Budget to be maximum of $175,000
“A competitive call to artists issued by the City of Sarasota for a landmark sculpture in the center of the roundabout at U.S. 41 and Fruitville Road” is open for submissions through Sept. 16, the city has announced.
A request for qualifications is available online, a news release notes. “Professional artists may submit proposals online at no cost,” the release points out.
“Submissions must complement the roundabout’s downtown location and meet the required criteria detailed in the call to artists,” including those regarding height, lighting, non-interactive form and the ability to meet the demands of Sarasota’s climate, the release explains.
The budget for the sculpture is no more than $175,000, which will be covered by developer contributions to the Public Art Fund, the release adds. The piece will become part of the city’s permanent public art collection.
Three finalists selected by the Public Art Committee (PAC) will make in-person presentations to the PAC, which will present a recommendation to the City Commission for consideration, the release notes. The final candidate will be asked to engage with city leaders and community stakeholders before designing the artwork, the release points out. The selected piece also will be submitted to the Florida Department of Transportation for review and approval, the release says.
“The City of Sarasota public art program strengthens our sense of place, celebrates our community’s character and fosters placemaking and collaboration,” the release adds.
For more information, persons may contact Mary Davis Wallace, the city’s senior planner for public art, at marydavis.wallace@sarasotaFL.gov or 941-263-6349.