Public Art Commission: Sunset Park, Petoskey, Michigan

The City of Petoskey invites artists and teams to submit portfolios for a public art commission at Sunset Park. Interested artists should submit portfolios of completed works demonstrating their experience in realizing major public sculptures, including their characteristic style, skill, material choices, and fabrication methods. Portfolios should contain photographs of public works in situ. All qualified artists, regardless of residency, are welcome to submit.

The Public Art Commission will select three finalists to submit site-specific proposals (RFPs) including conceptual drawings, working drawings, 3D views, and details regarding dimensions, materials, fabrication methods, insurance, installation, and maintenance projections. One artist will be awarded the contract with a budget of $40,000-$60,000. The other two finalists will each receive a $500 honorarium. The winning design should be composed of materials that enhance and complement the natural beauty of the environment and may be a single sculpture or grouping of sculptures. The work should engage the spirit of the site, be safe for public interaction, and enhance visitors' experiences in all seasons without obstructing views or walkways.

Initial submissions must include 12-15 images illustrating 3 or more completed and installed public 3D works (photographs should show finished works in situ and fabrication processes/materials), a list of completed public art projects with title, location, and budget, and a short statement about why your work and capacity should be considered. All materials must be submitted as a single PDF via the CaFÉ website. Video or online portfolio links may be included optionally. Artists must be at least 18 years old and demonstrate significant experience designing, fabricating, and installing public art works. Submission deadline: November 9, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. MST. Three finalists will be selected by December 11, 2025, with final proposals due January 7, 2026. The award winner will be selected February 12, 2026, with fabrication occurring February 14 - June 2026 and installation mid-June to July 2026.