Destination Frankford - Womrath Park Gateway Sculpture

The Philadelphia City Planning Commission invites professional artists living within driving distance of Philadelphia to apply for a public art commission. Artists are asked to submit qualifications to design permanent artwork for historic Womrath Park, located in the Frankford neighborhood of Philadelphia.

Destination Frankford is a creative placemaking project supported by a grant from ArtPlace America. Led by the Philadelphia City Planning Commission, it is designed to implement the vision for Frankford as laid out in the Philadelphia2035 Lower Northeast District Plan. The project seeks to build upon Frankford's cultural identity by revitalizing industrial buildings and commercial corridors, connecting the neighborhood to nature, and developing live/work spaces. Womrath Park is envisioned as a gateway to Frankford, a triangle of green located in the southwest corner adjacent to the Market Frankford El and bordered by Kensington and Frankford Avenues. With recent stormwater infrastructure improvements and murals, the site is positioned to become a destination for residents and a location for public and private gatherings.

Artists are asked to envision artwork as a central focus of the park to transform the space into a place with a unique identity, special story, or interactive purpose. Artwork should project a dynamic visual presence for pedestrians and train riders, be meaningful to community residents by reflecting their history and culture, move beyond passive viewing to interactive experience, integrate or suggest lighting for night presence, be structurally sound and durable for outdoor conditions with minimal maintenance, use materials that withstand outdoor placement, and be mindful of public safety. The total art budget is $100,000, including artist's design fee, drawings, legal fees, insurance, materials, fabrication, shipment, installation, and all project-related expenses.

Eligibility: Professional artists may apply as individuals or creative teams. Artists must live within driving distance of Philadelphia and have completed several public art projects. Submission deadline: November 1, 2013. Submission requirements include an artist statement (maximum 200 words), current CV/resume, and digital images/media files (6 digital images, or 1 video file and 3 digital images, or 1 audio file and 3 digital images). All applications must be submitted through CaFÉ at www.callforentry.org.