Public Art Project - Park Entrance Sign
Deadline to apply: Monday, Feb. 9, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. CST
OVERVIEW
The City of Columbia, Missouri invites artists from Missouri and adjacent states to apply for a public art project for the park entrance sign in the new North Village Park. At this point, artists should submit qualifications only, not a design proposal (see Selection Process and Application Information). After finalists are selected, they will be invited to create design proposals for a stipend.
ABOUT NORTH VILLAGE PARK
The 2.3-acre park is located in the North Village Arts District in downtown Columbia, Missouri. The former brownfield site is being revitalized as a public park focused on art and music. The park will be used as a primary location for citizens and visitors to Columbia to view a variety of outdoor public art displays that will be installed in multiple locations throughout the park. The public art displays will enhance the park experience for patrons and impact the city’s cultural tourism. Park visitors will be able to view and interact with the different outdoor art exhibits allowing for public opportunities related to art engagement, education and promotion. The park design will also incorporate a public performance space, destination playground, outdoor seating, sidewalks for vendor fairs and large lawn for community events.
See Appendix A in full PDF guidelines document for site plans.
PARK ENTRANCE SIGN PROJECT
There is an opportunity for permanent public art in the park in the form of a park entrance sign, to be located on the corner of Orr Street and Park Ave. The sign design should incorporate the name “North Village Park.” The park address, 210 Orr Street, can be incorporated into the design, posted on base or adjacent to the sign.
The sign should be fabricated with durable materials and will be surface mounted to a concrete slab or footings. Park staff will work with the selected artist and an engineering firm to determine necessary footings or foundation for installation after final design is completed. The engineering firm will specify required bolts and bolt pattern for installation. Park staff will install the engineered footings or foundation for the art installation and assist with onsite installation. It will be the responsibility of the artist to deliver the sign to the designated park location.
The goal for the park entrance sign is to be an attractive and artistic feature that welcomes visitors to the park.
THE ART BUDGET
The budget has been established at $40,000. The amount must include all artist fees, materials, fabrication, shipping, installation, etc.
The budget will not include the footings or foundation work necessary for installation. This will be the responsibility of the Parks and Recreation Department.
ARTIST ELIGIBILITY
The project is open to all artists and artist teams, 18 years and older, who are legal residents of the United States residing in Missouri or adjacent states (Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas and Oklahoma). Professional artists with experience in the field of public art are encouraged to apply. All applicants, regardless of race, sex, religion, nationality, origin or disability, will be considered.
ARTIST SELECTION PROCESS
The City’s Standing Committee on Public Art – made up of artists, arts professionals, community representatives and project staff – will review applications and choose finalists. Applications will be evaluated on the basis of artistic and technical merit and strength of past work. Though not required, relevant work in the field of public art is desirable. Three finalists will be chosen from the applicant pool and asked to develop design proposals, and they will each receive an honorarium of $1,000.
After a public comment period, all finalists will be invited to interview with the project selection where their designs will be reviewed. The selection panel will recommend the applicant(s) they believe to be most qualified for the project and chosen design to the city’s Commission on Cultural Affairs. The City Council will finalize the decision. Once the contract has been approved by City Council, the selected artist(s) will be able to move forward with creation of the artwork. The artist(s) will coordinate with Parks & Recreation staff to schedule a timeline installation of the work to coincide with the completion of the park.
TIMELINE
Subject to change based on project schedule:
- Monday, Feb. 9, 2026: Deadline for RFQ submission (5 p.m. CST).
- February-March 2026: Finalist notifications and interviews
- April-May 2026: Finalist designs and community engagement
- June-July 2026: Commission on Cultural Affairs and City Council approval
- Fall 2026: Fabrication and installation.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Applications must be submitted via online form by Monday, Feb. 9, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. CST. Emailed applications cannot be accepted. Late and incomplete submissions will not be considered.
INQUIRIES
City of Columbia, Missouri, Office of Cultural Affairs, 573-874-7512 or OCA@CoMo.gov