Scottsdale Public Art - WestWorld

The Scottsdale Public Art Program is accepting qualifications from artists for an opportunity to create an iconic sculptural artwork for the Tony Nelssen Equestrian Center Expansion at WestWorld in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The Scottsdale City Council has approved an expansion of the Tony Nelssen Equestrian Center at WestWorld, which expands, encloses and provides climate control to the Equidome to accommodate events year-round. The expansion will add 40,000 square feet of space for special events and will become the new home to the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction. WestWorld hosts more than 70 equestrian events annually with approximately 220,000 attendees, along with an increasing number of non-equestrian events. Project construction commenced in April 2012 with expected completion in Fall 2013.

The artwork should reflect, animate and embody the character of WestWorld with charisma and grace. It can be figurative or non-figurative and should be a three-dimensional, site-specific landmark that draws in visitors. The artwork can be singular or a series of related works and will be located in a plaza north of the Equidome entry and east of the North Hall, in a designated area of approximately 40'x20' with flexibility for adjustments. The project budget is up to $375,000, which includes all artist fees, artwork design, structural engineering, lighting design, fabrication, installation, and any required foundation. Submissions should include 8-12 images of past work, an artist statement, and resume/CV. An artist-selection panel will evaluate submissions and request proposals from up to five semi-finalists, who will receive a $2,500 honorarium. Finalists will be invited for interview and public presentation. Selection criteria include professional qualifications, proven ability to undertake similar-scope projects, artistic merit, and demonstrated ability to work with government agencies, engineers, design teams and the public. The selection process will commence in mid-September, with proposals due in early November and finalist interviews in early December. A contract will be negotiated by late December, with design completion and infrastructure plans due in April 2013 and installation targeted for Summer 2013.