Commissions
Central Bank Center Public Art RFQ
Contact Information
Requirement Overview
Location Eligibility Type: National
Eligible Applicant Types: Artist
Submission Limit: 1
Media Requirements
Images | Min: 3, Max: 10
Audio | Min: 0, Max: 0
Video | Min: 0, Max: 3
Total | Min: 3, Max: 10
Opportunity Summary
LexArts and Central Bank Center invite professional artists and artist-led teams to submit qualifications for a major public art commission on the west façade of Central Bank Center and Rupp Arena in downtown Lexington, Kentucky.
This commission represents an opportunity to create a landmark artwork that enhances one of Lexington's most recognizable civic destinations. The selected artwork will strengthen the visual identity of Central Bank Center, contribute to Lexington's cultural landscape, and serve as an iconic feature for residents and visitors alike.
This is a national call open to experienced artists with a demonstrated history of creating large-scale public artworks.
General Information
Central Bank Center Public Art Commission 2026–2027
Lexington, Kentucky
Issued By: LexArts, Inc. in partnership with Central Bank Center
RFQ Release Date: August 2026
Submission Deadline: September 30, 2026
Opportunity Overview
LexArts and Central Bank Center invite professional artists and artist-led teams to submit qualifications for a major public art commission on the west façade of Central Bank Center and Rupp Arena in downtown Lexington, Kentucky.
This commission represents an opportunity to create a landmark artwork that enhances one of Lexington's most recognizable civic destinations. The selected artwork will strengthen the visual identity of Central Bank Center, contribute to Lexington's cultural landscape, and serve as an iconic feature for residents and visitors alike.
This is a national call open to experienced artists with a demonstrated history of creating large-scale public artworks.
Project Vision
The Central Bank Center Public Art Initiative seeks to commission a high-quality, semi-permanent exterior public artwork that:
- Enhances the architectural presence of Central Bank Center and Rupp Arena
- Creates a memorable and visually compelling experience for visitors
- Strengthens Lexington's identity as a center for arts, culture, and tourism
- Serves as an enduring civic landmark
- Reflects innovation, creativity, and excellence in public art practice
Project Site
The artwork will be located on the west-facing exterior of Central Bank Center, adjacent to Gatton Park and highly visible from surrounding pedestrian and vehicular corridors. The wall is approximately 1,000ft x 60ft. The selected artwork should attach to the wall and should not be a mural painted directly onto the wall surface.
The selected artist will be expected to create a site-responsive design that considers:
- Building scale and architecture
- Visitor experience
- Visibility from multiple viewpoints
- Durability in exterior conditions
- Safety and maintenance requirements
Site documentation and technical information will be provided to finalists.
Budget
The anticipated implementation budget is approximately $1,000,000.
This budget is intended to cover all costs associated with the artwork, including but not limited to:
- Artist fees
- Design development
- Engineering
- Fabrication
- Materials
- Transportation
- Permits
- Installation
- Insurance
- Travel
- Documentation
Eligibility
This opportunity is open to:
- Professional artists
- Artist collectives
- Artist-led multidisciplinary teams
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Experience with large-scale public art commissions
- Successful completion of projects with significant budgets
- Ability to collaborate with architects, engineers, fabricators, and stakeholders
- Knowledge of durable materials appropriate for outdoor installations
LexArts encourages applications from artists of diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and geographic locations.
Selection Process
Phase One: Qualifications Review
Applicants will submit qualifications materials for review by a Selection Committee comprised of representatives of Central Bank Center staff and board members.
The committee will review all submissions and select up to five (5) finalists.
Finalist Stipend
Each finalist will receive:
- $2,500 proposal honorarium
- Up to $500 travel & lodging reimbursement for site visit
Phase Two: Concept Development
Finalists will be invited to develop site-specific proposals.
Proposal requirements will include:
- Concept narrative
- Preliminary renderings
- Materials description
- Fabrication approach
- Installation overview
- Preliminary project schedule
- Preliminary budget
Finalists will present their proposals virtually to the Selection Committee.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on:
· Artistic Excellence
Quality, originality, and innovation demonstrated in previous work.
· Public Art Experience
History of successfully executing public art commissions.
· Technical Capability
Demonstrated ability to manage projects of comparable scale and complexity.
· Site Responsiveness
Ability to create engaging artwork tailored to the project location.
· Feasibility
Evidence that the artist can effectively deliver a project within budget and schedule constraints.
Project Timeline
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| RFQ Released | August 2026 |
| Submission Deadline | September 30, 2026 |
| Finalist Notification | October 2026 |
| Site Visits & Proposal Development | October–December 2026 |
| Finalist Proposals Due | January 2027 |
| Artist Selection | February 2027 |
| Fundraising Campaign | Spring–Fall 2027 |
| Fabrication & Installation | Following Fundraising Completion |
*Timeline subject to change.
About the Partners
Central Bank Center
Central Bank Center is Kentucky's premier convention, entertainment, and meeting destination, hosting major regional and national events while serving as a centerpiece of downtown Lexington.
LexArts
LexArts is Lexington's local arts agency and United Arts Fund, supporting and advancing the arts through grantmaking, public art initiatives, artist opportunities, and community engagement.
Questions
Questions regarding this RFQ may be directed to:
LexArts Attn: Public Art Program
Email: nzamarron@lexarts.org
Equal Opportunity Statement
LexArts and Central Bank Center are committed to providing equal opportunity and fostering an inclusive selection process. Artists 18 years or older of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences are encouraged to apply.
Commissioning Agency: LexArts, Inc.
Project Partner: Central Bank Center Public Art Task Force
Estimated Artwork Budget: Up to $1,000,000
Location: Lexington, Kentucky, USA
Application Requirements
Artists must submit the following:
1. Letter of Interest
Maximum two pages including:
- Interest in the project
- Artistic approach
- Relevant experience
- Connection to the opportunity
2. Professional Resume or CV
Maximum four pages per team member.
3. Work Samples
Submit up to ten (10) images representing completed projects.
For each image provide:
- Project title
- Year completed
- Location
- Client
- Budget
- Materials
- Brief description
4. References
Provide three professional references including:
- Contact name
- Organization
- Project relationship
- Telephone number
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility
This opportunity is open to:
- Professional artists
- Artist collectives
- Artist-led multidisciplinary teams
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Experience with large-scale public art commissions
- Successful completion of projects with significant budgets
- Ability to collaborate with architects, engineers, fabricators, and stakeholders
- Knowledge of durable materials appropriate for outdoor installations
LexArts encourages applications from artists of diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and geographic locations.
Equal Opportunity Statement
LexArts and Central Bank Center are committed to providing equal opportunity and fostering an inclusive selection process. Artists 18 years or older of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences are encouraged to apply.