Call Description

In celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence, the City of Coral Springs Public Art Program will temporarily display up to four artworks throughout Coral Springs for the duration of one year. The Public Art Committee will purchase one of the sculptures for permanent display at Veterans Park, with a maximum purchase budget of $100,000. The visual themes of the artwork should celebrate themes related to United States patriotism, the Fourth of July, and the country's core values such as freedom, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Public Art Project Description

In celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence, the City of Coral Springs Public Art Program will temporarily display up to four art artworks at various locations throughout Coral Springs, for the duration of one year. These artworks will be officially unveiled at the City's Fourth of July Celebration on July 24, 2026. At the end of the one-year exhibition period, one artwork or artwork series will be purchased for permanent display at Coral Springs Veterans Park, as part of the Coral Springs Public Art Collection.

The temporary display locations include:

• Mullins Park, 10000 Ben Geiger Drive, Coral Springs, FL 33065
• City Hall, Great Lawn, 9500 W Sample Road, Coral Springs, FL 33065
• Veterans Park, 8601 Royal Palm Boulevard, Coral Springs, FL 33065

Permanent display location for selected artwork(s):

• Veterans Park, 8601 Royal Palm Boulevard, Coral Springs, FL 33065

For over 20 years, Coral Springs’ Public Art Program has enriched the lives of residents through the display of fine artwork and implementation of public art programs. This Memorial Day, the Public Art Program will reveal up to four large public artworks which celebrates both our country’s history, as well as the values and mission of Coral Springs.

This public artwork will remain on display until May of 2027, and serve as a visual representation of not only our collective history as a country, but also our goals for the future. The Public Art Committee may select one artwork or a series to purchase for a total value of $55,000 or less.

It is imperative the artwork is installed by July 1st, 2026. Proposals and contracts will not be approved if the artist is unable to install the work by due date.

Artists should submit pre-existing artworks for purchase, or concepts that can be completed and installed by the installation deadline.

Qualities of Artwork

The visual themes of the artwork should celebrate United States patriotism, the Fourth of July, and/or the country's core values such as freedom, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Artwork aligning with a political party or other political agendas will not be considered.

The sculpture must be able to be installed on grass or a cement art pad on-site and be capable of “holding its own” in the temporary and permanent locations.

The artwork should be durable and require minimal ongoing maintenance. South Florida has a subtropical climate and is hot and humid with an intense sun and heavy seasonal rain. Problems with rust and fading should be avoided. Resistance to high-speed winds is required. The artwork must be self-supporting on an open landscape or hardscape.

Tentative Art Project Schedule

• Call to Artists Posted: February 1st, 2026
• Artist Applications Due: April 24th, 2026
• Selected Artist(s) Announcement: May 2026
• Installation Period:  June 2026
• Program Officially Begins: July 4th, 2026
• Selection of Permanent Artwork(s): May 2027
• City Commission Approval of permanent artwork purchase: May 2027
• Removal of Temporary Artwork: June 2027

Artwork Purchase Budget

A $5,000 honorarium will be awarded for each artwork selected for the 250th Anniversary Celebration Exhibition. Up to four artworks will be selected for temporary display, and artists submitting a series of works should submit each work separately. At the end of the one-year exhibition period, the Public Art Committee may select one artwork or a series from the Exhibition to purchase for a total value of $100,000 or less.

Application Requirements

1. Letter of intent. The letter should be no more than one page in length, include the artist’s contact information, experience with similar projects, and explanation of the proposed project.
2. Artist’s resume. A current professional resume must be submitted for each artist or member of a proposal team.
3. Proposed concept sketch. Sketches must include a scaled plan of the proposed location, and a plan and dimensioned elevations of the concept. Sketches must also include perspectives of the concept, and all sketches shall be no larger than 11” x 17”.  The drawings should include information regarding materials, colors and any other relevant details.  Optionally, a 3D computer model and digital renderings would be desirable permitting a full understanding of the concept.
4. Budget. An itemized project budget worksheet (provided) MUST accompany all proposals.
5. No more than ten (10) digital color images of the artist’s representative work. File names should include the title of the artwork and artist or team. Artists applying as a team may submit 10 digital images of each artist’s work. Slide images will not be accepted.
6. Annotated image list. The image list must include a brief description of each image stating the title, date, medium, size, location, and commission budget, if the piece was commissioned.
7. Maintenance Plan. Detailed instructions for regular maintenance and cleaning of the artwork. Final color and material book (including electronic or hard copy) must be provided for maintenance of the mural.

Artist Requirement Once Selected

• Transportation and off-truck loading of materials to the site
• Fabrication of the artwork and preparation of site as needed
• In-person attendance at the dedication/unveiling ceremony
• One public lecture or program at the Coral Springs Museum of Art
• Grant permission to the City to capture videos of the work while being made

Eligibility Criteria

The project is open to professional visual artists with experience implementing their ideas and work in the public realm. Artist or Professional Artist means a practitioner in the visual arts, generally recognized by critics and peers as a professional of serious intent and ability. Indications of a person’s status as a professional artist include, but are not limited to, portfolio containing visual examples of past projects, income realized through the sole commission of artwork, frequent or consistent art exhibitions, placement of artwork in public institutions or museums, receipt of honors and awards, and training in the arts.       

The preferred artist will have an extensive background in civic and community engagement to create innovative public art project(s) that foster community connections. The preferred artist will have experience in designing, creating, and installing permanent public artworks.

Artists who are immediate family or business partners of members of the Public Art Committee or program staff are not eligible.