City of Little Rock, Arkansas: Riverfront Park Grand Entrance Sculpture

Sculpture at the River Market announces a public art commission for a three-dimensional sculpture to serve as the focal point of the newly redesigned entrance into Riverfront Park from Clinton Avenue. The sculpture should be bold in appearance and act as an attraction to bring people into the park. The design can take on any characteristic—intimate, bold, or traditional—with no pre-conceived limitations on how the space can be enhanced.

Artists must propose a visually interesting, safe, three-dimensional public art piece that is durable, easily maintained, and free standing. The piece must address engineering, construction, installation, and maintenance standards. The winning artist will be required to submit a stamped structural engineer's drawing before the second installment payment. The sculpture must be fabricated with bolting or attachment to a concrete surface or suitably designed footing. The City of Little Rock will prepare the site for installation, and the artist will assist with installation.

The project budget is up to $140,000 and must include all costs related to design, engineering, materials, fabrication, travel expenses, required insurance, shipping, and installation. Artists must submit 6 images: 3 of the proposed sculpture and 3 of recent works. After the January 7, 2020 deadline, three semifinalists will be selected and notified by January 28, 2020. Semifinalists must travel to Little Rock to present proposals on February 20, 2020, and will receive a $350 airline ticket stipend. The winner will be notified by February 24, 2020. Payment will be made in three installments: 50% upon contract signing, 25% when the piece goes to fabrication (after structural engineer drawings are submitted), and 25% upon installation by December 1, 2020. Selection will be based on design concept strength (55%), design durability (30%), and proposal clarity and completeness (15%).