Request for Qualifications: Public Art Commission for Roundabout

The Olathe Public Art Committee, on behalf of the City of Olathe, KS, is seeking qualifications from experienced artists for permanent public art to be placed in a roundabout at the future intersection of 119th Street and Northgate Road in Olathe, KS. The roundabout is scheduled to be constructed in 2026.

The 119th & Northgate roundabout serves as a gateway to downtown Olathe, showcasing the city's ongoing revitalization and redevelopment efforts. The City seeks a forward-thinking, unique, and monumental piece of public art that is welcoming and vibrant, highly visible and significant in scale with a commanding presence visible from all approaches, reflective of Olathe's future embodying energy, progress, and innovation, and a striking visual statement that leaves a lasting impression. The artwork must be durable, safe, and require minimal maintenance, fabricated with permanent weather-resistant materials. It should avoid reflective finishes or excessive use of red/yellow to prevent driver distraction, be visible and engaging from all entry points both day and night, be large enough to dominate the central space, avoid encouraging pedestrian activity within the roundabout, and include an integrated lighting plan that enhances visibility and aesthetic appeal at night. The roundabout is targeted for substantial completion by the end of 2026, with final completion expected in early 2027.

The project budget is $250,000, which must cover all expenses including artist fees, materials, tools, travel, installation, and other associated costs. The City will provide up to a 66' diameter concrete pad. The selection process will follow the Olathe Public Art Master Plan guidelines, including an Artist Selection Panel review, shortlisting in March 2025, concept development with stipends for shortlisted artists in April-May 2025, and final selection in June-July 2025. Applicants must submit a professional resume/CV (limit 3 pages), letter of interest, preliminary vision statement (approximately 500 words), portfolio of 3-12 images of past projects with annotated details, and contact information for three professional references. This opportunity is open to experienced artists aged 18 years or older with a proven track record of executing public art projects of similar scale. Work sample requirements: 3-12 images, 0-1 audio file, 0-1 video file, with a total of 3-14 samples. Entry deadline: March 3, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. MST.