The inital application period closed March 28, 2025.

CONTACT: vkeenan@grcity.us | 616.456.3696

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This project is in continutation of the Heritage Hill Park concept plan (see below):

 

The art piece will be designed based the themes that were identified by neighbors. See survey results & themes below:

 

Engagement to Date/Survey: Parks and Recreation, with support from the Heritage Hill Neighborhood Association, sent out a postcard to residents informing them of the project and inviting them to participate in a survey about the future art piece. A total of 436 postcards were sent out to households within a quarter mile of the park space, and 42 residents participated in the survey.

Residents were asked to submit words or phrases that they feel represent the Heritage Hill Park space and/or the surrounding neighborhood, with the understanding that their responses would be used as design guidelines for the future art piece. The words and phrases were grouped into three themes:

  • Comunity and Diversity​

    • Community, diverse, urban

    • Connection, acceptance

    • Inclusive, diverse, shapeshifting community

    • Tranquil, vibrant community

    • Diverse, eclectic, small yet cozy

  • Historical Legacy ​

    • Traditional/historic, bronze art deco

    • Place of possibilities, cultural exchanges

    • Old-fashioned heritage vibe

    • Generous stewards of our legacy 

  • Nature Connection​

    • Space, openness, inclusion

    • Tranquil, vibrant community

    • Traditional, classic, nature-inspired

 

I. Project Intent

As a part of the improvements at Heritage Hill Park, The City of Grand Rapids’ Department of Parks and Recreation seeks to commission an art piece for the park space. In February of 2024, the Department sent out an online survey to neighbors living within a quarter mile of the park space, asking them to provide input on the future art piece (see attached report). The art piece should be reflective of the Heritage Hill neighborhood, community input, and the final design plan for the park space.

The Department is seeking an original stand-alone art piece (sculpture). The art piece must be durable, low maintenance, able to withstand the outdoor elements, and appropriate for the location. When designing the art piece, the artist(s) should take into consideration the high amount of pedestrian traffic, existing lighting, and weather conditions.

This project is open to all artists, not just those with previous public art experience. Groups of artists are welcome to apply under a single application. 

II. Budget

The budget for this project is $15,000. This includes all costs associated with, but not limited to; the artist(s) design fee, materials, labor hours, transportation, and commission.

The Parks and Recreation Department will support certain cost outside of the $15,000 such as community engagement, permanent and temporary art education signage, and foundation costs associated with art installation.

III. Eligibility

The project is open to all artist(s), age 18 years and over. Special consideration will be given to artist(s) that are local to Grand Rapids, MI metropolitan area. 

IV. Selection Process

The initial application period will close March 28, 2025 @ 5PM. A committee comprised of Parks and Recreation Staff, members of the Heritage Hill Neighborhood Association, and community members will select three artist(s) to move forward to the second round.

In the second round of the application process, three artist(s) will be paid a stipend of $500 to develop a 2D sketch of their proposed art piece, an artist statement connecting their sketch to the project and the Heritage Hill neighborhood, dimensions of the art piece, and a list of proposed materials. These items will be sent out to neighbors surrounding Heritage Hill Park, and the final selection of the artist(s) will be determined by a public vote.

Once the final artist(s) are selected, they will be awarded 50% of the project budget ($7,500) to begin working on the design of the art piece. The remaining 50% of the project budget ($7,500) will be awarded after the installation of the art piece.

The artist(s) will be required to register with the City of Grand Rapids as a vendor prior to receiving any payment. All payments will be sent in the form of a check mailed to the payment address provided in the vendor self service portal (established during the registration process). Payment can only be sent out after vendor registration is complete, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been signed by all involved parties, and an invoice has been submitted by the artist(s). 

V. Timeline 

  • March 10: Release Call for Artist 
  • March 28: Deadline for Applications
  • April 21: First Round Selection (Notice to Top Three Artist)
  • May 16: Due Date for Conceptual Design 
  • June 27: Final Selection & Notification to Artist 
  • Fall 2025 - Summer 2026 (flexible): Installation 

VI. Application Requirements (Please read before submitting): 

 

  • Submit at least 2 examples of previous work. Links to an artist(s) website or social media page is acceptable.

  • Previous public art experience is not required; however, preference will be given to those with previous sculpture experience.

  • Artist groups may apply in a single application. The project budget remains the same.

  • Artist(s) must be at least 18 years of age to apply. A youth group may apply under the supervision of an adult.

  • Special consideration will be given to artists that are in the Grand Rapids, MI metropolitan area.

  • The design of the final art piece will be reviewed by the City of Grand Rapids Art Advisory Committee and align with the Public Art and Memorials Policy.