Twin Falls Park Project Honoring Artist Arthello Beck

The Public Art Program of the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs requests submissions of qualifications from artists for consideration to design, fabricate and install a free-standing, outdoor public artwork that will be a tribute to the life and work of Dallas artist Arthello Beck, Jr. The project budget is $81,488.

Arthur Beck, Jr., a Dallas African-American artist born on July 17, 1941, was the first African American to own and operate an art gallery in Dallas. His paintings reflected positive images of African-American people and culture, capturing everyday scenes such as congregations at river baptisms, ladies at a beauty shop, children learning, sports scenes and dads reading to their babies.

Artwork should create a space or environment that invites community interaction and incorporates themes central to Arthello Beck's work, including references to positive African American experiences appropriate for children and adults in the surrounding neighborhoods. Artwork must be visually accessible within the park space and may be interactive. It must respond to the history and environment of the current location within the Oak Cliff community as defined by community input. Artwork must be resistant to graffiti and vandalism, require minimal maintenance, and have an expected life span of 20 years. If seating is included, it must be safe, slip resistant, and comply with City of Dallas Park and ADA requirements. All artwork must be free of safety hazards. Six images are required for submission. International artists are eligible.