RFQ: Nixon Road Roundabout Public Art, Ann Arbor, MI

Nixon Road Roundabout Public Art in Ann Arbor, MI

Budget: $75,000

Description:
The City of Ann Arbor invites artists, designers, or artist teams to submit qualifications to create a permanent, site-specific public artwork along the Nixon Road corridor in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This opportunity is part of the City’s streetscape improvements to Nixon Road, spanning approximately one mile between Huron Parkway and Dhu Varren/Green Road. Three roundabouts and adjacent sidewalk areas near bus stops offer potential locations for artwork. Artists may propose a cohesive series distributed along the corridor or focus on a single location. The City welcomes a range of approaches responding to the community and diverse daily activities along the corridor. 

OPPORTUNITY
The City of Ann Arbor invites artists, designers, or artist teams to submit qualifications to create a permanent, site-specific public artwork along the Nixon Road corridor in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This opportunity is part of the City’s streetscape improvements to Nixon Road, spanning approximately one mile between Huron Parkway and Dhu Varren/Green Road. Three roundabouts and adjacent sidewalk areas near bus stops offer potential locations for artwork. Artists may propose a cohesive series distributed along the corridor or focus on a single location. The City welcomes a range of approaches responding to the community and diverse daily activities along the corridor.
 

PROJECT BACKGROUND
Nixon Road is located in the northeast area of Ann Arbor and serves as a main transportation corridor connecting surrounding townships and rural areas to retail and service destinations along Plymouth Road, Logan Elementary and Clague Middle School, the University of Michigan’s North Campus, and further pathways to downtown Ann Arbor.  The neighborhood surrounding this section of Nixon Road includes apartments, single-family homes, condominiums, duplexes, and newer residential developments. The community is culturally diverse and includes long-term residents as well as university students.

Historically, much of the area was farmland until the 1960s. Today, Nixon Road serves a wide range of transportation modes, including vehicles, public buses, bicycles, and pedestrians. The corridor is an active part of everyday neighborhood life, with residents walking to nearby stores, families and students traveling to and from schools, people traveling north to access nearby Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms for locally grown produce, and commuters moving through the area. 

The City of Ann Arbor initiated the reconstruction of Nixon Road to improve safety, expand non-motorized transportation facilities, reduce user delays, and improve access throughout the corridor. Construction began in 2025 and is currently in its final phase, with completion anticipated in Fall 2026. The reconstruction project is managed by Wade Trim Engineers.

Previous public art in the neighborhood nearby include a beloved 2007 community painted flower mural across more than 1,000 ft of residential fences and a water tower featuring painted clouds. Over time, the flower mural gradually changed as residents replaced their fences, and only portions of the original mural remain today. Together, these projects reflect moments when art became part of the everyday landscape. This commission offers an exciting opportunity to introduce permanent public art to the Nixon Road corridor on a new scale and create a distinctive, lasting presence for the neighborhood.
 

PROJECT + SITE DETAILS
Artists can review a site information packet with site plans, photographs, approximate dimensions, and maps identifying potential artwork and foundation locations by clicking this link.

Roundabout 1 at Sandalwood Circle
This roundabout is located at the entrance to Parkway Meadows Apartments. Potential artwork locations include designated areas within the roundabout, as well as areas near the bus stop, low retaining wall, and adjacent sidewalk. Existing trees and plantings within the roundabout may be relocated as necessary to accommodate an approved artwork. A bus stop is located on the east side of Nixon Road.

Roundabout 2 at Meade Court and Bluett Drive
This roundabout is adjacent to single-family homes, condominiums, and duplexes. One area within the roundabout has been identified as a potential artwork location. Existing trees and plantings may be relocated as necessary to accommodate an approved artwork. The bus stop is located on the west side of Nixon Road.

Roundabout 3 at Traver Blvd
This roundabout is located near the Clague Middle School, the newly constructed Logan Elementary School, and surrounding single-family homes, condominiums, and duplexes. Potential artwork locations include two areas within the roundabout as well as areas near the sidewalk. Existing trees and plantings may be relocated as necessary to accommodate an approved artwork. The bus stop is located on the east side of Nixon Road.
 

DESIGN GUIDELINES AND CONSIDERATIONS
The City and selection committee anticipate that proposals will primarily consist of three-dimensional artwork, while welcoming a broad range of artistic approaches. Artists interested in incorporating two-dimensional imagery are encouraged to consider sculptural or dimensional substrates so that the work functions effectively within the three-dimensional public environment.

The selected artist may propose a single artwork at one selected location or a series of related artworks distributed among multiple locations. The design should respond thoughtfully to the site, character of the surrounding neighborhood, and consider visibility, safety, durability, scale for pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular movement.

Additional guidelines include:

- Artwork must not obstruct sightlines or create visual barriers that impede drivers, bicyclists, or pedestrians from seeing approaching traffic. Proposed designs will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

- A breakaway mounting system may be required depending on the artwork design and location. Proposed designs will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

- Integrated lighting that is simple and low maintenance is permitted for discussion.  All materials and installation costs must be included in the artist’s budget. Electrical service is not currently available in the center of the roundabouts but is generally available near the sidewalks.

- Artwork may incorporate a limited use of letters, numbers, or words, but text should not be the primary focus of the artwork.

- Artwork may not include logos, trademarks, commercial imagery, advertising, or promotional content.

- Artwork may not be religious or political in nature or contain imagery considered sacred by any people or community.

- All artwork must be original and created specifically for this commission.

Budget 
The total commission budget is $75,000 and will be awarded to the selected artist or artist team. The contract amount is inclusive of all costs associated with the project, including but not limited to: the artist's design fee, artist's assistant or subcontractor costs, consultation fees, structural engineering and stamped drawings, permits, insurance, tools, materials, fabrication, transportation, installation, any building or site modification required, travel to and from the site, per diem expenses, project documentation, a contingency to cover unexpected expenses, and any other costs.

Contract + Insurance
The selected artist will be the contract signatory with the City of Ann Arbor.  The artist will be required to carry general liability insurance and submit COI listing the City of Ann Arbor, Wade Trim, and the Ann Arbor Art Center as additionally insured.  The artist shall also be responsible for assuring that subcontractors, if there are any, meet the same insurance requirements. The amount and type may vary depending on the nature of the proposal.

Materials + Maintenance
All applicants must consider the issues of long-term conservation and maintenance of public art. This project is in the public realm and will be exposed to physical stresses and potential vandalism. Any artwork outdoors must be fabricated from durable, low-maintenance materials appropriate for public display.

The City of Ann Arbor will review the final artist's proposal and contract to ensure conformity with city standards of maintenance and durability and American Disability Act (ADA) standards. 
 

SELECTION PROCESS
The selection process will consist of two stages, including a semifinalist phase.  A selection panel composed of representatives from the City of Ann Arbor, Wade Trim, the neighborhood, and other designated stakeholders will review submitted qualifications.

Applicants will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

- Quality, creativity, and strength of submitted artwork;

- Demonstrated experience creating permanent, durable public artwork;

- Demonstrated ability to successfully complete a project within budget, timeline, and technical constraints;

- Artistic approach and potential alignment with the project goals and site;

- Letter of Interest;

- Resume and references; and

- Overall suitability for the opportunity.

The selection committee may conduct preliminary interviews with applicants as part of the process of identifying semifinalists. Up to five (5) semifinalists will be invited to develop their concepts further and submit a site-specific proposal. Proposals will be expected to include renderings or drawings, a preliminary budget, project timeline, and any additional materials the artist believes are necessary to communicate the proposed artwork.

Each semifinalist will receive a $750 proposal stipend. The stipend is separate from the $75,000 project commission budget. Semifinalists must submit a completed W-9 in order to receive payment.  In-person or virtual interviews may be conducted following submission of semifinalist proposals.

The selected finalist will enter into a contract with the City of Ann Arbor, followed by a final design phase requiring review and approval by the City of Ann Arbor.

Timeline
All dates other than the submission deadline are approximate, subject to change, and are presented for guidance only.

- Call Submission Deadline: October 23, 2026 at 11:59pm PDT

- Semi-finalists Selected: December, 2026

- Semi-finalists Proposals Due and Interviews: Artists will be given 6 weeks to develop their proposal.  Interviews may follow with top candidates.

- Finalist Awarded: March 2027

- Project Installation and Completion: expected 2028 or earlier
 

SCOPE OF WORK
Final Artist(s) Responsibilities
The selected artist will contract with the City of Ann Arbor, and the scope will include but not be limited to the following:

- Conduct research to better understand the site, the project, and any other elements deemed helpful to their creative process

- Develop and present project concepts and renderings

- Work in collaboration with the City of Ann Arbor, Wade Trim, and the Ann Arbor Art Center to finalize the design for approval and maintain clear communication throughout the design, fabrication, and installation process.

- Obtain stamped structural engineer drawings by an Michigan-licensed engineer to ensure the safety and stability of the proposed installation

- Source appropriate materials and oversee fabrication of the artwork.

- Coordinate transportation and installation of the completed artwork.

- Subcontract with fabricators, installers, engineers, technicians, or other qualified professionals as necessary. The selected artist will remain responsible for managing all subcontracted work and ensuring that subcontractors meet applicable insurance requirements.

- Apply for and obtain necessary permits for installation

- Fulfill the responsibilities within the contracted budget and timeline

- Provide project documentation and maintenance outline, as required.

- Participate in a public unveiling or community event, if requested by the City.
 

FOR QUESTIONS:
This Call-for-Art is managed in collaboration with the City of Ann Arbor and Wade Trim by the Ann Arbor Art Center’s Art in Public Program.  Please direct your questions to The Ann Arbor Art Center artinpublic@annarborartcenter.org | 734-926-4122

ABOUT ANN ARBOR ART CENTER
Since 1909, the Ann Arbor Art Center (A2AC) has sparked creativity in people of all ages and artistic abilities. Our mission:
"to be the catalyst for creativity, expression, and appreciation for the arts in our community. Through accessible programming, diverse artistic experiences, and collaborative partnerships, the A2AC educates and empowers individuals of all backgrounds, while contributing to a vibrant cultural landscape that celebrates the transformative power of art."
Through innovative programming, provocative exhibitions, wide-ranging learning courses, and a shop offering handmade artworks, the A2AC engages over 60,000 people annually in exploring the arts.
 

Submissions must be submitted online at CaFE Call for Entry by October 23rd, 2026 at 11:59 PM PDT. There is no application fee to apply or use the online application system.  Please submit the following application requirements:

1.      Letter of Interest: Describe your interest in the project and your proposed approach to developing and creating artwork for the Nixon Road corridor  (2000 character max)

2.      Resume: The resume should highlight relevant professional accomplishments and experience. For artist teams, submit a resume for each team member; each individual resume may not exceed two (2) pages.

3.      Artwork Images: selection of ten (10) images representing past artworks most relevant to the scope of this opportunity.  While not mandatory, you may include sketches of a proposed idea as one or more of your 10 images. 

4.    Artist Bio (1500 character max)

5.    References, three (3) professional references, including name, affiliated organization (if appropriate), email address, phone number, and relationship to each reference. 

The City of Ann Arbor is seeking artists or artist teams who can commit to working in Ann Arbor as necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of this project. Artists must be 18+ years of age.