City of Sarasota - Payne Park Tennis Center Courtyard Sculpture

The City of Sarasota Public Art Program, in partnership with the Parks and Recreation Department, seeks proposals for a permanent sculpture in the interior courtyard of Payne Park Tennis Center, a beloved municipal public sports facility in downtown Sarasota. The work should embody the spirit of sport, creativity, and community while reflecting Sarasota’s cultural vibrancy. The site is approximately 6' x 6' with a maximum height of 8'. Artist budget is up to $25,000 for all project costs. The City will provide a base, lighting, signage, and long-term maintenance. Proposals may be figurative, abstract, or conceptual, and may be new or existing works. Apply by October 5, 2025, 11:59 PM MST.

Payne Park Tennis Center, operated by the City of Sarasota Parks and Recreation Department, is a municipal sports facility that is home to 12 Har-Tru courts, shaded seating, the Court 13 pro shop and bar, and a welcoming courtyard that serves thousands of residents and visitors annually. The courtyard is a lively, inclusive civic space that offers a unique opportunity for integrating public art into a recreational setting. The site is approximately 6' x 6' with a maximum height of 8'. (Click here to view site images.)

The City of Sarasota Public Art Program is commissioning a permanent sculpture for this location. The artwork must be original, visually compelling from multiple angles, durable for outdoor display in partial sun, and scaled appropriately to the site. Surrounding landscaping will be adapted to complement the selected piece. The artwork must be safe, stable, and designed so that it does not present hazards to the public or encourage climbing. Surfaces should be free of sharp points or abrasive textures, and materials must be vandal-resistant and suitable for long-term outdoor display in Sarasota’s climate.

Themes
The proposed artwork should embody at least one of the following themes, with proposals addressing multiple themes viewed more favorably during the selection process:

• Motion, rhythm, and sport
• Innovation and artistic expression
• Connection and community
• Sarasota’s cultural vibrancy

Proposals may be figurative, abstract, or conceptual, and may be newly commissioned or existing works that meet all requirements. The selected artist will partner with City staff to coordinate the installation, ensuring minimal disruption to facility operations.

While the artist budget is up to $25,000, proposals of all budget levels will be considered. The City will take cost into account alongside artistic merit, encouraging artists to propose work that thoughtfully aligns the scale, complexity, and vision of the artwork with the resources required for its successful realization.

Selection Process and Timeline

• Call opens September 5, 2025, and closes October 5, 2025, at 11:59 PM MST
• Panel review October 6–15, 2025 (artistic quality, thematic relevance, durability, site appropriateness)
• Finalist concepts shared for community input October 16–20, 2025
• Public Art Committee final selection November 5, 2025
• Installation targeted for early 2026

For questions or more information, contact: PublicArt@SarasotaFL.gov 

Application Requirements

• Artist statement and proposal narrative describing the concept, theme, and intended impact
• Renderings or drawings for new works, or multi-angle photos for existing works
• Dimensions, materials, and finishes
• Itemized budget (up to $25,000)
• Fabrication or delivery timeline for early 2026 installation
• 5–10 portfolio images showing relevant past work
• Resume or CV
• Statement of originality; disclosure if generative technologies were used (Supplemental documentation, such as sketches, maquettes, or fabrication plans, may be required of finalists)

Open to local, regional, national, and international artists. Preference may be given to artists on the City of Sarasota 2024–2026 Artists Roster. All travel, lodging, shipping, and customs costs must be included in the artist’s budget.