City of Wichita O.J. Watson Park Seasons Venue Sculpture RFQ
- Deadline
- 29 days left
- Entry fee
- Free
- Award
- $45,000
- Location
- Wichita, Kansas
- Exhibition window
- Sep 1, 2026 → Oct 31, 2027
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About
Professional artists and artist teams are invited to submit their qualifications for a $45,000 public art commission for a permanent outdoor sculpture at O.J. Watson Park Seasons Venue.
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 the O.J. Watson Park Seasons Venue. The artwork should establish a memorable sense of place, celebrate the spirit of gathering and recreation, and create a lasting visual identity. The selected artwork should be bold, welcoming, and highly visible, capable of becoming a recognizable symbol for the park and venue while enhancing the visitor experience.
About O.J. Watson Park
O.J. Watson Park is one of Wichita's most beloved and heavily visited public parks, encompassing approximately 119 acres along the Arkansas River corridor in south Wichita. Originally developed from a former sand pit, the park 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. The park welcomes diverse audiences including families, tourists, event attendees, recreational users, and community organizations.
Site Location
The Seasons Venue is a contemporary event facility located within O.J. Watson Park at the west side adjacent to the lake. It is designed as a year-round destination for weddings, celebrations, corporate events, and community gatherings, accommodating up to 100 guests with a modern rustic aesthetic. Large floor-to-ceiling windows provide expansive views of the park's lake, trees, and recreational amenities.
Artwork Goals
The artwork should respond thoughtfully to the site's natural setting, recreational character, and role as a destination for celebrations, family activities, and community events. Artists are encouraged to consider how the work can engage diverse audiences, inspire curiosity and discovery, and create opportunities for interaction, reflection, and photography. The City welcomes innovative and durable artistic approaches that contribute to the long-term cultural identity of O.J. Watson Park.
Project Budget & Timeline
- Art Budget: $45,000 (inclusive of all costs from design through structural engineering, fabrication, site preparation, transportation/delivery, and installation)
- Finalists will be paid $1,000 to develop proposals
- RFQ open: 07/20/2026
- Artists questions due: 08/07/2026, 4:00 p.m. CDT
- Qualifications due: 08/17/2026, 11:59 p.m. CDT
- Project start: Fall 2026
- Installation completion: Fall 2027
Submission Requirements
- Submission Limit: 1
- Images: Min 6, Max 10
- Video: Min 0, Max 1
- Total files: Min 6, Max 11
Eligibility
Open to professional artists and artist teams with demonstrated history of completing complex, permanent, outdoor public art projects. Emerging artists are encouraged to apply.
Contact
- City of Wichita, Kansas
- Email: [email protected]
- Award
- $45,000 public art commission
- Entry fee
- Free to enter
- Entries per artist
- Up to 1
- Eligibility
- Open to professional artists and artist teams with demonstrated history of completing complex, permanent, outdoor public art projects; emerging artists encouraged to apply.
- Audience
- Professional artists and artist teams; emerging artists encouraged to apply
- Contact
- [email protected]
Every listing links to the organizer's official page. Always confirm deadlines, fees, and entry rules there before you apply.