Call for Public Art: Gallup Park Pedestrian and Vehicle Bridge, Ann Arbor, MI

The City of Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Services Area is seeking to commission an artist or artist team to design a unique public artwork for the new Gallup Park Pedestrian and Vehicle Bridge Project and/or adjacent landscape in Ann Arbor, MI. The City is open to proposals for different art mediums, including but not limited to sculpture, installation, mosaic, and murals. The community desires a work that positively reflects the themes of nature or the Huron River and integrates well into the park and trail's natural setting.

Gallup Park is a 69-acre park located along the Huron River with scenic walkways and pedestrian bridges that form a loop. The new bridge will replace an existing wooden bridge with a new concrete structure that also includes natural materials such as cobblestone and wood. It will maintain a single-vehicle lane but double the sidewalk space on both sides. Artists may propose artwork in the grass and landscaped areas adjacent to the bridge, on the bridge railing and/or screen, or as murals or mosaics on structures they provide. Artwork should not require electricity and must be fabricated of highly durable, low-maintenance materials suitable for outdoor public display.

The budget for this commission is $40,000, inclusive of all costs including design fee, materials, fabrication, transportation, installation, insurance, and contingency. The selection process is two-stage: all applications will be reviewed by a panel, and three semi-finalists will be selected to develop site-specific proposals and renderings. Semi-finalists will receive a $500 honorarium and participate in interviews. The finalist will be awarded in September 2024, with project completion and installation by May 2025. Applicants must be U.S. residents and able to commit to working in Ann Arbor as necessary. Application requirements include a written proposal statement with visual support, CV/resume, 3 references, artist bio, and 5-10 past work images (videos permitted).