Pond-Dakota Mission Park Sculpture

The City of Bloomington’s Office of Creative Placemaking and Parks and Recreation Department, in partnership with the Okodakiciye Dakota Advisory Committee, invites public artists to submit qualifications for the design, fabrication, and installation of a site-specific sculpture at Pond-Dakota Mission Park, a site with deep Indigenous history and connections. This public art installation will enhance the park’s sense of place and identity while reflecting the history, culture, and values of the Dakota people. The design may engage with Dakota culture, history, language, the significance of the site or its connection to other culturally meaningful locations, and perspectives from past, present, or future, providing an opportunity to inform and inspire all who visit, work, and live in Bloomington.

Eligibility
This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is open to applicants who meet the following eligibility criteria:
• Applicants must be 18 years or older who reside in the contiguous United States.
• Have demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Dakota history and culture, and experience integrating community engagement into the development of their artwork.
• Experienced public artists and artist teams who have completed or administered the budget of at least one commissioned outdoor public art sculpture with a budget of $10,000 or more in the past ten years.
• A demonstrated experience with or understanding of installations that address the climate and ecosystem specific to Minnesota.
• Finalists must have the ability to attend an interview and presentation of a design concept and approach to the project.
Project Budget - $80,000
The budget for this project is $80,000. This budget must cover all design modifications, fabrication, engineering, installation, foundations, infrastructure, site preparations, meetings, site visits, transportation of artwork, insurance, and other related expenses including expenses related to the design, fabrication, and installation of the sculpture. More information about the site and sculptural requirements will be made available to the finalists.

RFQ Deadline: April 16, 2026, 4:00 p.m. Central Standard Time