South Lamar Gateway Public Art Project

The Public Art Program of the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs requests submissions of qualifications to design, fabricate and install one permanent sculpture near the intersection of Pine Street and Lamar Street, and one site-specific seating element ideally made of recycled, re-used, or redefined materials. The bench can be part of the sculpture or stand alone. The sculpture and bench will serve as a gateway into the newly renovated South Lamar Street sculpture garden. Project budget is $63,000.

The Lamar Street Art Sculpture Garden is part of a reconstruction project extending from IH-45 to Emery Street. Artwork must be highly visible, responsive to the history of South Dallas, require minimal maintenance, be resistant to graffiti and vandalism, require no electricity, be free of safety hazards, and comply with ADA requirements. The seating element must conform to crime prevention standards with open seating that inhibits vandalism and skateboarding. Maximum length of seating should be 6ft with minimum length of 4ft. Surfaces must be constructed from materials providing a hard, stable surface and permitting comfortable maneuverability for people of all abilities.

Up to five short-listed artists will be commissioned to create concept designs and paid a $1,500 stipend to present their concept design to the selection panel. One finalist will be commissioned to install the gateway sculpture in early 2018. Eligible artists must demonstrate successful completion of public art or similar park projects, ability to work with project management groups, ability to complete work on time and on budget, and ability to attend meetings with design teams and community members (participation by phone is acceptable). Ineligible applicants include artists currently under contract with the City of Dallas Public Art Program, City of Dallas employees and their families, consultants under contract for any phase of the project, and undergraduate students. Submissions must include a cover letter, professional resume, six JPEG images of current work with title, size, medium, date and commission value, and names and contact information of three references.