Florida Blue Garage-Pocket Park Sculpture Opportunity

Florida Blue, via the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville's City of Jacksonville Public Art Program, is accepting proposals from Northeast Florida sculptural artists and artist teams (pairing a 2D creator with a 3D fabricator) for a three-dimensional public art piece to front the parking infrastructure enhancements at 800 Forest Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204 in the Brooklyn neighborhood near Downtown Jacksonville. The finished artwork must be viewable from Forest Street and assist in enhancing this redeveloping neighborhood and its new parking garage, which is open to the public annually after 6pm on weekdays and 24 hours per day on weekends.

The sculpture should stand a minimum of 12 feet in height, including the base, and kinetic submissions are favorable. Art themes desired for inclusion are health, vitality, tranquility, and unity. Northeast Florida artists are defined as those living and working in Duval, Baker, Clay, St. Johns, Nassau, Flagler, Putnam, Union, and Bradford counties. Painters, graphic artists, and other 2D artists are encouraged to team up with a fabricator who can demonstrate a track record creating and installing mid-large scale outdoor sculptural work. Contact the Cultural Council Public Art Team at [email protected] for fabricator referrals.

Artists or artist teams will submit a project sketch/rendering, portfolio, CV, artist statement, letter of interest, references, and other relevant information. The Florida Blue Artist Selection Committee will select the finalist based on artistic merit in design and fabrication, vision to incorporate the desired themes, and demonstrated ability to complete projects on time and within budget. The project budget is up to $75,000, including all expenses related to art project completion, site preparation, design fees, materials, engineering, fabrication costs, documentation, transportation, installation, and travel. Artists must demonstrate the ability to translate their concept into materials appropriate for public space, considering maintenance, safety, and longevity. A Maintenance Plan will be developed at the outset of negotiations. The Cultural Council and Florida Blue encourage minority artists from Northeast Florida to apply.