Big Bull Creek Park Permanent Art

The JCPRD Public Art Program is interested in commissioning an artist or artist team to create a site-specific, large scale permanent sculpture or series of sculptures at Big Bull Creek Park, 20425 Sunflower Road, Edgerton, KS 66021. With Kansas City being one of the hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, this installation also presents a unique opportunity to reach a broader international audience. The installation of this permanent art is scheduled for May 2026 with World Cup games and special events occurring across the Kansas City region in June/July 2026. This public art opportunity is open to professional artists or artist teams residing within the United States. The project budget is $170,000. Applications are due 5/11/2025.

To view the project plan for this artist call as a PDF, click here.

I. Introduction

Johnson County Park & Recreation District (JCPRD) launched its Public Art Program in 2019 to activate parks, trails, and facilities in a new way. The JCPRD Public Art Program commissions and cares for a collection of public artworks in JCPRD parks and facilities, and promotes the community’s access to and engagement with public art. The Public Art Program is guided by the JCPRD Public Art Committee (PAC), a nine-member advisory committee to the JCPRD Board. The Public Art Committee advises and makes recommendations to the JCPRD Board regarding the Public Art Program. JCPRD adopted a policy to set aside one-half of one percent (.5%) of the annual Capital Improvement Plan budget for public art. JCPRD also relies on philanthropic gifts, grants, and sponsorships to fund this program.

JCPRD approved a Public Art Master Plan in Fall 2021. As part of this planning process, the following goal was developed as a guiding statement for the program:

• Public art in JCPRD parks, trails and facilities will inspire a deeper connection to place through interactive, immersive, and inclusive experiences.

This public art installation at Big Bull Creek Park will be the 15th permanent public art project in the JCPRD collection.

II. Park Context

Big Bull Creek Park in Edgerton, KS, is the largest park in the JCPRD park system totaling 2,060 acres and celebrated its grand opening in September 2018. Big Bull Creek Park is located between Edgerton and Gardner in southwest Johnson County and focuses on nature-based learning, play, and habitat restoration. The park features two large shelters, a not-for-profit organized group campground, hiking and mountain bike trails, equestrian trails and an 18-hole disc golf course which is located at the Four Corners Road access. Sunflower Road North of 207th Street is the access point where a permanent art installation is envisioned.
Big Bull Creek Park is known for its efforts to restore prairies, rejuvenate the monarch butterfly population, support bees as pollinators, and provide a refuge to grassland birds which are threatened across the Great Plains. This includes Eastern Meadowlarks, Henslow’s Sparrow, Northern Bobwhite Quail, and Loggerhead Shrikes. An ecologically focused park and trail system allows visitors to immerse themselves in nature at a scale unlike any other park in the Kansas City region.

The JCPRD Natural Resource vision for Big Bull Creek Park is as follows:
Big Bull Creek Park will be a fully functioning complex of restored ecosystems with a size and scale of habitats found nowhere else in the Kansas City region. The potential of all ecosystems will be maximized while ensuring public access within the prairie, savanna, forest, and riparian areas.

Information about the history of this land can be found HERE.

III. Public Art Goals

• The goals for the Big Bull Creek Park Permanent Art are to:
  Support the overarching goals for the JCPRD Public Art Program by creating an artwork that inspires a deeper connection to place and creates an interactive, immersive, and inclusive experience.
• Design a sculpture or series of sculptures that relate to the nature, ecology, or history of Big Bull Creek Park (see “Park Context” section).
• Contribute to the overall identity and design of Big Bull Creek Park as a place to experience art and nature.
• Appeal to a broad audience of users, including people of all ages, through a work that is accessible and inviting.
• Work at a human scale – appeal to people who are on-foot in the park.
• Be a permanent work that has a long-lasting impact on Big Bull Creek Park.

IV. Project Overview

The JCPRD Public Art Program is interested in commissioning an artist or artist team to create a site-specific, large scale permanent sculpture or series of sculptures at Big Bull Creek Park, 20425 Sunflower Road, Edgerton, KS 66021. With Kansas City being one of the hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, this installation presents a unique opportunity to reach a broader international audience. The installation of this permanent art is scheduled for May 2026 with World Cup games and special events occurring across the Kansas City region in June/July 2026.

Artist Scope of Work

The final selected artist will be responsible for the following:

• Based on the approved concept proposal, develop final design documents, detailing every physical feature of the sculpture(s) and its integration with the site.
• Sealed engineering drawings are required, with detail on any proposed bases, supports and/or footings, sized specifically for the designed sculpture. Execute the fabrication and installation in a manner that conforms to the approved concept proposal.
• Provide maintenance and conservation instructions for the completed artwork.
• Work cooperatively and maintain effective communication with all parties involved in the project.
• Participate, as requested, in community outreach and dedication events.

Design Specifications

• The public art should be fabricated of highly durable, low-maintenance materials, that can withstand Kansas weather with a life expectancy of 20-30 years. There are no height or weight limitations, but artists should consider the scale of their pieces in accordance with the assigned project budget of $170,000.
• The artist should include their vision for lighting as part of their proposal. Depending on the intended placement, electrical access may be limited. Any plan for nighttime lighting should avoid lighting projected toward the sky.   Warm spectrum lighting incorporated into the piece is acceptable.
• The artwork must have no points or sharp edges than could pose a hazard to pedestrians.

Artwork Placement

Five possible sites for artwork placement at Big Bull Creek Park have been identified; view the map here.

Site Preparation  

Site preparation will be managed and provided by the artist. Signage will be created and installed by JCRPD near the piece with basic information including the project title, artist, and materials used. A QR code will also be included to direct visitors to the project webpage to connect with the artist’s statement and inspiration for the sculpture.

Signage

Signage will be created and installed by JCRPD near the piece with basic information including the project title, artist, and materials used. A QR code will also be included to direct visitors to the project webpage to connect with the artist’s statement and inspiration for the sculpture.

V. Application Process

Artist Eligibility

This public art opportunity is open to professional artists or artist teams residing within the United States. If you have questions about your eligibility, please contact us at jcprdpublicart@jocogov.org.

Contract

Johnson County Park & Recreation District shall provide the contract shell for artists to review prior to applying. Please review the contract to ensure compliance as no modifications will be made. View the document here. Following recommendation from the Art Selection Committee, the selected artist will be approved by the Public Art Committee and the JCPRD Board before finalizing a contract with JCPRD for the project.

Virtual Open House / Informational Session

JCPRD will host an optional virtual open house / informational session for all prospective applicants to provide an overview of JCPRD, the goals for the project, a review of the application process, and field any questions. This session will be held via Zoom on Wednesday, March 12 from 11:00 – 11:30 AM CST. Please RSVP here to receive the access link. Although the session will not be recorded, questions and answers will be compiled and shared on the Big Bull Creek Park Permanent Art page.

Submittal of Qualifications

Interested artists should submit their qualifications as outlined below by Sunday, May 11, 2025, at 11:59 PM MT through the CaFÉ (Call for Entry) website. Technical questions about the online submission platform should be directed to: https://www.callforentry.org/artist-help-cafe/.

• A letter of interest that indicates your interest in the project and how you might approach the commission of creating a site-specific piece at Big Bull Creek Park (no more than 2 pages).
• A CV/resume with current contact information (no more than 3 pages).
• Names and contact information for 3 professional references.
• Up to 10 sample images of previous artwork relevant to this project.
• A corresponding image list with artwork title, medium, dimensions, brief description, location, date of work, commissioning entity and budget/price.

VI. Selection Process

The Art Selection Committee (ASC) for the Big Bull Creek Park Permanent Art will review artist qualifications and select up to 3 finalists. Finalists will be paid a stipend to develop a site-specific concept proposal that includes a sculpture or series of sculptures at the designated site. Finalist proposals will also be shared publicly on the JCPRD website and social media channels for community feedback (see “Community Feedback on Proposals” section) for a two-week period. The Art Selection Committee will review concept proposals and recommend one final artist/design to the Public Art Committee. The final artist selection and concept will be approved by the JCPRD Board.

Art Selection Committee for Big Bull Creek Permanent Art

• Allison Bowman, Artist and Public Art Committee Representative
• Brittany Paddock, City of Edgerton Representative
• Carol Logan, Arts Advocate
• Dan Haase, Big Bull Creek Park Representative
• David Kalkman, City of Gardner Representative
• Ellen Merrill, Arts Educator
• Matt Garrett, JCPRD Ecology and Natural Resource Representative
• Nick Ward Bopp, JCPRD Planning & Development Representative
• Susan Mong, JCPRD Superintendent of Culture

Criteria for Review of Qualifications

Artist qualifications will be reviewed by the ASC based on the following criteria:

• Artistic excellence: What is the quality of the artist’s work and their compatibility with the project?
• Goals: Does the artist’s body of work demonstrate an ability to create an artwork that responds to the goals of the project?
• Approach: How well does the artist communicate their understanding of the project
• Capabilities: Does the artist have sufficient experience to be able to design, fabricate, and install the artworks on time and on budget?

Submittal of Finalist Proposals

Three finalists will each receive a $1,000 stipend to participate in the concept proposal process. Proposals should include renderings (digital renderings preferred), a narrative description, a community engagement activity (see “Community Engagement Activity” section), a preliminary budget, and timeline for the sculpture(s) for placement at one of the 5 suggested locations. The artists should refer to the project goals when developing their designs. Finalists will present their concept proposals virtually to the Art Selection Committee. The Art Selection Committee will recommend a final artist/design for the project for approval by the Public Art Committee as well as JCPRD Board.

Pre-Proposal Site Visit

JCPRD will host an optional pre-proposal site visit for the selected finalists – tentatively scheduled for Friday, June 6, 2025. This meeting will be held in-person at Big Bull Creek Park and provide an opportunity for the artists to learn more about the project goals, meet stakeholders, and have a guided site tour. Any documents shared at the site visit will also be made available to the finalists electronically. Artists residing more than 100 miles from Big Bull Creek Park will be provided an additional stipend of $500 for travel and lodging expenses for the site visit.

Criteria for Review of Finalist Proposals

• Artistic excellence: Does the concept proposal demonstrate artistic excellence, high quality, innovation, creativity, and clarity of vision?
• Goals: Does the concept proposal respond to the goals for the project and fit within the theme?
• Approach: Does the concept proposal reflect a clear understanding of the site, including how the artwork will be experienced and engaged with?
• Capabilities: Has the artist presented a sound work plan for the site-specific sculpture, with quality materials, on time and on budget?
• Community: Has the artist developed a design, as well as a community engagement activity, that will spark curiosity and encourage exploration by members of the public?

VII. Tentative Timeline

• February 19, 2025 | Issue call for artists
• March 12, 2025 | Virtual open house / informational session (11:00 – 11:30 AM CST @ Zoom, RSVP here)
• May 11, 2025 | Artist qualifications due via CaFE
• May 20, 2025 | ASC meets to determine 3 finalists
• June 6, 2025 | Optional site visit for 3 finalists
• July 1, 2025 | Artists present concept proposals to ASC virtually
• July 3 – 17, 2025 | Community feedback
• July 21, 2025 | ASC meets to determine winning artist and site placement; Design proposal / finalization
• July 22, 2025 | Public Art Committee approval
• August 20, 2025 | JCPRD Board approval, contract initiated, engineering design approval
• November 2025 – April 2026 | Fabrication
• April/May 2026 | Site preparation, art installation
• May 2026 | Ribbon cutting / community engagement activity (may be one event or separate events)

VIII. Budget

IV. Community Engagement, Marketing and Communications

Community engagement, marketing and communications should be geared toward engaging with existing stakeholders as well as bringing new audiences to experience the artwork. JCPRD will make efforts to make stakeholders aware of the commissioning process and, when appropriate, information about the concept proposals and other project milestones.

Community Feedback on Proposals

Finalist proposals will be shared publicly on the JCPRD website and social media channels from July 3 – 17, 2025. Community members are invited to participate in this project by providing feedback on these proposals via an online form. This feedback will be shared with the Art Selection Committee prior to final selection of the artist/design.

Community Engagement Activity

Community engagement is a key element for this project, serving as an opportunity for members of the public to learn more the artistic process as well as the Big Bull Creek Park site. Finalists will need to submit a concept for a community engagement activity as part of their proposal presentation. The community engagement activity shall be led, organized, and staffed, exclusively by the artist, but may include other partners. The activity must be made available at no cost to members of the public. JCPRD will assist with the promotion of this event and any registration/sign-up needs.

Stakeholders

Community engagement, marketing and communications should build upon the existing stakeholder base for art, parks, and Big Bull Creek Park, specifically. These will include, but may not be limited to, representatives from:

• Big Bull Creek Park and Trail Visitors
• Nearby residents of Edgerton, KS and Gardner, KS
• Visitors to Kansas City for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
• JCPRD Staff and Board
• JCPRD Public Art Committee
• Art Selection Committee members

Marketing and Communications

JCPRD staff will develop a marketing and communications strategy throughout the entire commissioning process that will include:

• A unique project webpage will be created on the JCPRD website with information about the commissioning process, artist, project, and related community events.
• Social media announcements about project milestones, as appropriate.
• Print materials about the project to be shared at various JCPRD locations, as appropriate.
• Media releases to local and national publications and blogs.
• Signage will be created and installed near the piece with basic information including the project title, artist, and materials used. A QR code will also be included to direct visitors to the project webpage to learn more.
• Hosting and promoting a ribbon cutting event, which will include an artist talkback.

X. Evaluation

There are several types of evaluation that can help provide valuable feedback regarding both the process and the success of the project.

• A questionnaire will solicit feedback from the finalists and selected artist on the overall project development process.
• JCPRD staff involved with the project will be invited to share feedback to improve future public art projects and processes.
• Media, social media, and website hits will be used to monitor engagement around this project.

XI. Resources

Links to information about JCPRD and Big Bull Creek Park:

• Website: JCPRD Public Art Program
• Website: JCPRD Public Art – Big Bull Creek Park Permanent Art
• Website: JCPRD Big Bull Creek Park
• Document: JCPRD Public Art Plan (est. 2019)

Interested artists should submit their qualifications as outlined below by Sunday, May 11, 2025, at 11:59 PM MT through the CaFÉ (Call for Entry) website. Technical questions about the online submission platform should be directed to: https://www.callforentry.org/artist-help-cafe/.

• A letter of interest that indicates your interest in the project and how you might approach the commission of creating a site-specific piece at Big Bull Creek Park (no more than 2 pages).
• A CV/resume with current contact information (no more than 3 pages).
• Names and contact information for 3 professional references.
• Up to 10 sample images of previous artwork relevant to this project.
• A corresponding image list with artwork title, medium, dimensions, brief description, location, date of work, commissioning entity and budget/price.

This public art opportunity is open to professional artists or artist teams residing within the United States. If you have questions about your eligibility, please contact us at jcprdpublicart@jocogov.org.