Iconic Sculptural Landmark for Clearwater's Waterfront

The City of Clearwater Public Art & Design Program is seeking professional artists or artist teams to create an iconic public artwork for Clearwater's newly renovated Coachman Park, a 3-acre waterfront park which hosts numerous events every year and is also home to our award winning amphitheater The BayCare Sound. The selected artwork will serve as a recognizable landmark and destination feature that encourages interaction, photography, and social media engagement while celebrating the unique identity of Clearwater. The City is looking for a bold, visually engaging artwork that acts as a marker for Clearwater and creates a memorable experience for residents and visitors alike.

While we understand this is a Request for Qualifications (RFQ), we encourage artists to submit a brief letter describing their vision for Coachman Park and, if possible, a rough concept sketch. This is not intended to be a finalized design, but rather an opportunity for the selection panel to better understand how you envision your artwork enhancing the park. Our goal is to commission a signature piece that is both iconic and meaningful to Clearwater—a work of art that serves as a placemaking destination, is instantly recognizable as part of Coachman Park, and inspires residents and visitors alike to stop, engage with the artwork, and capture memorable photos.

Concepts may incorporate themes related to Clearwater's coastal environment, culture, waterfront, marine life, sunsets, music, recreation, tourism, or community identity. While these themes are encouraged, we also welcome fresh and unexpected interpretations. The selection panel frequently receives proposals featuring dolphins and other traditional sea life, so artists are encouraged to think beyond these common motifs and explore creative concepts that offer a unique and memorable representation of Clearwater while still reflecting the character and spirit of the community.

Potential approaches may include sculpture, illuminated elements, architectural features, integrated seating, or other creative landmark-style installations. Durable materials suitable for Florida's waterfront climate are strongly encouraged, including but not limited to stainless steel, coated metals, acrylic, tile, stone, concrete, or other weather-resistant materials capable of withstanding heat, humidity, storms, and salt-air conditions from the bay.

A selection panel consisting of representatives from the Clearwater Public Art & Design Board, Clearwater Arts Alliance, City staff, local arts professionals, and community representatives will review artist qualifications and past work. The initial review process will utilize a blind jury format whenever possible, with artists evaluated primarily on artistic excellence, prior body of work, and demonstrated ability to execute projects of similar scale and complexity. A shortlist of finalists will be selected to develop conceptual proposals.

Finalists will receive a $600 stipend to develop and submit two (2) design concepts. Final artist selection will occur after review of these proposals and presentations. Selected finalists notified by November 1, 2026; final proposals due by Friday, December 30, 2026. The City of Clearwater reserves the right to reject any or all applications or proposals and to modify or terminate the selection process at any time without prior notice.