The Non-Profit Organizations Friends of Parks Bozeman and Sweet Pea Festival of the Arts are seeking experienced artists to give a tree that lost its canopy in a 2022 spring storm a new life. This RFP seeks an experienced artist (or artist team) to turn the tree into a sculpture. We are seeking beautiful, original, unique sculptural objects that will become a distinguishing feature in the park. We are looking for any of a variety of artistic approaches. The approach can be additive and/or subtractive. The tree is approximately 25 ft. tall and 3 ft. wide. Some ideas from a similar project can be seen at www.chicagotreeproject.org.

 For this proposal, each artist should submit qualifications that address projects of similar scale. We are looking for evidence that the artist is comfortable working with the appropriate equipment and at heights required for this project. Selected artists must follow safety criteria and are encouraged to complete an OSHA scaffolding certification course.

 •  Your approach will not compromise the integrity of the tree.

•  Due to the condemned nature of the tree, Bozeman Parks & Recreation reserves the right to remove it at their discretion.

•  Objects created will not help people to climb the tree or cause attached objects to fall or need maintenance.

•  The project will provide the tree/site scaffold and a fence around the site during construction for a one-month period (artists can apply for an extension).

•  Artists are encouraged to draw inspiration from local (Bozeman or Montana) history and culture and/or the role of trees in our shared environment(s).

•  Please note in your proposal if there is an opportunity for community volunteers to assist in the execution of your concept. (optional)

Insurance: Artist shall maintain $1,500,000 liability insurance for the duration of the project, $750,000 per occurrence, additionally insuring Friends of the Park, Sweet Pea Festival of the Arts, and the City of Bozeman, their officers, and Agents and the Group against loss and liability for damages including, but not limited to, personal injury, death, or property damage arising out of, or in connection with the project. In addition, the policy or policies shall contain a provision that no cancellation thereof shall be effective by the insurer without forty five (45) days written notice to the City of Bozeman and the insured artist(s). The insurance must be in place and the artist shall provide proof of insurance satisfactory to all parties prior to the commencement of the project.

Also, an Endorsement Statement is required for all applicable policies additionally insuring Friends of the Park, Sweet Pea Festival of the Arts, and the City of Bozeman, their officers, and Agents and the Group against loss and liability for damages including, but not limited to, personal injury, death, or property damage arising out of, or in connection with the project. In addition, the policy or policies shall contain a provision that no cancellation thereof shall be effective by the insurer without immediate written notice to the Friends of the Park, Sweet Pea Festival of the Arts, and the City of Bozeman and the insured.

 You may propose two concepts, but only one will be accepted. In other words, in the Artist Statement section, describe one or two concepts.

This Call for Art is open to professional artists or artist teams 18 years of age or older. 

Application Requirements

Submit this application along with a maximum of 6 digital images. At least one of the images should be a mock-up/drawing of your proposed tree sculpture. Other images should be samples of relevant past work. It should be clear which images are of your proposal as opposed to past work.

Eligibility Criteria

Any practicing wood carver residing in the United States may apply.

All eligible Artist applicants regardless of race, sex, religion, nationality, or disability will be considered.

This application is open to professional artists or artist teams 18 years of age or older.

Subject matter of the artwork must be relevant and representative of the unique aspects of the Bozeman/Montana community. Only original artwork is accepted. Designs must not be offensive.