Clemente Park Public Art Project

The City of Fort Myers Public Art Committee seeks to commission an artist or artist team to create a site-specific exterior work of public art for Clemente Park. The project will research and respond to the rich and complex history of this Black community, aesthetically enhance the park, promote community pride, and reinforce the Historical Society's mission. Three sites have been identified for the artwork: exterior walls of the Office/Library, the entrance to Williams Academy, or the front center of the park at the sidewalk along MLK Boulevard.

Artists must reside in the United States and meet at least two of the following criteria: completed other public commissions on a similar scale; received awards, grants, or fellowships; had works included in major private, corporate, or museum collections; or had at least one solo exhibition at an American Association of Museums accredited institution within the past five years. The total budget is $20,000, covering all costs including materials, fabrication, installation, permitting, documentation, and transportation. Up to three finalists will receive an additional $500 design fee to develop a maquette and proposal for final consideration.

Submissions must be made electronically through CAFÉ at no charge and include a letter of interest, up to 10 digital images with descriptions, an image list with title, date, materials, size and project budget, and a resume of no more than three pages emphasizing public art experience. The selection panel will include Public Art Committee members and representatives from the Dunbar community. Each finalist will present their proposal to the panel, and the commission will be awarded based on the merit of the proposal and the artist's credentials. For further information, contact Donna Lovejoy, Public Art Liaison, at (239) 321-7217 or [email protected].