City of Wichita O.J. Watson Park Concessions Area Sculpture RFQ
- Deadline
- 29 days left
- Entry fee
- Free
- Award
- $45,000
- Location
- Wichita, Kansas
- Exhibition window
- Oct 1, 2026 → Oct 31, 2027
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About
Submit qualifications for a $45,000 public art commission to create a permanent landmark sculpture for O.J. Watson Park's Concessions Area.
Overview
The City of Wichita invites professional artists and artist teams with a demonstrated history of completing complex, permanent outdoor public art projects to submit their qualifications for a $45,000 public art commission for O.J. Watson Park. The artwork will be a permanent landmark sculpture located in the park's Concessions Area, one of the most active gathering spaces. Emerging artists are encouraged to apply.
About O.J. Watson Park
O.J. Watson Park is one of Wichita's most beloved public parks, encompassing approximately 119 acres along the Arkansas River corridor in south Wichita. Originally developed from a former sand pit, the park now features a large central lake, mature trees, open lawns, fishing areas, playgrounds, picnic shelters, and an extensive network of walking paths. Family-oriented attractions include a miniature train, pedal boats, miniature golf, pony rides, volleyball courts, and seasonal events that draw visitors of all ages year-round.
Site Location
The Concessions Area is located on the northeast side of the park at the activity hub, adjacent to the concessions building where visitors purchase tickets for pony rides, train rides, paddle boating, mini-golfing, kayaking, and other amenities. The area welcomes thousands of visitors annually and serves as a central gathering space with expansive views of the lake, nearby mature trees, and open lawn areas. The precise final artwork location will be determined in consultation with the artist and project team.
Art Goals & Criteria
The City of Wichita seeks an artwork that celebrates the spirit of recreation, discovery, and family experiences that define O.J. Watson Park. Successful proposals should create a welcoming and visually engaging landmark, enhance visitor experience by encouraging exploration and interaction for all ages, reflect themes of outdoor recreation, movement, play, and connection to nature without literal representation, complement the surrounding landscape through thoughtful scale and materials, provide opportunities for gathering and photo moments, and demonstrate exceptional craftsmanship using durable, low-maintenance materials suitable for high-traffic public use.
Project Timeline
Project start is scheduled for Fall 2026. Installation of the art is anticipated to be completed in Fall 2027.
Submission Requirements
Submit 6-10 images and up to 1 video file demonstrating your qualifications and artistic vision.
Budget & Compensation
Art budget is $45,000, inclusive of all costs and fees for the artist to execute the project from design through structural engineering, fabrication, site preparation, transportation/delivery, and installation to the site. Installation, structural engineering, site preparation, and delivery will be coordinated with the project team.
Key Dates
- Submission deadline: August 17, 2026
- Project start: Fall 2026
- Installation completion: Fall 2027
How to Apply
Submit qualifications and portfolio materials by August 17, 2026.
Contact
- Email: [email protected]
- Award
- $45,000 public art commission
- Entry fee
- Free to enter
- Entries per artist
- Up to 1
- Eligibility
- Professional artists and artist teams with demonstrated history of completing complex, permanent outdoor public art projects; emerging artists encouraged to apply; national eligibility.
- Audience
- Professional artists and artist teams; emerging artists encouraged to apply.
- Contact
- [email protected]
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