Organizer Information

Urbandale Public Art Committee (UPAC) is committed to encouraging and facilitating public art of high aesthetic quality in Urbandale, Iowa. Their mission is to enhance the town’s identity, promote tourism, strengthen community engagement, and make art accessible to the general public. UPAC collaborates with municipal departments, local artists, and residents to create site-specific public artworks that celebrate the uniqueness of Urbandale and its community spaces.

Title & Description

Barrett Boesen Park and Natural Playscape Entrance Public Art Project – RFQ 2026 The City of Urbandale seeks professional artists or artist teams to design, fabricate, and install a permanent public art installation at the entrance of Barrett Boesen Park and Natural Playscape. The artwork will serve as a visually engaging, non-interactive entrance feature that welcomes visitors and celebrates the park’s nature-based play areas and environmental stewardship. Artists are encouraged to draw inspiration from natural forms, ecosystems, growth, and the Midwest landscape to create a site-specific and memorable landmark. The project emphasizes:
  • Celebrating nature and environmental stewardship
  • Reinforcing the park’s identity as a regional destination
  • Serving as a welcoming entrance landmark
  • Harmonizing with the surrounding natural landscape while remaining visually distinct
This opportunity represents a collaboration between UPAC, the City of Urbandale, and community stakeholders.

Categories

Visual Art, Public Art, Site-specific, Sculpture

Eligibility

  • Artists or artist teams must be 18+.
  • Must live within a 40-mile radius of Urbandale, IA.
  • Open to individuals or teams capable of completing large-scale, permanent public art projects.
  • Applicants should have prior experience with site-specific installations or community-oriented artworks.

Program Benefits & Awards

  • Commission Budget: $75,000 all-inclusive for design, fabrication, delivery, footings, and installation.
  • Finalist Stipend: $1,000 for each finalist not awarded the commission.
  • Opportunity to create a permanent public art landmark with high visibility.
  • Engagement with community representatives and municipal stakeholders.
  • Expansion of professional portfolio in large-scale, site-responsive works.

Application Fee

None

Application Requirements

All submissions must be sent as a single PDF to ensure completeness:
  1. Artist Statement – up to 250 words (350 words for teams) describing artistic practice and, if applicable, each collaborator’s contribution.
  2. Resume/CV – maximum 2 pages per artist.
  3. Work Samples – up to 5 digital images, video, or audio files. Each file should correspond with a Support Description list detailing project title, medium, size, location, budget, and commissioning organization.
  4. References – minimum three individuals who can attest to the artist’s experience and reliability.
  5. Preliminary Proposal – up to 250 words outlining concept ideas for this project. Specific fabrication details are not required at this stage.
Note: Multiple files or external links will not be accepted.

How to Apply?

Submit all application materials via email to: jherke@urbandale.org

Key Dates

  • Application Deadline: 11 February 2026

  • RFQ Issue Date: January 7, 2026

  • RFQ Submission Deadline: February 11, 2026, 1:00 pm CST

  • Finalists Announced: March 2, 2026

  • RFP Distributed to Finalists: March 6, 2026

  • RFP Submission Deadline: June 1, 2026

  • Artist Presentations: 1st or 2nd week of June 2026 (TBD)

  • Commission Award & Contract Execution: July 2026

  • Installation Completion: Spring 2027

  • Dedication Ceremony: Spring 2027

Location

Urbandale, Iowa, United States

Additional Details

  • The artwork must be non-interactive and visually compelling from multiple vantage points.
  • Artists are responsible for structural engineering, footings, materials, lighting (if applicable), and compliance with city codes.
  • Proposed artwork must be original and unique to this project.
  • Selection criteria include artistic merit, alignment with project theme, site responsiveness, safety, material suitability, experience, and maintainability.
  • The City may adjust project timelines if necessary for coordination and approvals.

Website Link: https://www.urbandale.org/