Heritage Park seeks Public Art Project Proposals

Introduction
Johnson County Park & Recreation District (JCPRD) launched its Public Art Program in 2020 to activate parks, trails, and facilities in a new way. The JCPRD Public Art Program commissions and cares for a collection of public artworks in JCPRD parks and facilities, and promotes the community’s access to and engagement with public art. The Public Art Program is guided by the JCPRD Public Art Committee, a nine-member advisory committee to the JCPRD Board. The Public Art Committee advises and makes recommendations to the JCPRD Board regarding the Public Art Program. JCPRD has adopted a policy to set aside one-half of one percent (.5%) of the annual Capital Improvement Plan budget for public art. JCPRD is also using those funds to leverage additional philanthropic dollars.

In fall 2021, JCPRD approved a Public Art Master Plan. As part of this planning process, the following goal serves as a guiding statement for the program:

Public art in JCPRD parks, trails and facilities will inspire a deeper connection to place through interactive, immersive, and inclusive experiences.

The Heritage Park Potawatomi Public Art piece will be the 14th permanent public art project in the JCPRD collection.

Public Art Goals
The goals for the Heritage Park Public Art Project are to:

• Commemorate the 1838 Potawatomi Trail of Death which travelled through Heritage Park.
• Use art to celebrate the resiliency of the Potawatomi tribe and reflect their culture, incorporating culturally significant colors, symbols, or imagery, as appropriate.
• Use art to highlight and celebrate the natural environment within Heritage Park including native flora, fauna, and unique features of the park.
• Celebrate the role that art and artists play in our community and in our economy.

Project Overview
The Public Art Program is interested in commissioning an artist or artist team to create a site-specific, permanent sculpture at Heritage Park to commemorate the Trail of Death and celebration the resiliency of the Potawatomi tribe. The Trail of Death, a forced removal journey of the Potawatomi tribe, occurred in 1838. This 660-mile grueling trek passed through the land that is now Heritage Park in Olathe, Kansas.   The site of the art will be adjacent to the current historical marker, located in the Heritage Park Marina Parking lot, located at 16050 Pflumm Road, Olathe, Kansas 66062.

The Potawatomi tribe conducts a pilgrimage of the Trail of Death every five years, journeying from Indiana to Kansas, travelling the same path to honor their ancestors. The most recent pilgrimage occurred in September 2022, with over 100 gathered from across the United States to participate. Johnson County Park & Recreation District hosted a commemorative event and breakfast at Heritage Park for those on the journey. Learn more here.

Artist Scope of Work
The final selected artists will be responsible for the following:

• Based on the approved concept proposal, develop final design documents, detailing every physical feature of the sculpture and its integration with the site.
• Execute the fabrication and installation in a manner that conforms to the approved concept proposal.
• Provide maintenance and conservation instructions for the completed artwork.
• Work cooperatively and maintain effective communication with all parties involved in the project.
• Participate, as requested, in community outreach and dedication events.

Design Specifications

• The public art should be fabricated of highly durable, low-maintenance materials, that can withstand Kansas weather with a life expectancy of 20-30 years.
• The proposal should include engineering approved detail around proposed concrete bases and footings, sized to the sculpture. JCPRD will assist with site preparation, within reason.
• There are no height or weight limitations, but artists should consider the scale of their pieces in accordance with the assigned project budget ($100,000).
• Lighting should be considered as part of the design. JCPRD will assume the cost of any external lighting elements, within reason.
• The artwork must have no points or sharp edges than can pose a hazard to pedestrians.

Artist Eligibility

The public art opportunity is open to professional artists residing within the United States with a tribal affiliation that is recognized. If you have questions about your eligibility, please contact us at jcprdpublicart@jocogov.org.

Submittal of Qualifications
Interested artists should submit their qualifications as outlined below by Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at 11:59 PM MT through the CaFÉ (Call for Entry) website. Click here to submit your qualifications. Technical questions about the online submission platform should be directed to: https://www.callforentry.org/artist-help-cafe/.

• Submission of a tribal membership card or letter from the respective tribal enrollment office.
• A letter of interest that indicates your interest in the project and how you might approach the commission of creating a site-specific piece at Heritage Park (no more than 2 pages).
• A CV/resume with current contact information (no more than 3 pages).
• Names and contact information for 3 professional references.
• Up to 10 sample images of previous artwork relevant to this project.
• A corresponding image list with artwork title, medium, dimensions, brief description, location, date of work, commissioning entity and budget/price.

To learn more, and submit your application, please visit this link.