Iconic Sculptural Landmark for Clearwater's Waterfront

Overview

The City of Clearwater Public Art & Design Program is seeking professional artists or artist teams to create an iconic public artwork for Clearwater's newly renovated Coachman Park, a 3-acre waterfront park that hosts numerous events yearly and is home to the award-winning amphitheater The Baycare Sound. The selected artwork will serve as a recognizable landmark and destination feature that encourages interaction, photography, and social media engagement while celebrating Clearwater's unique identity.

Project Description

The City is looking for a bold, visually engaging artwork that acts as a marker for Clearwater and creates a memorable experience for residents and visitors. Artists are encouraged to submit a brief letter describing their vision for Coachman Park and, if possible, a rough concept sketch. The goal is to commission a signature piece that is both iconic and meaningful—a work of art that serves as a placemaking destination, is instantly recognizable, and inspires residents and visitors to engage with the artwork and capture memorable photos.

Themes & Approaches

Concepts may incorporate themes related to Clearwater's coastal environment, culture, waterfront, marine life, sunsets, music, recreation, tourism, or community identity. Artists are encouraged to think beyond common motifs like dolphins and explore creative concepts that offer a unique and memorable representation of Clearwater. Potential approaches may include sculpture, illuminated elements, architectural features, integrated seating, or other creative landmark-style installations.

Site & Climate Considerations

The sculpture will be placed in Coachman Park, a 3-acre waterfront park. The City currently has no size restrictions. Durable materials suitable for Florida's waterfront climate are strongly encouraged, including but not limited to stainless steel, coated metals, acrylic, tile, stone, concrete, or other weather-resistant materials capable of withstanding heat, humidity, storms, and salt-air conditions. Daily Florida heat can exceed 90 degrees in summer with up to 100% humidity; the area experiences weekly thunderstorms in summer and occasional tropical storms and hurricanes. Structures should be designed and built to withstand the elements, including up to a Category 2 hurricane.

Budget & Artist Responsibilities

The total project budget is estimated between $200,000 – $250,000. The selected artist or artist team will be awarded a comprehensive contract. Artist responsibilities include artwork design and engineering, pedestal or footer for certain sculptures, fabrication and materials, transportation and installation, insurance and permitting (artists required to have a Certificate of Insurance with 1 million and 2 million limits and list the City as additionally insured), travel expenses, public presentations and meetings with City staff, and any additional incidental or project-related expenses.

Media Requirements

• Images: minimum 5, maximum 10
• Video: minimum 0, maximum 2
• Total assets: minimum 5, maximum 10

Selection Process

A selection panel consisting of representatives from the Clearwater Public Art & Design Board, Clearwater Arts Alliance, City staff, local arts professionals, and community representatives will review artist qualifications and past work. The initial review will utilize a blind jury format whenever possible, with artists evaluated primarily on artistic excellence, prior body of work, and demonstrated ability to execute projects of similar scale and complexity. A shortlist of finalists will be selected to develop conceptual proposals. Finalists will receive a $600 stipend to develop and submit two (2) design concepts for consideration. Final artist selection will occur after review of these proposals and presentations. The City reserves the right to reject any or all applications or proposals and to modify or terminate the selection process at any time without prior notice.

Timeline

• Submittals due: September 30, 2026
• Selected finalists notified by: November 1, 2026 (may be sooner)
• Final proposals due by: Friday, December 30, 2026 (may be sooner)
• Artwork installation: Fall 2027
• Timeline subject to change

Selection Criteria

Artists will be evaluated based on artistic excellence and originality, experience with large-scale public art projects, demonstrated ability to complete projects within budget and schedule, compatibility with the surrounding environment and architectural context, durability and appropriateness of proposed materials, and ability to create an engaging and iconic destination.