Aqua Crest Aquatic Complex

Palm Beach County is seeking an artist or artist team to design, fabricate, and install tile-based art at the Aqua Crest Aquatic Complex in Delray Beach under a Call to Artists, with shortlist applications due October 19, 2026. A 5-point local preference applies to finalist selection for artists with a permanent place of business in Palm Beach County.

The scope encompasses approximately 960 square feet of integrated tile artwork across five wall panels on the south, southeast, east, southwest, and west-facing facades of the entrance and ticketing building. Materials include ceramic, porcelain, terracotta, stone, or glass. The artwork must complement the facility's architectural style and provide visual interest inspired by recreational and competitive aquatic activities while withstanding the local environment. The project runs through April 10, 2028 and includes design development, construction documents, permitting, fabrication, shipping, and installation phases.

The total project budget is $348,000, inclusive of all expenses including artist fees (not to exceed 10 percent of the total budget), design, engineering, permits, materials, fabrication, contractor costs, shipping, installation, construction oversight, travel, hotel, transportation, mileage, and insurance. All shortlist artists selected to present concept proposals receive a flat $1,000 honorarium.

Shortlist selection, limited to up to three artists, is weighted 40 points for demonstrated ability to design, construct, and install large-scale public art and 60 points for quality and strength of past work. Finalist selection is weighted 45 points for artistic merit of concept design, 50 points for extent the design meets art design goals, and 5 points for local preference. Eligible applicants are professional artists with demonstrated experience in architecturally integrated tile art; applications are submitted through a free CODAworx account. Selected artists must register their business entity with the Florida Department of State and the County's Vendor Self-Service system and execute the County's standard Artist Services agreement.

Shortlist selection is scheduled for November 30, 2026, followed by a mandatory pre-proposal virtual meeting on December 6, 2026, and finalist selection on January 11, 2027. Board of County Commissioners' contract approval is tentatively scheduled for May 11, 2027, with a Notice to Proceed on May 31, 2027.