Public Art Benches

The Town of Addison, Texas is seeking original designs for unique, interesting, and/or fun benches for installation along a new trail system that will parallel Midway Road between Beltway Drive and Proton Drive. The initial location for benches is on a trail adjacent to a new residential development with a targeted completion date in mid-2025. Entries could also be considered for additional locations throughout the trail system in Addison in the future.

Benches must be designed for comfort with standard seating height of approximately 18 inches and accommodate a minimum of 2 people with a weight capacity of 250 lbs per seat. Designs must prioritize safety with no sharp edges or potential entrapment, be durable to withstand Texas heat and weather for 20+ years with minimal maintenance, and be surface mounted into concrete paving. Benches longer than 5 feet must include a divider to discourage skateboarders or sleeping. For the AMLI Treehouse I location, benches must be available for installation no later than June 30, 2025. Benches for the adjacent dog park must be nonconductive. Budget range is $2,500 to $10,000 per bench, commensurate with quality, scale, and design.

Eligible applicants include sculptors, architects, and craftspeople at least 18 years of age with demonstrated experience designing high-quality public art or benches for public areas. Artists must have experience working with materials suitable for outdoor public settings and must meet Town Liability and insurance requirements. There are no geographic limitations, but delivery of the bench must be included in the project budget. Town of Addison employees and AAF Board Members are ineligible. Submissions should include a two-page maximum resume with 3 professional references, 4-10 work examples, a bench concept design proposal with description of materials, colors, dimensions, and minimum three images (full view and two detailed views), and a proposed budget including delivery and fabrication. Submit JPG files only.