PROJECT OVERVIEW:
The ARC (Aquatics and Recreation Center) is located in Curtistene S. McCowan Park which is situated south of E. Parkerville Road between Uhl Street and Academy Way. It is bounded on the west by athletic fields, on the north by commercial and residential properties, on the east by DeSoto ISD’s Katherine Johnson Technology Magnate Academy and the south by a residential subdivision.

The new aquatics and recreation center is planned to be two stories with a combined area of approximately 74,600 square feet. It includes inviting spaces for physical fitness, aquatics, mental health, and overall wellness to serve the community of DeSoto. Aquatic and recreation amenities include an indoor natatorium with two separate bodies of water including a 25 meter x 25 yard lap pool along with a separate leisure pool. The facility includes a variety of water features supporting a mix of aquatics programming, dry-side recreation and community spaces including a two-court gymnasium, fitness center (cardio/ weights), indoor turf, indoor running track, multi-purpose community rooms, locker rooms, and wellness space along with administrative offices.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
In December 2020 the DeSoto City Council adopted the Cultural Arts Master Plan that established a process for further development of the arts in DeSoto. Within this master plan the following goals were identified:

Public art should represent the “soul of the city” and create a new identity for the city.
Help establish and identify opportunities for using DeSoto’s parks and open spaces for displaying art.
Build on the natural beauty of the DeSoto landscape to make the city more walkable.
Respondents are encouraged to review the DeSoto Culture Arts Master Plan.

PROJECT THEME:

The proposed theme of the commissioned artwork is “So Much to Love” (About DeSoto)

PROJECT GOALS:

Piece should be of the highest technical quality and be fabricated from safe and durable materials.

BUDGET DESCRIPTION:
The project budget is $110,000 of all project costs, including artists’ fees and expenses, taxes, travel, shipping and crating, insurance, design, fabrication, installation/execution and transporting of any materials and supplies related to creating the artwork for the project site. Please carefully review the selection and timeline details below.

LOCATION:
The ARC at McCowan Park (Under Construction)
1129 South Uhl Road
DeSoto, TX 75115

Commissioned artwork will be installed on the northeast wall of the main entry lobby.

SELECTION PROCESS:

Selection committee, consisting of a three (3) to seven (7) person panel of representatives from the DeSoto Arts Commission, City Staff, Community and Architect, will review the submitted artists responses to the RFQ and will shortlist up to three (3) artist or artist teams to move forward with Phase 2 of the selection process (Concept Design Proposal).

Selection Criteria: RFQ will be evaluated in these areas:

Artistic merit and technical quality of the body of work
Strong professional qualifications and/or experience completing large scale sculpture/public works
Compatibility with the vision of City of DeSoto
Conveying an artistic interpretation of the theme
Demonstrated ability to work on time, on budget
Concept Design Proposal (CDP) criteria will be shared only with the shortlisted artist at the time of notification. Honoraria of $1,500 per artist will be allocated for the three (3) shortlisted artists.

TECHNICAL PARAMETERS FOR A SUCCESSFUL ARTWORK:

Size: 26’ High” x 18’ Wide
Artwork should have a cleat system or D rings for installation
Artists should have a proficiency in a variety of technical areas and be able to convey clearly how artwork will be integrated into interior architecture
Artist should be willing to work with City of DeSoto and make revisions as requested
Artwork that includes any breach of intellectual property, trademarks, brands, or any images of illegal activity.

TIMELINE:

Call for Artist Open: Tuesday, July 9, 2024
Call for Artist Closes: Wednesday, August 14, 2024, 10 PM CST
Notice of Shortlist: Wednesday, September 4, 2024
CDP Issued: Thursday, September 5, 2024
CDP Response Closes: Thursday, October 3, 2024
Artist Interviews: Monday, October 7 - October 11, 2024 (Virtual)
Mobilization Meeting: Week of October 21, 2024 (Virtual)
Art Installation: October 2025 (Tentative)
Application Requirements
Phase 1 – RFQ:

5-10 images of previous work. One image per page.
Annotated Image list: Including dimensions, title, location, budget, install date, medium and 1-2 sentences explaining the background of the piece. For team application, please indicate the lead artist for each piece.
Professional Resume – 2 pages maximum
Artist Statement (800-word max) for proposed City of DeSoto artwork
3 professional references with full title and contact information (Email Address and Telephone Number)
Selected artist(s) or artist team will be expected to work with City of DeSoto staff or their designee to develop and
implement the specifications and details of the commissioned art project.

Developing the final design proposal inclusive of descriptive narrative, project budget, and project timeline
Selecting appropriate materials for the artwork
Attending meetings with stakeholders as necessary (virtual or in person)
Obtaining all required permits
Maintaining appropriate general liability insurance naming the City of DeSoto as an additional insured throughout
the term of the contract.
Site access and Working on-site
Providing detailed instructions to care for and maintain the artwork
Providing detailed documentation on colors and other custom details