Sculptural Artwork for Grimes Park

The City of DeSoto is seeking to commission an artist or artist team to design and produce a permanent, interactive sculptural installation for Grimes Park. Guided by the City's theme "So Much To Love," the artwork should celebrate play, movement, connection, and shared outdoor experiences that reflect the park's role as a gathering place for families and youth. The sculpture is intended to invite physical interaction and engagement as part of active park use. While the artwork will be installed near the playground, multiple locations near the playground may be considered. Final siting will be determined during design development in coordination with City staff. Respondents are invited to review the information and submit their qualifications per the criteria established within this RFQ. Written questions regarding this RFQ must be received by the Purchasing Office no later than August 13, 2026. Questions may then be responded to by written amendment to this document. All submittals must be received by Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at 4PM (local time). Any response received at the specified submittal location after the due date and time assigned will be returned unopened. All members of the public are invited to view the RFQ opening meeting through Teams at: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/25508895006579?p=U0XM2Xo4LJtDdXo3G4 or by dialing +1 469-965-2602, Meeting ID: 296 874 050 815 10. After the deadline, a three to five-person selection panel consisting of representatives from the DeSoto, Texas Cultural Arts Foundation, community members, and arts professionals will review all eligible submissions. Up to three artists will be short-listed by the selection panel. Short-listed artists will be asked to develop a concept design qualification and will be compensated a stipend of $150.00 upon presentation of their completed concept design qualification. Concept Design Qualification shall include: a concept narrative explaining the general context and approach of the artist's idea, draft budget, timeline, and a scaled visual representation of the artwork concept that could be a drawing, painting or digital rendering. The selection panel will review each short-listed artists' completed concept design qualification and choose one artist to award the commission. Short-listed artists will be strongly encouraged to review all aspects of the site prior to submitting a final concept design qualification. Determination for a site visit has not yet been established.