Call Description

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:          

The City of Upper Arlington Parks and Recreation Department invites artists and/or artist teams to submit their qualifications to design and install a site specific sculptural or three-dimensional artwork for the Bob Crane Community Center (BCCC).  The selected work should define a gathering space within the BCCC, fostering a welcoming environment that supports health, wellness, and connection.

COMMUNITY CONTEXT:

The City of Upper Arlington is a premier, mostly residential community within the Central Ohio region.  Our residents are friendly, welcoming, engaged, passionate and creative, with high expectations from their local government.  Reflective of the educated, family-oriented community that we serve, the City’s Parks & Recreation Department is focused on providing meaningful opportunities to gather, celebrate and enjoy the many recreation amenities available within our beautiful park system and new Community Center. 

BACKGROUND:

The City of Upper Arlington strives to enrich the quality of life for the community through a variety of art experiences across disciplines including the acquisition of public art.

After completing an Arts and Culture Master Plan in 2019, the Cultural Arts Division and Commission have completed formal policies and processes for bringing public art to Upper Arlington.      

The Bob Crane Community Center officially opened its doors on April 6, 2025. This state-of-the-art facility marks the culmination of over 30 years of community advocacy for a dedicated space that supports well-being, recreation, and connection for all ages.

Spanning 165,000 square feet across five floors, the Community Center houses a diverse array of amenities, including an indoor pool, gymnasiums, fitness studios, an event space, and an art gallery. Additionally, 34,000 square feet are dedicated to health and wellness services provided by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, offering programs such as physical therapy and integrative health services.

Designed with input from the community, the center serves as a hub for residents to engage in fitness, arts, e-sports, and social activities. Its thoughtful design reflects Upper Arlington's commitment to community and lifelong learning.

Positioned within the Kingsdale Mixed-Use Project, the Bob Crane Community Center stands as a beacon of civic pride and a testament to the community's dedication to fostering connections and enhancing quality of life.

This location offers an ideal setting for a new public art installation that not only enhances the architectural design of the space but also celebrates the Upper Arlington community.

PROJECT GOALS:

• Install a sculptural or 3D artwork that gives the Bob Crane Community Center a strong visual identity and sense of place.
• Define a gathering space at the Bob Crane Community Center by installing artwork that fosters a strong sense of community.
• Reflect the character, values, and aspirations of the Upper Arlington community.  The design should thoughtfully reflect the Bob Crane Community Center as a hub for health, wellness and connection.

SITE DESCRIPTION:

Bob Crane Community Center | 3200 Tremont Road, Upper Arlington, OH 43221

Located at 3200 Tremont Road in the heart of the Kingsdale Mixed-Use Project, the Bob Crane Community Center is Upper Arlington’s new hub for health, wellness, and connection. Spanning over 165,000 square feet across five floors and a mezzanine level, the facility offers something for every resident—from an indoor pool, playground, and two gymnasiums, to a walking/running track, café, fitness studios, and e-sports room. Dedicated spaces include an event center, meeting rooms, program classrooms, and an art gallery, as well as amenities such as Child Watch services and locker rooms. The second and third floors house 33,400 square feet leased by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, featuring The James Cancer Supportive Care Center, Orthopedic Physical Therapy, and Integrative Medicine services. A rooftop solar array supports the City’s sustainability goals, offsetting energy costs by more than $50,000 annually.

Bob Crane Community Center Main Floor Lobby

Starting point for fun, fitness, and family-friendly amenities.  This area hosts the Core Café and is adjacent to the Welcome Desk, Fitness Center, indoor play area, and Party Room.  Opportunity for hanging installation or sculptural display. 

BUDGET:

The budget for this installation is $100,000, all-inclusive - The fee will include, but is not limited to artist/design fee, materials, fabrication, installation, transportation/shipping, project documentation, engineering, travel, site modification, per diem expenses and contingency to cover unexpected expenses. 

SELECTION PROCESS:

Selection of up to three finalists will be determined by the Art Selection Panel based on past projects and experience.  The Artist Selection Panel consists the following:

• 3-7 members recommended by City Staff and appointed by the City Manager or designee.
• These members have a strong working knowledge of public art, including aesthetic concerns, community involvement, compatibility issues, funding and contracts, documentation, placement, landscaping and site concerns.
• At least one Upper Arlington resident
• 1 Ex Officio Cultural Arts Commissioner

An honorarium fee of $1,000 will be provided to each finalist to:

• Attend a site visit
• Produce a design, fabrication and installation proposal
• Present the proposal to a selection panel (virtual)

The Art Selection Panel will review the proposals and make a recommendation to the Cultural Arts Commission in accordance with the City’s acquisition policy.  One artist or artist team will be awarded the commission. 

Incomplete application materials or artists who do not meet eligibility requirements will not be considered for finalist selection.

The City must approve designs before moving forward with fabrication.  If artist proposes any significant design changes after selected, these will be brought to the Cultural Arts Commission before the City approves any changes. 

PROJECT TIMELINE:

The tentative timeline is listed below.  This is subject to change as necessary.

 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Questions may be submitted anonymously by clicking this link:

https://airtable.com/appxEBmnMIylEdeEd/pagJhX4mIPgAOLv3A/form

All questions must be submitted prior to Friday, April 24 at 3:00 PM, EST.

All questions and answers will be posted here no later than Friday, April 24, 2026:  Q&A for RFQ - Bob Crane Community Center Art Installation

Application Requirements

Eligible artist or artist teams must reside in the United States and demonstrate:

• A level of quality and integrity in past artworks;
• Ability to complete projects on time and within budget;
• Ability to install artwork in an indoor setting; and
• An understanding of the distinctive characteristics of the site and the Upper Arlington Community.

Eligibility Criteria

Artists who live in the United States.  Artist teams will be considered, but only a single artist ‘project manager’ will be contracted.  The artist’s services will include design, fabrication and installation of the work and availability for a public reception, community engagement opportunities, media interviews and other promotional events.