Exploring the Importance of Nature - a call for large scale public art

Our organization is seeking requests for qualifications (RFQ) from experienced artists to submit for a site-specific, environmental public art installation to celebrate the significance of nature for our lives and learning. The project aims to generate a greater appreciation of the natural world and its critical role in sustaining life and enriching educational experiences and to tap into the unique nature story of the Woodbine Strata and Cross Timbers forest story of the property.

Project Overview – We are looking for a dynamic and engaging installation that utilizes natural materials or embraces the principles of land art. The installation should tell a compelling story about the importance of nature for life and learning, and it should be accessible and inspiring to a variety of audience ages, abilities, and interests. The piece should integrate seamlessly with the installation site, offer an engaging visual experience that is transparent to its backdrop, and complement the 300-acre park preserve, future trailhead, and residential homes that surround the site. The final installation should feel like a part of the surrounding landscape rather than stand-alone from it.

Project Goals –

• Promote awareness and appreciation of the natural environment.
• Highlight the connection between nature, life, and learning.
• Incorporate sustainable practices and natural materials.
• Embrace the symbiotic relationship between the Woodbine Strate sandstone forming the hills and the blackjack oak and post oak trees of the Cross Timbers forest that protect the sandstone from erosion.
• Create an engaging and educational experience for the public.
• Enhance the aesthetic value of the chosen site.
• Serve as a visual entrance to the 300-acre park preserve on the north.
• Offer a beautiful view to homeowners and business owners on the west and east.

Request for Qualification Submission Requirements – Interested artists should submit a request for qualification (RFQ) to include the following:

• A current resume or curriculum vitae.
• Examples of previous work, particularly those related to large-scale public art installations. Demonstrated experience using natural materials is a plus.
• An artist statement that includes a detailed description of your approach to the project. How is your approach relevant to the theme? How does it fit with the vision described in the scope?
• Contact information for three professional references.
• Concept Sketch (Optional)

Request for Proposal Submission Requirements – After reviewing all RFQ submissions, artist finalists will be selected. Finalists intending to submit a request for proposal (RFP) are required to attend a site visit and luncheon where they will receive their stipend. RFPs must include the following:

• A detailed project proposal, including final concept, materials, and installation plan.
• A final budget outlining all costs associated with the project including installation.

RFP Evaluation Criteria – Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Artistic merit and originality.
• Relevance to the project theme and goals.
• Feasibility and sustainability of the proposed materials and methods.
• Experience and qualifications of the artist.
• Ability to engage and educate the public.
• Proposed budget and timeline.

Timeline –

• RFQ submission deadline: Friday, August 29, 2025
• Selection of finalists announced: Friday, September 5, 2025
• Luncheon, site visit, and stipend paid to artists: Tuesday, September 9, 2025
• RFP submission deadline: Friday, October 31, 2025
• Final selection announced: Monday, November 10, 2025
• Project installation deadline: Saturday, March 31, 2026

Eligibility – This RFP is open to professional artists with experience in public art and a demonstrated commitment to environmental sustainability and meet the following criteria:

• Open to all U.S. artists, with special consideration given to those in the north Texas area.
• Must have successfully completed at least two previous large-scale public art projects of similar scale and scope.
• Must have experience working with natural materials with large-scale, site-integrated works preferred.