This Memorial differs from a typical public art installation by the sensitivity of its purpose, and submitting artists are asked to be a part of our collective healing process by extending compassion and empathy along with their creative designs. The Memorial will be built by the Parkland 17 Memorial Foundation, a single purpose non-profit organization that exists solely to construct and maintain this Memorial. The Foundation may wish to utilize design elements from multiple artists and may therefore pursue agreements with more than one artist to collaboratively integrate the desired elements into a single design that best achieves its vision for this project.  Though non-traditional, the Foundation hopes that submitting artists will understand our desire for dialogue and flexibility.

The memorial will honor and pay tribute to the 17 individuals who were murdered, as further described in the attached report compiled by the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission. It will serve as a place where all are welcome to mourn or peacefully reflect, especially families, friends, and residents of the Parkland and Coral Springs communities. The memorial will be open during daylight hours and some evenings and may serve as a gathering place for events held to remember the victims.

Memorial design considerations: The memorial will respond to the site and the natural environment, in appearance and through the selected materials. Seating and landscaping should be included in the design and provide pedestrian access between the parking area and the memorial. The memorial should be accessible by and will comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The memorial should require only moderate maintenance, able to withstand the Florida environment, and comply with the Florida building code. Water, fountains, and lighting may be included in the design. The memorial will incorporate a tribute to each victim.

The memorial will not include literal depictions of the victims; Religious or political statements or imagery; Play, playground, or interactive elements; Reference donors to the memorial; Post tragedy references; Will not contain visual references or comments on guns, ammunition, or shootings.

Location for the Memorial: The outdoor permanent memorial will be located within the North Springs Improvement District’s nature preserve. The nature preserve borders the cities of Parkland and Coral Springs. The site has been leased to the Parkland 17 Memorial Foundation for the memorial.

Application Requirements

Selection Process: Conceptual design proposals will be reviewed by an Artist Selection Panel comprised of select members of the Foundation Board (“Board”). The Artist Selection Panel will make a recommendation to the Board. Family input will be included in the process in a manner determined most effective and impactful by the Board. Conceptual design proposals will include a written narrative, visual materials necessary to convey the artist’s or the team’s approach to the project, estimated project budget, conceptual project schedule, and future maintenance schedule. Proposals become property of the Parkland 17 Foundation and will not be returned.

Selection Criteria: Artistic excellence and professional experience of the artist and/or team. Consideration given to the purpose of the memorial and approach to the site. Ability to complete the project. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a team or assemble a team that can successfully complete the project. 

Professional Résumé

Electronic Images – Submit 10 digital images of relevant work. Artists and teams are encouraged to submit work samples that best illustrate their qualifications for this opportunity.  All images must be saved using a file name and number that corresponds to the Annotated Image List (see below). Each digital image must feature a single work. *Please submit images alongside your conceptual design proposal. 

Annotated Image List – Include name of Artist, title of work, year, media, size, and location of artwork and/or project, project budget, image number and any other relevant information. 

Letter of Interest – please provide a brief narrative describing your proposed approach to the project. The narrative should be no more than one-half of a page long.

Conceptual Design Proposal & Budget – please provide a conceptual design proposal and estimated budget for the memorial.

List of Professional References (minimum of 3): Include name, address, phone number, and email address for each individual.

NOTE:  Hard copy materials will not be accepted for this Call to Artists.

Eligibility Criteria

This Call to Artists is open to professional artists and design professionals, eighteen years of age or older; residing in the United States. Design teams consisting of an artists and landscape architect are encouraged to apply and collaborate with other professionals including engineers, contractors, or architects. to Applicants should demonstrate through their submission materials that they have the skills and experience to successfully complete the project.