Call Detail
Art Nine Disc Golf Course Public Art Project (Johnson County Park & Recreation District)
Visit Organization Website
Contact Email: susan.mong@jocogov.org

Entry Deadline: 6/13/23
Application Closed
Work Sample Requirements
Images | Minimum:Min. 1, Maximum:Max. 10
Total Samples | Minimum:Min. 1, Maximum:Max. 10
Call Type: Public Art
Eligibility: Regional
State: Kansas
Budget: $126,000 total ($42,000 per artist x 3 artists)

To view the project plan for this artist call as a PDF, click here.

I. Introduction

JCPRD launched its Public Art Program in 2020 to activate parks, trails, and facilities in a new way. The JCPRD Public Art Program commissions and cares for a collection of public artworks in JCPRD parks and facilities, and promotes the community’s access to and engagement with public art. The Public Art Program is guided by the JCPRD Public Art Committee, a nine-member advisory committee to the JCPRD Board. The Public Art Committee advises and makes recommendations to the JCPRD Board regarding the Public Art Program. JCPRD has adopted a policy to set aside one-half of one percent (.5%) of the annual Capital Improvement Plan budget for public art. JCPRD is also using those funds to leverage additional philanthropic dollars.

In fall 2021, JCPRD approved a Public Art Master Plan. As part of this planning process, the following draft goals have been developed as a guiding statement for the program.

Public art in JCPRD parks, trails and facilities will inspire a deeper connection to place through interactive, immersive, and inclusive experiences.

The Art Nines Project will be the 3rd permanent public art project in the JCPRD collection. 

II. Park/Facility Context

Shawnee Mission Park is 1,655 acres and includes a 120-acre lake with swimming beach and marina, 11 shelters, numerous picnic areas, nature trails, play areas, an archery range, a 44-acre dog off-leash area, an 18-hole disc golf course, a new family-friendly Art Nine disc golf course, mountain biking and hiking trails, equestrian trails, and is home to the Theatre in the Park.

Shawnee Mission Park, as of March 2023, has an 18-hole, 54-par wooded and prairie grass disc golf course that will be reconstructed later this year into four 9-hole courses. The Art Nine course will be a family-friendly course that incorporates art at each of the nine tees – and is the focus of this artists call! For regulations and more details about the disc golf courses throughout JCPRD, click here.

Disc golf is one of the fastest growing sports and has many appeals, one of which is the low cost to play. Most disc golf courses across the country are built by the city or county entities in which they reside and are accessible to the public at no cost. This builds upon a culture of inclusivity and this project wishes to increase that by creating a course that is welcoming of both beginners and participants of all ages.

III. Public Art Goals

The goals for the Art Nine Disc Golf Course are to:

  • Encourage the discovery of disc golf as a fun, healthy and relatively inexpensive pastime for individuals and families.
  • Use art to highlight and celebrate the natural environment within Shawnee Mission Park including native flora, fauna, animals, birds, and unique features of the park. The artist may find inspiration for their design by spending time in this park, utilizing resources provided in this document, or visiting with JCPRD staff.
  • Create whimsical art sculptures that can be enjoyed by disc golfers and park patrons.
  • Celebrate the role that art and artists play in our community and in our economy.

IV. Project Overview

The Public Art Program is interested in commissioning artists to create site-specific, permanent sculptures at the Art Nine disc golf course located at Shawnee Mission Park, 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee, KS 66219. It is the goal of this project to hire three artists/artist teams to each create a series of three art pieces. With nine total sculptures, placement will occur in proximity to each of the nine tees.

Artist Scope of Work

The final selected artists will be responsible for the following:

  • Based on the approved concept proposal, develop final design documents for 3 distinct art sculptures for 3 separate tee locations, detailing every physical feature of the sculptures and its integration with the site.
  • Execute the fabrication and installation of 3 art pieces on schedule and in a manner that conforms to the approved concept proposal.
  • Be willing to alter an aspect of the design, should there be duplication amongst the 3 artists in the sculpture subject matter that does not achieve diversity among the 9 art pieces overall.
  • Provide maintenance and conservation instructions for the completed artwork.
  • Work cooperatively and maintain effective communication with all parties involved in the project.
  • Participate, as requested, in community outreach and dedication events.

Design Specifications

  • The public art should be fabricated of highly durable, low-maintenance materials, that can withstand Kansas weather with a life expectancy of 20-30 years.
  • The need for concrete bases will be assessed specific to your sculpture and with proposed design. If deemed appropriate, it will be sized to the sculpture.
  • Height of sculpture should not exceed 9 feet.
  • Lighting will not be incorporated into this project to protect the natural habitat in the park.
  • The artwork must have no points or sharp edges than can pose a hazard to pedestrians.

Site Preparation

Site preparation will be managed and provided by JCPRD within reason. The need for a concrete pad will be assessed based on the proposed design and size of the sculpture. Durability and low maintenance of the pieces will be important. Artists will be required to submit installation and anchoring proposal recommendations for prior approval (artist must provide mounting bolts and hardware).

Signage

Signage will also be provided by JCPRD to allow the patron to connect with the artist’s statement and vision for the sculpture.

V. Application Process

Artist Eligibility

The public art opportunity is open to professional artists residing within 250 miles of the Kansas City area including Kansas City, St. Louis, Wichita, Omaha, Lincoln, Fayetteville, Bentonville, Hutchinson, Emporia, Topeka, Manhattan, Lawrence, Columbia, and others.

Contract

Johnson County Park & Recreation District shall provide the contract shell for artists to review prior to applying. Please review the contract to ensure compliance as no modifications will be made. View the document here. Following recommendation from the ASC, the selected artist will be approved by the Public Art Committee and finalize a contract with JCPRD for the project.

Virtual Open House / Informational Session

JCPRD will host an optional virtual open house / informational session for all prospective applicants to provide an overview of JCPRD, the goals for the project, a review of the application process, and field any questions. This session will be held via Zoom on Wednesday, May 3 from 11 – 11:30 AM. Please RSVP here to receive the access link. Although the session will not be recorded, questions and answers will be compiled and shared on the Art Nine Project page here.

Submittal of Qualifications

Interested artists should submit their qualifications and the requirements outlined below through CAFÉ by Thursday, June 8, at 11:59 PM. Click here to apply. Technical questions for CAFÉ should be directed to: https://www.callforentry.org/artist-help-cafe/.

  • A letter of interest that indicates your interest in the project and how you might approach the commission of creating a series of 3 unique nature inspired, site specific pieces (no more than 2 pages).
  • A CV/resume with current contact information (no more than 3 pages).
  • Names and contact information for 3 professional references.
  • Up to 10 sample images of previous artwork relevant to this project.
  • A corresponding image list with artwork title, medium, dimensions, brief description, location, date of work, commissioning entity and budget/price.

VI. Selection Process

The Art Nine Art Selection Committee (ASC) will review artist qualifications and select up to 6 finalists. Finalists will develop a site-specific concept proposal that includes a series of 3 sculptures at 3 separate tee locations.  The Art Selection Committee will recommend 3 final artist(s)/designs to the Public Art Committee for the project.

The final artist selection and concept will be approved by the JCPRD Board.

Art Nine Disc Golf Course Art Selection Committee

  • Bill Maasen, JCPRD Superintendent of Parks and Golf Courses
  • Clifton Alexander, Artist and Disc Golf Advocate
  • Kelby Hellwig, JCPRD Central Region Park Manager
  • Susan Mong, JCPRD Superintendent of Culture
  • JCPRD Planning Department Representative
  • Disc Golf Community Member
  • Disc Golf Community Member
  • Lenexa Arts Council / Community Art Advocate
  • Public Art Committee Liaison
  • Jen Newell, administrative support, non-voting

Criteria for Review of Qualifications

Artist qualifications will be reviewed by the ASC based on the following criteria:

  • Artistic excellence: What is the quality of the artist’s work and their compatibility with the project?
  • Goals: Does the artist’s body of work demonstrate an ability to create an artwork that responds to the goals of the project?
  • Approach: How well does the artist communicate their understanding of the project?
  • Capabilities: Does the artist have sufficient experience to be able to design, fabricate, and install the artworks on time and on budget?

Submittal of Finalist Proposals

  • Six finalists will each receive a stipend of $750 to participate in the concept proposal process.
  • Proposals should include renderings, a narrative description, budget, and timeline for a series of 3 sculptures for placement at 3 tee locations. Proposal materials will include digital images that can be displayed for public comment.
  • The artists should refer to the project goals when developing their designs.

Criteria for Reviewing Finalist Proposals

  • Artistic excellence: Does the concept proposal demonstrate artistic excellence, high quality, innovation, creativity, and clarity of vision?
  • Goals: Does the concept proposal respond to the goals for the project and fit within the theme?
  • Approach: Does the concept proposal reflect a clear understanding of the site, including how the artwork will be experienced and engaged with?
  • Capabilities: Has the artist presented a sound work plan for the site-specific sculpture, with quality materials, on time and on budget?

Selection of Final Artists/Designs

  • The Art Selection Committee will seek to recommend three artists to execute the project, with each artist creating a series of 3 art sculptures for placement at 3 tee locations.
  • The Art Selection Committee reserves the right to select fewer or more than 3 artists to create fewer or more than 3 sculptures each, depending on the proposals received.
  • The Art Selection Committee reserves the right to request any of the selected artists to submit revised design(s) based on feedback received during the selection process. Should any duplication of sculpture elements occur, the ASC may ask one or more artists to revise a sculpture element in order to maintain diversity among the nine sculptures.

VII. Tentative Timeline

April 13, 2023Issue call for artists
May 3, 2023Virtual open house (11 – 11:30 AM @ Zoom, RSVP here)
June 8, 2023Artist qualifications due
June 14, 2023ASC meets to determine 6 finalists
June 30, 2023Optional site visit for 6 finalists
August 3, 2023Artists present concept proposals to ASC virtually
August 7 - 21, 2023Community feedback
August 22, 2023

ASC meets to determine 3 winners and assign tee locations

Design proposal / finalization

August 29, 2023Public Art Committee approval
September 20, 2023JCPRD Board approval, contract initiated
Oct 2023 - Feb 2024Fabrication
March - April 2024Site preparation, art installation
May 2024Ribbon cutting / community engagement event

VIII. Budget

ART NINE SCULPTURES TOTAL$126,000
Artist #1 Fee/Project (payable to artist, based on 3 sculptures)*$42,000
Artist #2 Fee/Project (payable to artist, based on 3 sculptures)*$42,000
Artist #3 Fee/Project (payable to artist, based on 3 sculptures)*$42,000

*The Selection Committee reserves the right to select fewer or more than 3 artists to create fewer or more than 3 sculptures each, depending on the proposals received. $14,000 is the budget per sculpture.

IV. Community Engagement, Marketing and Communications

Stakeholders

Community engagement, marketing and communications should build upon the existing stakeholder base for art, parks, and disc golf, specifically. These will include, but may not be limited to, representatives from:

  • Shawnee Mission Park visitors
  • Disc Golf Community
  • Trail users
  • Art Selection Committee members
  • Public Art Committee
  • JCPRD Staff and Board 

Marketing and Communications

JCPRD staff will develop a marketing and communications strategy throughout the entire commissioning process that will include:

  • A unique project page will be created on the JCPRD website with information about the commissioning process, project and selected artists.
  • Social media announcements about project milestones, as appropriate.
  • Media releases to local and national publications and blogs.
  • Hosting and promoting a ribbon cutting event, which will include artist introductions and an overview of the artwork development process and artworks.

Engagement Strategies

Community members will be able to participate in this project by providing public comment to the six proposals. These proposals will be on display from August 7 – 21 at a JCPRD facility as well as through the JCPRD website. This feedback will be shared with the Art Selection Committee prior to final selection of the artists and designs.

X. Evaluation

There are several types of evaluation that can help provide valuable feedback regarding both the process and the success of the project.

  • A questionnaire will solicit feedback from the selected artist on the overall project development process.
  • JCPRD staff involved with the project will be invited to share feedback to improve future public art projects and processes.
  • Media, social media, and website hits will be used to monitor engagement around this project.

XI. JCPRD Resources

Links to JCPRD information and disc golf resources:

Application Requirements

Interested artists should submit their qualifications and the requirements outlined below through CAFÉ by Thursday, June 8, at 11:59 PM. Technical questions for CAFÉ should be directed to: https://www.callforentry.org/artist-help-cafe/.

  • A letter of interest that indicates your interest in the project and how you might approach the commission of creating a series of 3 unique nature inspired, site specific pieces (no more than 2 pages).
  • A CV/resume with current contact information (no more than 3 pages).
  • Names and contact information for 3 professional references.
  • Up to 10 sample images of previous artwork relevant to this project.
  • A corresponding image list with artwork title, medium, dimensions, brief description, location, date of work, commissioning entity and budget/price.

Eligibility Criteria

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Artist Eligibility: The public art opportunity is open to professional artists residing within 250 miles of the Kansas City area including Kansas City, St. Louis, Wichita, Omaha, Lincoln, Fayetteville, Bentonville, Hutchinson, Emporia, Topeka, Manhattan, Lawrence, Columbia, and others.