Call Description

Interested artists and teams are invited to submit portfolios of completed works that include aesthetic choices that could be appropriate for Sunset Park. The portfolios should contain photographs of public works, in situ, that demonstrate their experience in realizing a major public sculpture, including their characteristic style, skill, material choices, and fabrication methods. All qualified artists, regardless of residency, are welcome to submit portfolios.

The Public Art Commission will select three finalists to submit site specific proposals (RFPs), including conceptual drawings, working drawings, 3D views, and details regarding dimensions, materials, fabrication methods, insurance, installation, and maintenance projections and plan. One artist will be awarded the contract, the other two will each receive a $500 honorarium. 

The winning, site specific design will be composed or constructed of materials that enhance and complement the natural beauty of the environment. The selected work may be a single sculpture, or grouping of sculptures, located near the viewing area (see the map), or/and it may integrate elements of landscape architecture into the overall design. There are no requirements regarding the dimensions of the work or element, however it should not obstruct the view or the walkway.

The winning, site specific design will engage the spirit of the site, be safe for public interaction, and enhance visitors’ experiences, in all seasons, without obstructing the spectacular view. Sunset Park offers an iconic panorama of our unique location, enjoyed by local and seasonal residents, and tourists alike.

Artists must demonstrate that they have both the experience and capacity to act as a contractor on projects of similar size, type and complexity.

The scope of this commission will include all aspects of the project including:  conceptualization, design, renderings, plans, materials, fabrication, transportation, assembly, installation, and projections for the care and maintenance of the work. The City of Petoskey will provide concrete bases, and lighting, and/or prepare the landscape as needed.

Initial Selection Criteria

• the aesthetic qualities of the work in the portfolio
• thematic content
• demonstrated skill and experience
• transferable concepts for Sunset Park

Final Selection Criteria, based on the RFP

• the site specific relevance of the design.
• the aesthetic qualities, including color, form, composition, visual or actual texture
• demonstrated skill and experience
• the amount of the bid in relationship to the complexity of the design, materials, and fabrication method.

Application Requirements

The following application materials are required for the initial submission:

12-15 images illustrating 3 or more completed and installed public 3D works. The photographs should include the finished works, in situ, and also a few photographs that highlight your fabrication processes/materials.

A list of your completed public art projects that includes the: title of the work, specific location, and overall budget with links to online sources.

A short statement about why your work, and your capacity to design a site-specific work for Sunset Park, should be considered for public installation.

In order to be considered for this opportunity, all images representing completed works and the list must be provided as a single PDF document file and be submitted digitally via the CaFÉ website.

optional

Links to video or online portfolios may be included in your short statement.

Second Round:

If you are one of the three artists chosen to submit a site specific proposal, (RFP) we will  share additional photographs of the site, and will ask you for:

●       a short biography

●       conceptual drawings

●       design/renderings

●       plans with dimensions

●       information about materials and fabrication methods

●       information about transportation and installation

●       projections for long term maintenance and care of the work

Finalist:

The finalist will work with the City of Petoskey on various aspects of the final proposal, including but not limited to: demonstration of insurance, site preparation, lighting, installation processes and timeline, and detailed maintenance projections and processes. The final design may also be subject to the Petoskey Public Art Commission's feedback and revision before approval. (The City has the right to decide on the final location, and the right to move the public art work in the future.)

TIMELINES:

●       Submission Window:  August 14, 2025 - November 9, 2025

●       Submission Deadline: November 9, 2025

●       Three Finalists Selected: November 13, 2025

●       Final proposal work window: November 17, 2025-  December 7, 2025

●       Final Proposals from Finalists Due: December , 2025

●       Award Winner Selected: December 11,  2025

●       Fabrication Window: December 14, 2025 – May 22, 2026

●       Installation of Completed work: end of May, 2-26

●       Celebration Event: Early July 2026

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility: 

• Artists must be at least 18 years old.
• Artists must have and be able to illustrate/demonstrate significant experience designing, fabricating, and installing public art works.