THEN AND NOW / Delano Neighborhood Sculptures

WSP, Landworks Studio, and kwED, for the City of Wichita, invite professional artists and artist teams with a demonstrated history of completing durable, permanent public art projects to submit their qualifications. Two sites have been identified for art-objects to be installed as part of Douglas Avenue improvements to be completed by the end of 2025. Douglas Avenue is the primary, multi-modal east/west roadway (approximately 8,500 autos per day) through Wichita's Historic Delano Neighborhood supporting both residential and commercial activities.

The project is funded through the Percent for Art Ordinance and the City of Wichita's Capital Improvement Plan. Up to two artist/artist teams will be commissioned to realize site-specific artworks at two locations (Site A in two parts and Site B). The artwork should be appropriate for the character of the neighborhood and each site's unique features. Artists should create relevant works that further the sense of place, inspire dialogue, and enhance the experience of this place. Factors for consideration include period bungalow architecture, commercial destinations, proximity to the Chisholm Trail and Arkansas River Crossing, First Nations' trail establishment, the mature tree canopy place-making, and the neighborhood's western gateway opportunity. Artwork must respond to site conditions and context including scale, materiality, site-lines, and adjacent residential and commercial functions. Artwork must include graffiti removal treatments/coatings. Artwork incorporating steel material must comply with "Buy America" criteria.

The total project budget is $260,000 (plus stipend for shortlisted artists), with Site A allocated $170,000 and Site B allocated $90,000. The budget is inclusive of all costs and fees for the artist to execute the project from design through structural engineering, fabrication, site preparation, transportation, and delivery to the site. The selection process will be conducted in two phases. In the first phase, the Delano Neighborhood Sculpture Selection Committee will review artist qualifications and select up to six finalists (three per site). Finalists will develop site-specific concept proposals and each will receive a $1,000 stipend to participate. The committee will then recommend two finalist artists (one per site) or one artist/artist team for both sites to execute a professional agreement. Installation is scheduled for Summer 2025 with completion by Fall 2025. Eligibility is regional: Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. Applicants must submit 5-7 images of their work.