Mount Vernon Iowa Sculpture Trail
Request for Proposals (RFP) from interested artists-public art sculptors
Entry Deadline: March 10, 2025
Budget: $15,000
The Mount Vernon Area Arts Council (MVAAC) is seeking proposals from artists for a three-dimensional artwork to be installed on the Mount Vernon Sculpture Trail. The piece(s) may be new creations and/or existing sculpture(s).
Background: The Mount Vernon Area Arts Council has partnered with the City of Mount Vernon, IA, and the Mount Vernon Parks and Recreation Commission to create a sculpture trail along an existing walking path in Mount Vernon. The trail runs through Nature Park, along Hahn Creek, and intersects the route of the old Lincoln Highway. The path is concrete and lighted by reproductions of old-fashioned streetlamps. The land is owned by the City of Mount Vernon and is part of its park system. In 2023, four sculptures were installed along the path, with multi-year plans to add sculptures along this trail. A fifth sculpture was installed in 2024.
Description of Opportunity: The selected artist(s) will provide or create a three-dimensional piece which will serve as part of a multi-piece, multi-year installation.
The artwork will be site specific but is not limited to a particular medium. Artwork will be installed outside and must be able to withstand the elements for years to come. Iowa weather can range from -25F to 105F. Prospective artists are encouraged to view the space if possible. Photographs of the space are attached in this application. The sculpture site is visible from the city’s main street. Foot traffic visitors can park adjacent to the trail for easy access from either Nature Park or the First Street Community Center.
The artwork must follow city ordinances. Most notably, any lighting must be in a downward direction. Prior pieces have been installed on 4’ circular, concrete pads, with identifying plaques measuring 8” wide by 6” tall. Plaques are adhered to the surface of the concrete. Future pieces will be installed in a similar manner unless the artwork requires different installation.
Budget: The budget for the artwork(s) placed in 2025 may not exceed $15,000, including design, fabrication, transportation and installation. Multiple pieces may be selected for installation in 2025.
Process: A selection panel will review proposals for the project and select a finalist or finalists to purchase or commission pieces for the sculpture trail.
Selection Criteria
• Artistic excellence as demonstrated by past work
• Understanding of the project and ability to provide or create artwork that responds to the goals of the project
• Ability to meet the project timeline
Anticipated Timeline:
Deadline for submittal of proposals: March 10, 2025
Artist(s) Selection: April 15, 2025
Completion of installation: October 15, 2025
Artist or artist team must submit the following, preferably in one document (PDF):
• Typed letter of interest
• Current artistic resume, no longer than two (2) pages
• Description and renderings or photographs of proposed piece
• At least five (5) but no more than ten (10) digital images of previous artwork
• Names & contact information of two (2) references
Deadline: Artists must submit their applications by March 10, 2025 via email mvartcouncil@gmail.com
For questions about this project or the application process as well as the application itself email to mvartcouncil@gmail.com; include Sculpture Trail Application in the subject line.
