Sculpture Commission for Centennial Park

The City of Fort Myers Public Art Committee seeks to commission an artist or artist team to create, fabricate and install a signature, site-specific sculpture for Centennial Park located in the River District of downtown Fort Myers along the Caloosahatchee River. The work should engage and excite the viewer and serve as a unique landmark for this section of downtown currently undergoing extensive restoration and renewal. The artwork must be durable, low maintenance and appropriate to the site, considering its proximity to water, tropical climate and high degree of urban exposure. Centennial Park hosts numerous festivals, events and concerts annually.

The total budget is $100,000, covering all costs including materials, fabrication, installation, permitting, documentation and transportation. Up to three finalists will receive an additional $500 design fee to develop a maquette/proposal for final consideration. Funding is provided by the City of Fort Myers Public Art Fund. Artists who reside in the United States are eligible to apply and must meet at least two of the following criteria: completed other public commissions on a similar scale; received awards, grants or fellowships; works included in major private, corporate or museum collections; or at least one solo exhibition at an American Association of Museums accredited institution within the past five years.

Submissions must include a letter of interest, 10 digital images with descriptions (title, date, materials, size and project budget), a resume of no more than three pages with emphasis on public art experience, and contact information. Applications must be submitted electronically through CaFE or as hard copy by midnight MDT, Friday, August 1, 2008. The Selection Panel will review submissions, resumes and letters of interest, then request three finalists to produce maquettes and present proposals. The commission will be awarded based on proposal merit and artist credentials. The City reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal and to adjust the budget based on submissions.