---
title: Streamway Trail Sculpture
description: >-
  Public art commission for an interactive nature-themed sculpture on Turkey
  Creek Streamway Trail in Merriam, KS. $250,000 budget; national call.
url: 'https://www.artsume.com/programs/ec2eae29-13a2-42e2-afdd-40179621934d'
type: program
status: closed
createdAt: '2026-05-28'
updatedAt: '2026-09-30'
programType: Public art
organization: City of Merriam
organizationUrl: 'https://www.artsume.com/o/city-of-merriam'
deadline: '2026-06-05'
location: 'Merriam, KS, United States'
isOnline: false
compensationRange: >-
  $250,000 project budget (all-inclusive); $2,000 stipend for up to 3
  semi-finalists (inclusive of travel expenses)
disciplines:
  - sculpture
careerStages:
  - Emerging artist
  - Established
  - Mid-career
---

# Streamway Trail Sculpture

**Hosted by:** City of Merriam

**Type:** Public art | **Location:** Merriam, KS, United States | **Deadline:** June 5, 2026

## About This Program

> "Nature, place-based pride, community engagement, inclusivity"

The City of Merriam and Merriam Public Art Committee invite public artists to submit qualifications for the design, fabrication, and installation of an interactive artistic sculpture which will be located on the Turkey Creek Streamway Trail, serving as a striking focal point within the landscape. The sculpture should be unique and specific to the site. The sculpture should have a theme drawing from nature, providing an opportunity to inform and inspire visitors. The sculpture design must be inclusive, featuring accessible elements that ensure safety and accommodate a wide range of abilities and ages. It should also be engineered to include climbable features that allow for safe interaction by people of all abilities. Materials must be durable and appropriate for exterior applications within the climate of eastern Kansas.

The project should foster place-based pride, engage residents and visitors, draw attention to and beautify public space, and position Merriam as a vibrant community supportive of arts and culture.

Desired placemaking outcome(s): Engagement – Enhance our community's vibrancy and quality of life by inviting people to engage with art as learners, collaborators, or explorers. City Identity – Welcome visitors to the Streamway Trail. Inclusivity – Feature accessible elements that ensure safety and accommodate a wide range of abilities and ages. Creative Class – Highly visible project that represents values and makes Merriam known for the arts.

The Streamway Trail site is located near 6901 Knox St., Merriam, KS 66203. The sculpture will be located in the open field next to the butterfly garden, across from the Merriam Public Works facility.

The budget for this project is $250,000. The final artist/team selected is responsible for using this contract amount for all costs associated with the project. Up to three semi-finalists will be invited to develop a site-specific proposal for the project and asked to present at an interview. A stipend of $2,000, inclusive of any travel expenses, will be provided for this work.

## Eligibility & Requirements

- **Career Stage:** Emerging artist, Established, Mid-career
- **Geographic Eligibility:** National
- **Disciplines:** sculpture
- **Age Requirements:** 18+ years old
- **Note:** Must have completed at least one commissioned outdoor public art sculpture with a budget of $20,000 or more in the past ten years. Must be 18+ and legally able to work in the United States. Priority given to artists who live, work, or have a meaningful connection to the greater Kansas City region.

### Additional Requirements

1. Artist Statement / Letter of Interest: up to one page outlining interest, vision, relevant experience with municipal governments, approach to design referencing the Public Art Master Plan, and conceptual approach to public art. 2. Resume: one-page biographical information or resume. 3. Portfolio: up to 10 images of recent relevant art projects (at least one outdoor sculpture completed within the last 10 years with a budget of $20,000 or more), with brief project descriptions and final costs. 4. References: contact information for at least 3 professional references. Artist teams: one Letter of Interest, a resume and artist statement per artist plus a combined statement, 10 images total, at least one reference per artist.

## Compensation & Benefits

$250,000 project budget (all-inclusive); $2,000 stipend for up to 3 semi-finalists (inclusive of travel expenses)

**Includes:** Commission fee

The $250,000 budget covers all project costs including artist's design fee, assistant costs, consultation fees, insurance, tools, equipment, materials, fabrication, transportation, installation, travel, per diem, documentation, and contingency. Up to three semi-finalists receive a separate $2,000 stipend (inclusive of travel) to develop site-specific proposals; this is not drawn from the project budget.

## Timeline

- **Opens:** May 28, 2026
- **Deadline:** June 5, 2026

## Contact

**Email:** aslocum@merriam.org

## How to Apply

Apply at: https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=17206