Call Detail
Okun Mural Project (Johnson County Park & Recreation District)
Visit Organization Website
Contact Email: susan.mong@jocogov.org

Entry Deadline: 1/25/22
Application Closed
Work Sample Requirements
Images | Minimum:Min. 6, Maximum:Max. 10
Video | Minimum:Min. 0, Maximum:Max. 3
Total Samples | Minimum:Min. 6, Maximum:Max. 10
Call Type: Public Art
Eligibility: Regional
State: Kansas
Budget: 76,000

Introduction
JCPRD seeks an artist or artists’ teams who are proficient in the creation of a site-specific mural focused on the theme nature, highlighting the vital role the Mill Creek Streamway plays as a vital source of water and ecosystem in our area. This may include Kansas specific flora, fauna, trees, birds, animals and species that make up this ecosystem. Durability and low maintenance of all mural materials is required. The artist must ensure that the mural is protected against graffiti and ultraviolet rays. The artist may create the mural using acrylic paint. The size of the wall where the mural will be located is approximately 4500 square feet (25’ H x 180’ W). The wall is made of sheet metal.

Johnson County Park & Recreation District (JCPRD) launched its Public Art Program in 2020 to activate parks, trails, and facilities in a new way. The JCPRD Public Art Program commissions and cares for a collection of public artworks in JCPRD parks and facilities, and promotes the community’s access to and engagement with public art. The Public Art Program is guided by the JCPRD Public Art Committee (PAC), a nine-member advisory committee to the JCPRD Board.

JCPRD recently completed a Public Art Master Plan. As part of this planning process, the following vision has been developed as a guiding statement for the program:

  • Public art in JCPRD parks, trails and facilities will inspire a deeper connection to place through interactive, immersive, and inclusive experiences.

The Okun mural public art project will be the first commissioned mural of the new Public Art Program.

Project Description
The Public Art Program is interested in commissioning an artist or artist team to create a site-specific mural at Okun Fieldhouse. The mural will tell one of Johnson County’s “water stories,” as outlined in the JCPRD Public Art Master Plan, by highlighting and celebrating the natural setting of the nearby Mill Creek and the presence of the Streamway Trail. The mural will inspire a sense curiosity and interconnection with nature that is within steps of this site, featuring native flora, fauna, birds, animals, water ways, and native trees from the area to inspire visitors to appreciate, discover, and protect these vital natural resources.

Site
The Okun Fieldhouse, located within the Mid-America West Sports Complex, hosts a wide variety of adult and youth basketball and volleyball leagues, tournaments, camps, and special events. The south façade of the fieldhouse is also the backdrop for the adjacent baseball/softball fields and is highly visible from the Mill Creek Streamway Trail as well as from arriving vehicles. This site is located in the City of Shawnee and is commonly referred to as the Valley of Champions. This site draws local visitors and trail users as well as visitors across the country participating in national tournaments hosted at this site.

Artist Scope of Work
The selected artist will be responsible for designing, fabricating, and installing the artwork, including:

  • Based on the approved concept proposal, developing final design documents detailing every feature of the mural and its integration with the site.
  • Executing the final design on schedule and in a manner that conforms to the approved concept proposal.
  • Managing all aspects of the installation of the mural artwork including the UV and graffiti coating.
  • Providing maintenance and conservation instructions for the completed artwork.
  • Working cooperatively and maintain effective communication with all parties involved in the project.
  • Collaborating with JCPRD to develop and lead an educational program related to the artwork development process or the artwork itself.
  • Collaborating with JCPRD on marketing and promotion of artwork.
  • Participating, as requested, in community outreach and attending dedication event.

Public Art Goals
The goals for the Okun mural public art piece are to:

  • Bring visual interest and beauty to the blank façade.
  • Tell one of Johnson County’s “water stories," as outlined in the JCPRD Public Art Master Plan, by highlighting and celebrating the natural setting of the nearby Mill Creek and the presence of the Streamway Trail.
  • Inspire a sense of curiosity and interconnection with nature that is within steps of this site.
  • Feature visually the native flora, fauna, birds, animals, water ways, and native trees from the area to inspire visitors to appreciate, discover, and protect these vital natural resources.
  • Build capacity and invest in the local arts community of Kansas City by providing educational opportunities/shadowing (dates TBD) for local artists aspiring to this work.

Background/Historical Information: Okun Fieldhouse, Mid-America Softball Complex, and Mill Creek Streamway Trail system -- all which intersect at this site
Built in 1999, Okun Fieldhouse is owned by Johnson County Park and Recreation District and coined its name after 15-year-old former basketball player Bailey Ann Okun, who passed away due to a congenital heart defect in 1997. Also located at this site is Mid-America West Softball Complex, offering 12 fields, in addition to concessions, restrooms and other standard amenities. The Mill Creek Streamway Trail system is the third intersecting point at this site. This is a beautiful linear park with approximately 17 miles of pedestrian and bicycle trails. The trail extends from Nelson Island on the Kansas River, south through the cities of Shawnee and Lenexa, and ends in Olathe.

Selection Process
The Okun Mural Art Selection Committee (ASC), comprised of arts professionals, community members, a representative from the Public Art Committee, and JCPRD staff, will serve as the recommending body for selecting an artist or artist team. The final artist selection and concept will be approved by the JCPRD Board.

Eligibility: The public art opportunity is open to professional artists residing within 500 miles of Kansas City with preference given to artists living in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area.

Qualification Review Process: The ASC will review artist qualifications and select up to three (3) finalists to create concept proposals for the project opportunity.

Artist qualifications will be reviewed by the ASC based on the following criteria:

  • Artistic excellence: What is the quality of the artist’s work and their compatibility with the project?
  • Goals: Does the artist’s body of work demonstrate an ability to create an artwork that responds to the goals of the project?
  • Approach: How well does the artist communicate his/her understanding of the project?
  • Capabilities: Does the artist have sufficient experience to be able to design, fabricate, and install an artwork on time and on budget?

Finalist Review Process: Up to three (3) finalists will be selected to create concept proposals for the artwork opportunity. Finalists will be paid a stipend of $1,000 to participate in the concept proposal process, which will include the opportunity to tour the site, explore the intersection of the 3 areas at this site, and meet the ASC and community members prior to developing a proposal. Artists living more than 100 miles from Okun Fieldhouse will be paid an additional amount up to $250 for travel and lodging expenses for the site visit.

Proposals will include renderings and a short narrative description, as well as a preliminary budget and timeline. Proposal materials will include images and narrative that can be repurposed for display for public comment.

Finalists will present their concept proposals to the Art Selection Committee. The finalists may present in person or virtually, depending on several variables.

Finalist concept proposals will be placed on view at the Okun Fieldhouse and online for public comment. Comments will be shared with the Art Selection Committee. The Art Selection Committee will recommend a final artist/design for the project to the JCPRD Board for final approval.

Submission Requirements: Interested artists will be asked to submit materials online to CaFÉ (callforentry.org)
CaFE is free to use and there is no entry fee for this submission.

You will be asked to respond to the following questions in your online submission:

  1. Describe your interest in this project and how this commission relates to and/or builds on your body of work. (no more than 500 words)
     
  2. How have you approached mural installation projects in the past that are site specific and what are some of your past successes in developing work of this nature? (no more than 300 words)

You will be asked to attach the following files in your online submission:

  • A CV/resume with current contact information (no more than 3 pages - PDF)
  • Names and contact information for 3 - 5 professional references (PDF)
  • Up to 10 sample images of previous artwork relevant to this project (JPEG)
  • Corresponding image information about each work sample, including: artwork title, a brief description of the artwork (100 words or less), medium, completion date, dimensions, location, and total budget/cost (please use the Price/Value field in CaFE). In the description field, please state the commissioning agency if applicable, and state your role in the creation of the artwork if other artists or design professionals were involved in its creation.

If applying as a team, please assign a team leader to respond to the submission questions, communicate which artist(s) are responsible for each of the work samples, and submit one resume and one references attachment for the team with one resume page and at least one reference per team member.

JCPRD intends to award the contract to one artist or artist team; however, JCPRD reserves the right to award to one or more applicant, or no applicants, if none of the applications are deemed acceptable.


Tentative Timeline

January 12, 2022Deadline for questions & virtual open house at 11:30 am (must register to receive Zoom link here: https://bit.ly/JCPRD-Okun)
January 25, 2022Artist qualifications due
February 2022Finalists selected. In-person tour/meeting scheduled for finalists.
Late March 2022Artists present concept proposals to ASC / community engagement (allow 6 weeks design time)
April 2022ASC meets to finalize winning design
May 2022PAC and JCPRD Board approval / Contract secured
June -SeptemberSite preparation, mural installation
September / OctoberMural dedication / Community engagement with emerging artists / artists talk back

 

Budget
The budget for the artwork is not to exceed $76,000. This budget includes all costs of designing, fabricating and installing the mural artwork, UV and graffiti coating, including but not limited to all design fees, fabrication, materials and equipment costs, professional fees, travel and lodging during design, fabrication and/or installation, insurance, overhead, site work, and installation costs. JCPRD will provide the lighting solution and may have access to a scissor lift. The artist will be asked to provide a plan for other tools needed for installation.   

Final Contract
Following recommendation of the ASC and Public Art Committee and approval by the JCPRD Board, the Artist will finalize a contract with JCPRD for final design, fabrication, construction, installation, and oversight of the Artwork.

Questions and Virtual Open House Available for Artists

Any questions should be submitted via email before January 12, 2022, to:

Susan Mong, Superintendent of Culture
Susan.mong@jocogov.org

An online zoom open house will also be held on January 12 at 11:30 am to field any questions for prospective artists. Sign up at the website listed below to receive the Zoom link. 

Questions will be compiled, summarized, and shared on the JCPRD website: https://bit.ly/JCPRD-Okun

Other Resources:

Technical questions for CAFÉ should be directed to: https://www.callforentry.org/artist-help-cafe/.

 

Application Requirements

You will be asked to attach the following files in your online submission:

  • A CV/resume with current contact information (no more than 3 pages - PDF)
  • Names and contact information for 3 -5 professional references (PDF)
  • Up to 10 sample images of previous artwork relevant to this project (JPEG)
  • Corresponding image information about each work sample, including: artwork title, a brief description

If applying as a team, please assign a team leader to respond to the submission questions, communicate which artist(s) are responsible for each of the work samples, and submit one resume and one references attachment for the team with one resume page and at least one reference per team member.

JCPRD intends to award the contract to one artist or artist team; however, JCPRD reserves the right to award to one or more applicant, or no applicants if none of the applications are deemed acceptable.

Eligibility Criteria

The public art opportunity is open to professional artists residing within 500 miles of Kansas City with preference given to artists living in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area.