If you apply for the Roster, it means you are willing to:
• Design and propose artworks - Project managers, professional conservators, and local stakeholders all may be involved in the review and approval of your work
Ocala Public Art Roster 2026
• Travel to the project site - You should be prepared to meet with selection committees and project managers up to three times during the proposal and design process (Virtual accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis)
• Work within fixed budgets and/or provide basic and final estimates as requested during the contract process
• Work with committees - Committees often include non-arts professionals
• Work on teams with other artists hired for the same project
• Maintain registration as a City of Ocala vendor- You must adhere to relevant City and State permitting and licensing requirements. This includes those relating to sub-contracting and the paying of prevailing wages.
• Enter into contracts with the City of Ocala- You must fulfill contract requirements, including paying applicable taxes and insurance requirements, providing appropriate insurance and warranties as necessary, and providing documents in a timely manner as requested by the Project Manager. Other terms and stipulations of contract will vary based on project.

Selection Process
The Ocala Municipal Arts Commission (OMAC) is an advisory agency to local city and county government as well as local citizens for all artistic and cultural development in Ocala and Marion County. OMAC consists of eleven members appointed by the Ocala City Council who represent local arts and cultural organizations including: College of Central Florida, Fine Arts For Ocala, Marion County School Board, Marion Cultural Alliance, Ocala Civic Theatre, and Ocala Symphony Orchestra. OMAC will review all completed qualifying applications and score entries based on the following criteria:

Experience (15 points). Evidence of the artist’s ability to execute Public Art Projects according to their medium on past projects. There is a demonstrated ability to execute concepts. Capability to complete a project on time and on budget.

Artistic Excellence (15 points). The body of work shows a strong quality and clear artistic perspective. Demonstrative workmanship and elevated execution. The body of work presents unique perspectives and/or innovative methods.

Applications without all the stated criteria and requirements will not be considered for selection. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Entries with a score of 20 and above will be recommended for the Ocala Artist Roster. Approved artists will remain on the roster for 5 years, until the next open call where artists can reapply with updates or not renew. Artists can request removal from the Roster at any time in writing.

Unsuccessful applicants may appeal the decision. We comply with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations concerning civil and human rights. You can review the City of Ocala’s policy regarding accessibility, diversity, and nondiscrimination on our City of Ocala website.

Additional Information:

Inclusion on the roster does not guarantee a public art commission or that the artist will be contacted about all available opportunities including open calls. Acceptance of an application from an artist does not constitute any form of contract or agreement for the exhibition.

The City of Ocala reserves the right to request additional information from artists and make changes/clarifications to the call if necessary. Limitations include the right to cancel, amend to alter the call, its contents, or the selection process.

By applying, the applicant warrants and represents the originality of all ideas and statements in the artwork applicant submits to the City for review. Applicant warrants and represents that applicants’ artwork submitted to the City for review will not directly or indirectly violate the privacy, right to publicity, copyright, or other legal rights of any person or entity, or commit any libel, slander, of any person or entity. The applicant represents that all copyright holders have consented, in writing, to applicants’ submissions of artwork and City’s use of the artwork during the review process. By applying, the applicant agrees that their name and contact information can be released by the City to third parties for the purpose of professional artist opportunities in their capacity as an artist.

Applicants agree to indemnify and hold harmless the City of Ocala, and all of its City Council, boards and commissions, its officers, agents, and employees from and against any and all loss, liabilities, damages, judgments, actions, costs, claims and expenses (including attorney fees) arising out of or resulting from the breach by applicant of the above-mentioned warranties and representations.

All data submitted to the City of Ocala is governed by the State of Florida Sunshine Laws.