Request for Qualifications: Public Art Commission for Roundabout

The Olathe Public Art Committee, on behalf of the City of Olathe, KS, is seeking qualifications from experienced artists for permanent public art to be placed in a roundabout at the future intersection of 119th Street and Northgate Road in Olathe, KS.  The roundabout is scheduled to be constructed in 2026.

Introduction

The Olathe Public Art Committee, on behalf of the City of Olathe, KS, is seeking qualifications from experienced artists for permanent public art to be placed in a roundabout at the future intersection of 119th Street and Northgate Road in Olathe, KS.  The roundabout is scheduled to be constructed in 2026.

Project Description

The 119th & Northgate roundabout serves as a gateway to downtown Olathe, showcasing the city's ongoing revitalization and redevelopment efforts. The City seeks a forward-thinking, unique, and monumental piece of public art that is:

• Welcoming and vibrant, creating an impactful first impression.
• Highly visible and significant in scale, with a commanding presence that is visible from all approaches to the roundabout.
• Reflective of Olathe's future, embodying energy, progress, and innovation.
• A striking visual statement that leaves a lasting impression and becomes a must-see landmark.

This project aims to elevate the aesthetics of the area while enhancing Olathe’s identity as a dynamic and evolving community. The selected artwork must adhere to the design and safety guidelines outlined below.

The roundabout is targeted for substantial completion by the end of 2026, with final completion expected in early 2027. The artwork should be ready for installation prior to the final completion of the roundabout.

Budget

The project budget is $250,000 which must cover all expenses including artist fees, materials, tools, travel, installation, and other associated costs. The City will provide up to a 66’ diameter concrete pad. 

Selection Process

The selection process will follow the guidelines established in the Olathe Public Art Master Plan:

1. Artist Selection Panel (ASP): A diverse panel will review submissions based on qualifications and artist statements.
2. Shortlisting: The panel will identify a shortlist of artists to be interviewed in the second quarter of 2025.
3. Concept Development: Shortlisted artists will be provided with additional project details and asked to develop one or more proposed concepts. Artists will receive a stipend for proposal development and will be required to present concepts in person or via Zoom.
4. Final Selection: After interviews and presentations, the ASP will recommend a finalist. The City of Olathe reserves the right to make no selection if no suitable candidate is identified.

Artwork Design and Safety Guidelines

The artwork should:

• Be durable, safe, and require minimal maintenance.
• Be fabricated with permanent, weather-resistant materials.
• Avoid reflective finishes or excessive use of red/yellow to prevent driver distraction.
• Be visible and engaging from all entry points to the roundabout, both day and night.
• Be large enough to dominate the central space of the roundabout. Dimensions should align with the scale of the roundabout to ensure a bold and prominent presence.
• Avoid encouraging pedestrian activity within the roundabout.
• Include an integrated lighting plan that enhances the sculpture's visibility and aesthetic appeal at night. The night-time view should be given equal importance in the design process to create a compelling visual experience during all hours.

The selected artist may be asked to meet with landscape architects to integrate the artwork into the overall site design.

Timeline

• RFQ Deadline: March 3, 2025
• Shortlist Notification: March 14, 2025
• Interviews & Concept Proposals: April 29-May 16
• Final Selection & Approval: June-July 2025
• Installation Deadline: Early 2027

Please note: While we strive to adhere to this timeline, dates are subject to change based on project needs and review processes. Updates will be communicated promptly.

The City of Olathe looks forward to seeing your qualifications and collaborating on this exciting project!

Interested artists should submit an application through Café which will be comprised of the following: 

1. Professional Resume/CV: Limit 3 pages, including name, address, phone number, and email.
2. Letter of Interest: Provide a brief statement outlining your interest in this project and relevant experience with large-scale public art. Highlight your ability to create impactful, site-specific work and collaborate with the City and design/construction teams.
3. Preliminary Vision Statement: Provide a brief statement (approx. 500 words) sharing your initial thoughts or creative vision for this project. This is not a formal concept but an opportunity to share how you would approach creating a unique, monumental piece of art. Highlight how your ideas would contribute to making this piece a memorable landmark.
4. Portfolio: Provide 3-12 images of past projects relevant to this scale and scope. Include an annotated image list with titles, dimensions, materials, date, location, project budget, and commissioning entity if applicable.
5. References: Provide contact information for three professional references for similar commissioned work.

This opportunity is open to experienced artists aged 18 years or older. Applicants must have a proven track record of executing public art projects of similar scale.