City of Peoria North Community Park Public Art Commission

The City of Peoria is seeking submittals for outdoor public artwork at the City of Peoria North Community Park. The park is a 450-acre site located 16 miles south of Lake Pleasant, featuring Upper Sonoran Desert ecology with saguaro cacti and desert riparian vegetation. The site includes Westwing Mountain and a 30-foot linear levee. Park facilities will include lighted sports fields, court games, a skate park, splash pad, play facility/plaza areas, dog park, and a lake for catch and release fishing, with remaining areas left in natural condition.

The total art budget is $260,000 for up to three public art pieces. Artists may submit for one or multiple pieces. Submissions should include 5-10 images and up to 2 videos. Considerations include reflecting the Upper Sonoran Desert ecology, incorporating public involvement, complementing the park design and usage, and incorporating safe interaction by park users. Arizona artists are strongly encouraged to apply.

A selection committee will review initial applications and invite up to 10 semi-finalists to develop complete proposals. Semi-finalists must submit drawings, models, and specific information on scale, medium, installation, and budget, and are required to present their final proposals. Semi-finalists will receive a $500 stipend for model materials. Artists living outside Maricopa County will be reimbursed for round-trip coach airfare, one-day mid-size car rental, and one night lodging. Selection criteria include artistic merit, past experience with similar commissions, ideas for the project, sensitivity to the site and Peoria's cultural history, and attention to safety, durability, and maintenance. Contact Manny Burruel at 623-826-9912 or [email protected] for questions.