City of Inverness, FL: Call for Public Art Sculptures

General Information

The City of Inverness invites artists to submit existing sculptures or original sculpture concepts for a new interactive public art installation within the City's medical and school district.

The City is seeking engaging, interactive, and multi-sensory artwork that encourages the public to pause, explore, and participate. Proposed artwork may incorporate movement, sound, light, tactile elements, or other interactive features and should create a memorable and approachable experience for visitors of different ages.

The project is intended to introduce a distinctive piece of public art into an active pedestrian area and add visual interest, creativity, and opportunities for interaction within the surrounding streetscape. Artists are encouraged to propose work that responds thoughtfully to the site while offering a unique and engaging public experience.

The selected artwork will be installed outdoors along W. Highland Boulevard in Inverness, Florida, near HCA Florida Citrus Hospital. The proposed installation area is approximately 8 feet wide by 90 feet long.

Artwork must be suitable for permanent outdoor display and constructed from durable materials appropriate for Central Florida conditions. Proposals should consider public safety, accessibility, maintenance, structural integrity, and the surrounding environment.

A total budget of $25,000 is available for procurement of the artwork and all associated project costs, including, as applicable, artist fees, design, fabrication, materials, transportation, delivery, installation, insurance, permitting, engineering, site preparation, and any other expenses necessary to complete and install the artwork.

Examples of interactive public art are included with this call for inspiration and to illustrate the types of interactive or multi-sensory qualities the City is interested in. Artists are not expected to replicate the examples shown.

Submission Deadline: November 7, 2026 Artist Selection: Within 7 days following the submission deadline Project Completion: Selected artist will have 60 days from notification of selection to complete the project

Application Requirements

Applicants should submit the following materials:

1. Artist Statement The statement should provide an overview of the artist's practice and the relationship of their work to the goals of this public art opportunity.
2. Images of Proposed Existing Artwork Provide clear photographs of the sculpture or sculptures being submitted for consideration. Include the dimensions of each piece.
3. Interactive Element Description Provide a brief explanation of any movement, sound, light, kinetic, or interactive features incorporated into the work, including how those elements function and what activates or triggers them.
4. Portfolio of Previous Work Submit three to five relevant examples of past work, preferably demonstrating experience with public art, sculpture, interactive installations, kinetic work, sound-based work, or similar projects.
5. Resume or CV Provide a current professional resume or curriculum vitae detailing relevant artistic experience, exhibitions, commissions, public art projects, education, or other qualifications.

Eligibility Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Artistic excellence and originality
• Responsiveness to the project goals and site
• Experience completing public art projects
• Durability and long-term maintenance considerations
• Feasibility within the project budget and timeline
• Artists with a demonstrated record in public art or comparable projects.
• Applicants must submit pre-existing artwork for consideration; this opportunity is not intended as a commission for the creation of an entirely new sculpture.
• Proposed artwork must be suitable for installation in a public outdoor environment.
• Artwork must be capable of meeting applicable safety and accessibility requirements and be appropriate for long-term exterior display.