Detroit Civic Sculpture - TCF Center

TCF Center is seeking proposals for a large-scale exterior sculpture to be placed in the center of the main entrance circle drive at 1 Washington Boulevard, Detroit, Michigan. The sculpture will reside outside the beautifully renovated convention center in downtown Detroit and will significantly enhance the cultural offerings through its affirmative message, aesthetic impact and prominent location. The piece will celebrate Detroit with local residents and the 1.4 million annual visitors to TCF Center.

Artists 18 years of age or older with previous experience on similar projects are invited to submit proposals individually or collaboratively. Proposals will be judged on artistic merit, capability, budget and impact. Three artists will be invited to create a maquette of their design and will receive a $5,000 stipend. From these, one proposal will be awarded a budget of $250,000 to support its conceptualization, fabrication and installation, with an additional $50,000 commission paid to the artist(s). The sculpture cannot exceed 30 feet in height or 8 feet in diameter. Artwork proposals are limited to permanent, freestanding, site-specific sculpture. Due to the permanence of the installation, seasonal or ephemeral work will not be given consideration. Materials used should be safe and appropriate to a public outdoor environment and withstand harsh Michigan weather.

Submission deadline is June 2, 2020 at 5pm. A mandatory meeting and site tour will be held on March 1, 2020 at 1pm at TCF Center; RSVP required by February 28. Top three proposals will be announced July 15. Final selection will be announced October 1. Work is to be installed by the artist with TCF Center Capital Team and Art Curator managing the process. Installation is permanent with open access. DRCFA Art Foundation will retain ownership of the work; the artist will retain copyright ownership of the proposal drawing and maquette. TCF Center will provide electricity, signage, lighting and basic maintenance of the site.