Norman Forward 1% For Art: Flood Street Roundabout

Norman Arts Council, on behalf of The City of Norman and Norman Forward 1% for Art, is seeking an artist or team of artists to create a significant work of art for a new roundabout and entrance to downtown Norman, Oklahoma. The roundabout will connect Flood Avenue to the new James Garner Avenue extension and lead traffic directly into downtown Norman and the Walker Arts District. The site is approximately 50 feet in diameter and is one of the first multi-lane roundabouts in Oklahoma.

The Selection Panel has determined that the most effective artwork will be an iconic three-dimensional sculpture that can be experienced in 360 degrees visibility and centrally located in the roundabout. A concrete pad and electrical are included in the design. The artwork should create a sense of arrival into Norman and could be iconic of the community or serve as an attraction. Most viewers will be drivers traveling at 30 mph, with approximately 20,000 cars per day passing by. The site is also visible from the Amtrak train and Legacy Trail, a walking and biking path. The site is very flat, wide-open, and windy, with wind gusts regularly reaching 40 mph. The Selection Panel is open to most media or materials that are durable, safe, low maintenance, and vandalism resistant. Reflective materials are not recommended due to driver safety concerns. Kinetic artwork is not recommended due to wind conditions.

The total artist's fee is $175,000.00, which must cover all associated costs including design, materials, fabrication, lighting, travel, insurance coverage, shipping, and installation. The opportunity is open to professional artists with experience working on public art projects of this scale and creating site-specific works. Artists identifying with ethnic, cultural, sexual, gender, economic, or ability minorities are encouraged to apply. Three finalists will be selected and invited to Norman for a mandatory site visit, receiving a $600.00 allowance for transportation, hotel, and per diem expenses. Finalists will create site-specific design proposals and receive a $1,000.00 honorarium. Finalists will present proposals in-person and receive an additional $600.00 allowance for presentation expenses. Installation and dedication of the artwork is scheduled for early spring 2024.