Call Description

Project Background 

The East Tampa Community Redevelopment Area is one of the City of Tampa’s oldest and most culturally significant regions, with roots dating back to the early 20th century. The area grew steadily during the 1920s–1950s as families settled in neighborhoods such as College Hill, Belmont Heights, and Jackson Heights. These communities became strongholds of African American life during a time when Tampa—and the nation—was deeply segregated. 

Throughout the mid-century era, East Tampa emerged as a center of Black-owned businesses, faith communities, civic organizations, and cultural expression. Corner stores, family restaurants, barbershops, social halls, and churches shaped a tight-knit network of daily life. Schools, youth programs, and local leaders played key roles in building a sense of empowerment and unity that continues to influence the area today. 

Historically, East Tampa has been home to a predominantly African American population. Over the decades, the community has remained culturally vibrant and resilient, retaining a strong identity rooted in shared history, multigenerational families, and longstanding neighborhood traditions. 

In recent years, the East Tampa CRA and community partners have invested in revitalization efforts aimed at improving infrastructure, enhancing public spaces, supporting small businesses, and uplifting local history. The new roundabout at 34th Street and Lake Avenue is part of this ongoing work, serving as both a functional improvement and an opportunity to celebrate East Tampa’s heritage through public art. 

The sculpture created for this location should honor the deep historical roots, cultural legacy, and enduring strength of East Tampa while also symbolizing its continued growth and optimism for the future. 

Artistic Goals 

Create a distinctive, site-specific sculpture that enhances the character and visual experience of the roundabout. 

Reflect the cultural history, heritage, and community spirit of East Tampa. 

Conduct research into East Tampa’s history and neighborhoods to ensure the artwork authentically represents the community’s story and legacy. 

Provide a strong visual presence that is easily recognizable by motorists and pedestrians. 

Incorporate durable materials suitable for outdoor installation with materials suited to withstand Florida’s extreme climate.  

 Artists will be responsible for submitting signed and sealed engineering drawings by licensed Florida engineer for permit review. 

Ensure the work meets safety and visibility standards for a traffic roundabout setting. 

See Site plan for location details  

Budget 

The total budget is up to $200,000, which is inclusive of artist design fees, engineering, materials, fabrication, transportation, installation, insurance, and all other project-related costs.  The CRA will cover foundation and lighting costs  
Final budget allocation will be determined in coordination with the selected artist and project partners. 

Application Requirements

Selection Process 

A selection committee composed of community representatives, art professionals, and City staff will review qualifications and select a shortlist of finalists. 
Finalists will receive a stipend to develop detailed design proposals and present them to the committee. 

As part of the proposal development, finalists will be required to demonstrate an understanding of East Tampa’s historical and cultural context through independent research and engagement with community history resources. 

Selection criteria include: 

Artistic excellence and originality 

Demonstrated experience in comparable projects 

Ability to execute a project of this scale within budget and timeline 

Understanding of community context, history, and cultural relevance 

Project Timeline 

(Dates subject to change) 

RFQ Launch: Jan 2026 

Submission Deadline: Feb 2026 

Finalist Selection: March/ April  2026 

Design Development & Approval: June 2026 

Fabrication & Installation: Spring 2027 

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility 

This call is open to professional artists or artist teams residing in the United States. Artists with experience in creating large-scale public art, particularly for outdoor environments, are encouraged to apply. 
Local and regional artists are strongly encouraged to submit qualifications.