Mural at Wayne Papy Gym & Dance in Seminole Heights

The Wayne C. Papy Athletic Center is located in Old Seminole Heights, a historic neighborhood in Tampa founded in 1911. The neighborhood features historic craftsman style bungalows from the early 20th century, several parks, natural amenities including the nearby Hillsborough River, and an impressive tree canopy. The Wayne C. Papy Athletic Center has been operating for over 40 years as the city's first true gymnastics training center, offering gymnastics and dance programs from toddlers to teens, and includes a public park with volleyball, softball, and playground amenities.

The City of Tampa is seeking a commissioned artist to create artwork on the western exterior façade (approximately 70' x 30') and southern façade (approximately 107' x 30') of the gymnasium walls. The artwork should align with the city's strategic goals of investment in the arts, parks, and quality of life, and should depict the spirit of the neighborhood and the activities on site. Regional artists are encouraged to apply. The selected artist will manage all aspects of design, fabrication, installation, budget, and will work with city staff and the selection committee.

The project budget is $30,000 to cover all expenses including design, fabrication, installation, travel, insurance, and other costs. Artists must submit ten images of past work comparable to the opportunity, a current professional resume (limit three pages) emphasizing public art experience, and a statement of interest (up to 3,000 characters) describing why this opportunity is appealing and relevant to their work. Work sample descriptions are optional. Proposals or visual illustrations of artwork concepts should not be submitted with the application. The Art Selection Committee will conduct a blind review of images, then review resumes and statements. The committee may select finalists to submit refined proposals. Installation is scheduled for September 2023. Open to visual artists with experience executing ideas from concept to completion and working in the public realm with public agencies.