Specifications include, but are not limited to: The Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture, in collaboration with the Parks and Recreation Department, seeks to commission a signature artwork for the South Mountain Park and Preserve, located in south Phoenix adjacent to the Gila River Indian Reservation. The artwork must honor the cultural importance of the site to the local tribal community (both historical and modern-day), serve as a gateway that guides visitors to newly constructed amenities, and celebrate a significant milestone (100-year anniversary) for this beloved recreational amenity. The artwork must also be made of durable materials that can survive the desert climate and integrate into the architectural aesthetic of the site. The Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture seeks applications from professional artists, and artist teams, working in a variety of media and artistic approaches who will be responsible for the design and implementation of the artwork. The selected artist, or artist team, will be expected to work closely with the project design team, the Parks and Recreation Department, and the nearby community to design the artwork. Additionally, the selected artist, or artist team, will be expected to solicit input regarding culturally appropriate elements through consultation with the Tribal Historic Preservation Office, which city staff will facilitate. General locations for artwork have been discussed (specially the Education and Environmental Center and the Activity Center) however final placement will be determined based on a collaborative design process. The content of the artwork must be suitable for public consumption and should avoid political statements.
