Bryant Park Sculpture RFQ

Step One: RFQ – Submit by September 5, 2025, 10:59 PM Central Standard Time

Please apply online through CaFE™ at the following link: : https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=15851

In addition to your contact information, you will be asked to provide the following:

• Up to one-page letter describing interest in the project and goals, relevant experience, and approach to design.
• One-page biographical information or resume. If you have multiple team members, please provide brief biographical information on each essential member but do not exceed one page.
• Work Samples: up to 10 images of recent relevant art projects (one of which should be for an outdoor art sculpture completed within the last 10 years with a budget of $20,000 or more). Please provide a brief description and final cost for each. Follow CaFE™ image requirements: JPEG format only, 1200 pixels on the longest side, less than 5 MB in size. Visit the CaFE Help Page , for more information on image requirements or for help resizing images.
• One-page listing three references who can speak about your ability as an artist and collaborator. Include email and phone number for each reference.

Do not submit a project proposal or design at this time. 

Step Two: Selection Criteria for Artists – Notification by September 22, 2025

The submitted qualifications will be evaluated by a selection panel composed of stakeholders, staff, community members, and public art professionals. The panel will select three finalists based on the following criteria:

1. 40%: Quality of the letter of interest including an understanding of the project description and goals, and approach to design.
2. 40%: Artistic quality and relevance of artwork samples.
3. 10%: Demonstrated experience with a parks-based project, or collaboration with the public sector or community organizations.
4. 10%: Understanding of and/or connection to Bloomington.

Step Three: Selection of artist/team to create Bryant sculpture Notification by October 20, 2025

Three finalists will be selected and scheduled to present their concept design proposal in person to a selection panel the week of October 13, 2025. Specific information on the presentation will be provided to the three finalists. Finalists will also be required to attend an onsite meeting with City staff. Each finalist/team will receive a $2,000 design payment inclusive of any travel expenses. Payments are only available via check. A basic, digital design image and description will be requested and distributed to the panel one week prior to scheduled presentation. The concept design presentation should include visuals in the form of digital presentation, a scale model, drawings, or a combination of formats. The presentation should also include a detailed description of how the design meets the goals of the project, key team members, past experience, a project timeline, ongoing maintenance needs and related estimated costs, and a budget outlining how the proposed sculpture will fit within budget parameters. The ideal anticipated installation date of the Bryant Park sculpture is in Spring 2026. If the artist/team requires more time, they should state that in their presentation. The panel will consider the following criteria when selecting the artist/team:

1. 40%: Artistic quality and structural integrity. Is the concept design visually engaging, and does it fit well within the project theme, goals, and context of the park? Will the sculpture engage a broad audience in a meaningful way? Does the sculpture design consider safety and accessibility? Does the artist address if the materials are durable and appropriate for Minnesota climate?
2. 30%: Experience and qualifications. Does the artist/team have experience with sculpture projects including those working with parks, municipalities, or community organizations? Does the artist demonstrate the technical ability to execute a project of this scale and complexity?
3. 20%: Timeline, budget, and maintenance needs are clearly outlined and appropriate.
4. 10%: Communication and collaboration skills. Ability to communicate design concepts clearly. Artist/team demonstrates professionalism and spirit of collaboration.

Deadline to Submit Questions:   August 29, 2025 by 5 p.m.

RFQ – Qualification Proposals Due:  September 5, 2025, 10:59 PM CST (online via CaFE™) 

(Do not submit a project proposal or design at this time.) 

Artist Applicant Notification and Finalists Selected by: September 22, 2025

Site Meeting for Finalists: To be determined with finalists and staff week of September 29, 2025.

In-person Design Presentations by the Finalists: Week of October 13, 2025

Selection of Artist/Team By:  October 20, 2025

Installation of Sculpture:  Spring 2026

*Dates subject to change.

Bryant Park in Bloomington, Minnesota, is undergoing a significant transformation as part of an initiative driven by community input and a comprehensive park master plan. The newly redesigned space will feature a fully accessible playground, a central park shelter, a skate spot, and improved circulation, all focused on inclusivity and sustainability. As part of the reimagined park, a sculpture will be integrated to reflect the park's values of nature education, community connection, accessibility, and engagement, creating a lasting symbol for both residents and visitors. The Bryant Park renovation incorporates significant enhancements to natural resources, focusing on wetland and water quality improvements. The park’s ponds, which play a crucial role in filtering water from surrounding areas, will undergo dredging to remove sediment, optimizing their function. Restoration of the pond banks will also be part of the project, ensuring that these natural features continue to serve as an environmental asset while complementing the park's new amenities. This commitment to sustainability will help create a harmonious balance between recreational spaces and the park's natural ecosystem. For complete details and regular updates on the project, visit blm.mn/park-improvements.

DISPOSITION OF RESPONSES

1. All materials submitted in response to this RFQ will become the property of the City and will become public record after the evaluation process is completed and an award decision made. If the Artist submits information in response to this RFQ that it believes to be trade secret materials, as defined by the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minnesota Statutes Section 13.37, the Artist must: Clearly mark all trade secret materials in its response at the time the response is submitted by indicating in writing the specific page number(s) and paragraph(s) classified as trade secret and therefore nonpublic; and
2. Include a statement in the Letter of Interest with its response justifying the trade secret designation for each item and defend any action seeking release of the materials it believes to be trade secret, and indemnify and hold harmless the City, its agents and employees, from any judgments or damages awarded against the City in favor of the party requesting the materials, and any and all costs connected with that defense. This indemnification survives the City’s award of a contract. In submitting a response to this RFQ, the Artist agrees that this indemnification survives as long as the trade secret materials are in possession of the City. The City is required to keep all the basic documents related to its contracts, including responses to the RFQ for a minimum of seven (7) years.

Please note: The following information and the attached form of agreement sample are for the consideration of any interested applicant. This information is provided so that all applicants have a better understanding of their responsibilities and requirements should they be selected and contracted by the City of Bloomington for this project. Agreement is subject to change.   

CONTRACT TERMS

The clauses included in the sample form of agreement (Attachment A) will be included in the contract between the City and the selected Artist that has been chosen to provide the Services described herein. Any exceptions to the contract terms and conditions included in the RFQ must be identified by the selected Artist in the response to this RFQ.  The City reserves the right to amend contract terms on a case by case basis.

INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

Artist shall maintain insurance coverage, naming City as additional insured, as described in Attachment A. The Artist shall not commence work until all insurance has been obtained and copies have been filed and accepted by the City. The Artist shall be responsible for maintaining a valid certificate of insurance throughout the term of the Contract, as required in the sample agreement.