Kinetic Sculpture at Rancho Vista Park in Palmdale

The City of Palmdale is seeking artist(s) to create a kinetic sculptural piece for permanent display in the Rancho Vista Park within the Therapeutic Wellness Garden/Meditation Space. The selected artwork will receive a $25,000 honorarium.

Design Requirements: The sculpture must be kinetic with moving parts activated by wind. Creativity and innovation are encouraged, and the design should consider the context of the Therapeutic Wellness Garden/Meditation Space. The sculpture must be family-friendly, suitable for all ages, and may not be used for advertisement or to promote any business, product, or viewpoint. Original designs only; no intellectual property infringement, trademarks, brands, or corporate branding permitted. The sculpture should not be interactive and is intended for permanent display with a projected lifespan of 20-30 years.

Technical Specifications: The sculpture must fit within a 13' by 13' footprint with a grade difference of 2', be no more than 17' in height, and weigh no more than 3,000 pounds. It must be constructed of durable materials capable of withstanding desert weather conditions including winds up to 110 mph and extreme temperatures. The design must be anchored to prevent removal, tipping, or overturning due to wind, snowload, or seismic activity, and must comply with standard engineering practices and ADA standards if applicable. If selected, the artist's design and installation plans must be formally reviewed by a California licensed engineer.

Budget and Responsibilities: The $25,000 honorarium covers all design, engineering, fabrication, transportation, and installation expenses. The artist is responsible for delivery and installation of the artwork, with the City providing consultation. The artist must provide insurance coverage for the installation period, installation instructions, and a maintenance guide. Travel and hotel accommodations must be included in the proposed budget. Progress payments may be structured with no more than 50% up front and no less than 25% upon completion.

Eligibility and Application: Artists 18 years of age or older may submit individual or collaborative applications. Required materials include a cover letter, resume or CV, up to five images of the proposed kinetic sculpture design (video submissions accepted), up to five images of previous sculpture work, a description including materials and dimensions, and an artist statement. Applications must be submitted electronically by August 1, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. MDT through CaFE. Evaluation criteria include visual impact, interpretation and creativity, composition and design, craftsmanship, and adherence to design criteria and eligibility guidelines. For further information, contact [email protected] or (661) 267-5611.