City of Inverness, FL: Call for Public Art Sculptures

The City is seeking artists with pre-existing sculptural work for Visual Symphony: An Interactive Experience, a new outdoor public art installation along a well-traveled pedestrian pathway. Inspired by the relationship between motion, color, rhythm, and music, the project will feature sculpture that creates an engaging and memorable experience for visitors. Abstract, kinetic, interactive, sound-based, or movement-driven works are especially encouraged. Submitted artwork must be suitable for long-term outdoor display and should invite visitors to explore, interact with, and experience the work from multiple perspectives.

The City invites artists to submit pre-existing sculptures or related bodies of work for Visual Symphony, a new public art installation planned for a well-traveled pedestrian pathway.

The City is seeking a blend of music, movement, color, and visual storytelling. The project is intended to create an engaging public-space experience that feels rhythmic, dynamic, and memorable. 

Submitted artwork may include kinetic sculpture activated by wind, touch, or motion; interactive elements that create sound, light, or movement; abstract sculptural forms inspired by rhythm or musical composition; or a related collection of pieces that creates a cohesive experience along a pathway or defined public space.

The City is particularly interested in artwork that:

• Creates a memorable destination within the public space.
• Incorporates movement, sound, or interactive elements into the sculptural form.
• Encourages visitors to walk around, touch, activate, or otherwise engage with the artwork.
• Is approachable and enjoyable for visitors of different ages without requiring special instruction.

The selected work will be installed in an outdoor public environment and must be appropriate for long-term exterior display, including consideration of durability, public safety, accessibility, maintenance, and the surrounding environment. Exact site information and supplemental materials will be provided to the selected artist or team.

A total budget of $25,000 is available for the entirety of the project project. The budget must be inclusive of all project-related costs, including transportation, installation, insurance, permitting, and any applicable design, engineering, materials, or fabrication expenses.

The proposed artwork must:

• Be an original work created by the applicant.
• Be designed for permanent outdoor installation.
• Be fabricated from durable materials appropriate for Central Florida's subtropical climate.
• Withstand prolonged sun exposure, high humidity, heavy rainfall, and hurricane-force winds.
• Meet all applicable structural, engineering, accessibility, and public safety requirements.

Submission Deadline: September 4, 2026
Artist Selection: September 18, 2026
Installation Completion: October 15, 2026

Application Requirements

Applicants should submit the following materials:

1. Artist Statement
   The statement should provide an overview of the artist's practice and the relationship of their work to the goals of this public art opportunity.
2. Images of Proposed Existing Artwork
   Provide clear photographs of the sculpture or sculptures being submitted for consideration. Include the dimensions of each piece.
3. Interactive Element Description
   Provide a brief explanation of any movement, sound, light, kinetic, or interactive features incorporated into the work, including how those elements function and what activates or triggers them.
4. Portfolio of Previous Work
   Submit three to five relevant examples of past work, preferably demonstrating experience with public art, sculpture, interactive installations, kinetic work, sound-based work, or similar projects.
5. Resume or CV
   Provide a current professional resume or curriculum vitae detailing relevant artistic experience, exhibitions, commissions, public art projects, education, or other qualifications.

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Artistic excellence and originality
• Responsiveness to the project goals and site
• Experience completing public art projects
• Durability and long-term maintenance considerations
• Feasibility within the project budget and timeline
• Artists with a demonstrated record in public art or comparable projects.
• Applicants must submit pre-existing artwork for consideration; this opportunity is not intended as a commission for the creation of an entirely new sculpture.
• Proposed artwork must be suitable for installation in a public outdoor environment.
• Artwork must be capable of meeting applicable safety and accessibility requirements and be appropriate for long-term exterior display.