Call Description

The City of Olathe is seeking artist qualifications for a permanent public art installation at Olathe Fire Station 9, opening in 2026.

The installation will incorporate structural steel recovered from the World Trade Center and honor the sacrifice of firefighters who responded to the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Following the qualifications review, three artists will be shortlisted and paid a stipend to develop concept proposals.

Project Background

Olathe Fire Station 9 will open in 2026, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

The Olathe Fire Department has been gifted structural steel from the World Trade Center. For many years, this steel has been displayed annually around September 11.

This project represents an opportunity to create a permanent and meaningful installation incorporating the steel within the new station.

On September 11, 2001, 343 firefighters lost their lives responding to the attacks on the World Trade Center. The installation should honor their sacrifice while reflecting the traditions, values, and brotherhood of the fire service.

While the installation will be visible to the public, the primary audience will be members of the Olathe Fire Department, serving as a daily reminder of duty, service, and sacrifice.

Due to the project timeline, we recognize the memorial may not be fully fabricated and installed by September 11, 2026. However, the City intends to acknowledge the project during the 2026 9/11 remembrance and may display renderings or design boards of the selected artwork as a preview of the installation.

Project Goals

The memorial should:

·         Honor the sacrifice of the 343 firefighters who died on September 11, 2001

·         Reflect the tradition, service, sacrifice, and camaraderie of the fire service

·         Provide a respectful permanent home for the World Trade Center steel

·         Serve as a daily reminder of duty and honor for firefighters who work in the station

·         Be visually strong and understandable without extensive explanation

·         Balance themes of loss, pride, and service

·         Be timeless and thoughtfully designed

Firefighters who contributed input on the project identified several symbols that may inspire artistic interpretation, including: 

·         343 firefighters lost on 9/11

·         110 stories of the World Trade Center towers

·         Stair climbs held annually in remembrance

·         The American flag and patriotic imagery

·         Two lights representing the Twin Towers

·         Chalkboard with riding assignments

·         Opportunities for reflection or engagement by firefighters

Artists are encouraged to interpret these ideas creatively.

Site Information

The memorial will be located in the southeast corner of Olathe Fire Station 9, visible through large windows facing College Boulevard.

The installation area measures approximately 10’10” x 6’8”. The space is located inside the station but will be open to the apparatus bay, requiring durable materials appropriate for an operational fire station environment.

While the installation may be visible to the public from the street, the primary intended audience is the firefighters stationed at Fire Station 9. The artwork should serve as a daily reminder of duty, sacrifice, and service, and as a moment of reflection for firefighters and visitors already within the station, such as academy trainees or department guests.

The project is not intended to function as a public memorial destination or gathering place.

The installation may be viewed from multiple angles, including through the windows from College Boulevard and from within the station. Due to circulation patterns within the building, the artwork may often be seen from a side angle rather than directly from the front, and artists should consider visibility from these perspectives.

Lighting may be incorporated to enhance visibility from the street while maintaining a respectful and understated presence.

The design should complement the architecture of the station and avoid overwhelming the space.

World Trade Center Steel

The installation should incorporate three pieces of structural steel recovered from the World Trade Center:

• Two pieces approximately 12 inches long, weighing 127 lbs and 131 lbs
• One piece approximately 45 inches long, weighing approximately 495 lbs

All pieces measure approximately 15 inches tall and 15 inches deep.

The steel should be thoughtfully integrated into the artwork and should not simply sit on a pedestal. Where possible, firefighters have expressed interest in the steel being accessible for touch. The steel should remain largely unaltered and intact. 

Budget

Total project budget: $25,000

This budget should cover all of artists' expenses, including artist design fee, fabrication, transportation, travel, installation, engineering (if required), and all other associated costs. 

Up to three finalists will receive a stipend of $1,000 each to develop concept proposals.

Key Dates

Submission Deadline: 5/31/26
Shortlist Announced: 6/15/26
Fire Station Opening: July 2026
Finalists Concept Proposals Due: Early August, 2026 
 

Application Requirements

1. Statement of interest

Describe your interest in this project and your experience with public art, memorial, or commemorative work. Artists may also briefly describe their general approach to a project of this nature, if desired. If applicable, applicants may also describe any connection to the fire service, first responders, or similar themes. (Such connections are not required.)

2. Resume or CV

Include relevant professional experience and public art commissions.

3. Work Samples & Image List 

Submit up to 10 images of completed artwork demonstrating relevant experience. Public art or installation-based work is encouraged. Submit a detail shot of each work, if possible. 

An image list must accompany the work samples and include the following information for each image: title, year, materials, dimensions, location, and project budget.

Concept proposals are not required at this stage.

Eligibility Criteria

Open to professional artists or artist teams with experience in public art, sculpture, or installations appropriate for permanent spaces.