Texas city seeks proposals for public art

Mural to commemorate BLM movement

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Friday, May 20, 2022, 3 p.m. ET/2 p.m. CT

The city of DeSoto, Texas is seeking to commission an artist or team of artists to design and produce an original public art installation.

This public art project is conceived as a monument to commemorate the Black Lives Matter Movement. The new work will be featured on a Reflection Walk to be located along the Roy Orr Trail. The walking trail is a highly accessible destination used for passive recreation nestled within a partially wooded limestone escarpment. Work can be installed on or adjacent to the path, on the pavement or suspended from the trees.

Keep reading for some additional information.


Project overview

Considering the theme: Incremental Steps can Make a Monumental Statement: selected artists should have the capacity to create an interpretive experience through a series of visual elements that can include but are not limited to representational imagery. Additionally the installation could combine sculptural and didactic elements using 2D and 3D written and pictorial aspects that result in a serene and contemplative walking experience. To expand engagement, the work could incorporate digital interactions such as virtual and augmented reality accessed through portable smart devices. The overarching idea is to challenge artists
to create a shared positive public experience while elevating awareness and inspiring interaction within this highly visible and accessible public space. Elements of the project should remind visitors to the trail of our shared humanity.

Interested artists are encouraged to approach this project with the public in mind and to consider thinking deeply about all aspects of the subject and sense of place. Short-listed artists should consider how community engagement can be included as a pivotal aspect of what is represented in the final installation. The overall style should be relatable and could Incorporate aspects of realism, futurism and abstraction.

Budget: $30,000

The project budget is inclusive of all project costs, including artists’ fees and expenses, taxes, travel, shipping and crating, insurance, design, fabrication, installation/execution and transporting of any materials and supplies related to creating the artwork for the project site.

Eligibility

Professional artists who are legally eligible to work in the U.S. and ages 18 and older may apply. No public art experience is necessary. Submissions not meeting eligibility requirements will not be considered. Artists applying for this opportunity may also be considered for future commissions.


Want to learn more? Click here to visit the full RFP from the DeSoto Arts Commission. Once again, that submission deadline is Friday, May 20 at 3 p.m. ET.