related groundwork as a secondary component. Designs may not include letters, numbers, words, logos, trademarked materials, commercial imagery, religious or political content, or sacred imagery. All designs must be original artwork.

The budget for this commission is $50,000, inclusive of all costs including design fee, materials, fabrication, transportation, installation, insurance, and contingency. Applicants must submit a written proposal statement with visual support, CV/resume, 3 references, artist bio, and 5-10 past work images (videos permitted). Any artist or artist team residing in the United States can apply. The selection process is two-stage: a panel will review initial applications, and three semi-finalists will be selected to develop site-specific proposals and renderings. Semi-finalists will receive a $1,000 honorarium. The finalist will be awarded in February 2025, with project completion and installation in Summer 2025.