Figurative Sculpture: WWII Home Front at Tampa Union Station

Tampa Union Station, opened in 1912, is a historic Italian Renaissance Revival structure that served as a vital gateway for the City of Tampa. During World War II, the station became one of the region's most emotionally charged public spaces, serving as a primary departure point for service members from nearby military installations including Drew Field and MacDill Field. Families gathered on the platforms for farewells marked by pride, fear, hope, and resilience. Today, the station is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and remains an enduring symbol of Tampa's cultural identity.

The City of Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency seeks a figurative artwork that reflects the emotional weight, resilience, and human experience of families during WWII. The sculpture should create a powerful emotional response evoking connection, empathy, and remembrance, while honoring Tampa's home-front story and the families who supported their loved ones. The artwork must be accessible and resonate with diverse audiences while enhancing the cultural significance of Tampa Union Station and respecting its historic context. Artists may interpret "families" broadly to include spouses, children, parents, siblings, or loved ones.

The sculpture will be life-size, preferably in bronze, installed at a pre-approved outdoor site at Tampa Union Station. It must comply with historic preservation guidelines and not impede circulation or damage historic elements. The selected artist will be responsible for concept development, design proposal creation, engineering and permitting, fabrication, installation coordination, and creation of a maintenance manual. The total project budget is $200,000 and must include all costs: artist fees, design, engineering, materials, fabrication, transportation, installation, permits, travel, insurance, and contingency. Applicants must submit a letter of interest (1–2 pages), professional résumé, and 8–10 images of completed relevant works with title, materials, dimensions, date, and project budget. This opportunity is open to national professional artists or artist teams with experience in figurative sculpture and demonstrated ability to complete public art projects of similar scale and complexity. Artists must be legally able to work in the United States.