Calling the Catamount - Sculpting a New Mascot for Western Carolina University

The WCU Fine Art Museum at Bardo Arts Center is seeking artist qualifications, portfolios, and proposals to commission a new sculpture of the Catamount, Western Carolina University's mascot adopted in 1932. The 8-10 foot sculpture will replace the current 6-foot Catamount at the front entrance of WCU's main campus, positioned at the center of a 59-foot diameter traffic circle in front of the H.F. Robinson Administrative Building.

The selected artist(s) will receive a one-year contract covering planning, creation, and installation. WCU's Public Art Committee will work with the artist(s) to ensure fair and equitable compensation. Once completed and installed, the sculpture becomes WCU property and will be part of the WCU Fine Art Museum's permanent public art collection. The sculpture will be featured in WCU social media, university publications, and promotions.

The Catamount sculpture must be 8-10 feet tall (including base) and 4-8 feet wide (including base), constructed of long-lasting durable material such as bronze or stone. Artists should consider North Carolina's weather variations and the sculpture's resistance to public interaction, as students photograph with and on the current cat. The landscaping of the 59-foot circle surrounding the sculpture should be considered in submissions. WCU's facilities team will consult with the artist(s) to create a cohesive landscaping plan.

Submission requirements include: description of proposed design (up to three designs), images of previous work (up to 16), project budget inclusive of all costs, project timeline with proposed start date and site visit, project preservation procedures with maintenance schedule and conservation cost estimates, resume demonstrating history in the medium, and references from at least three individuals. An all-inclusive budget of up to $175,000 is available, disbursed as follows: $50,000 upon contract signature, $75,000 available upon artist request as of September 2022, and $50,000 after installation completion. Budget timeline and dispersal amounts are negotiable.

Eligibility: All professional artists living and working within the United States with a demonstrated record of successful completion of artwork at similar cost and scale. Selection notification by June 7, 2022. Project start June 14, 2022. Site visit must be completed by Summer 2022. Installation must be completed by June 14, 2023. Contact: [email protected] for questions.