Marks and Brands Public Art Project

The City of Fort Myers Public Art Committee seeks to commission an artist or artist team to create, fabricate, and install a site-specific outdoor work commemorating the cattle industry that thrived in southwest Florida during the 19th and 20th centuries and marking the historic cattle trail that ran through downtown Fort Myers on First Street. The first phase consists of an area of First Street between Monroe and Lee Streets, with a planned second phase extending from Billy's Creek to the Thomas Edison & Henry Ford Winter Estates on McGregor Blvd.

Works in all sustainable media will be considered and must be appropriate for exterior sites. Durability, low maintenance, and ability to withstand high urban exposure are essential. The downtown area is undergoing extensive restoration and sidewalk renewal, which may provide a collaborative installation opportunity. The total budget is $20,000, covering all costs including materials, fabrication, installation, permitting, documentation, and transportation. Up to three finalists will receive an additional $500 design fee to develop a maquette/proposal.

Eligibility: Artists who are current U.S. residents are eligible. Artists must meet at least two of the following criteria: completed other public commissions on a similar scale; received awards, grants, or fellowships; works included in major private, corporate, or museum collections; or at least one solo exhibition at an American Association of Museums accredited institution within the past five years. Submissions must include a letter of interest, 10 digital images with descriptive listing, and a resume of no more than three pages with emphasis on public art experience. The selection panel will review submissions and select three finalists to present maquettes for final consideration.