The City of Ann Arbor Public Art Commission and the Park Advisory Commission need an artist for the renovation of West Park near downtown Ann Arbor.

The project has a budget of $10,000 which will decorate the park’s new concrete seat walls. These will be built on the park’s hill which will start this spring.

The funds for this project is from the city’s Percent for Art program. This was an ordinance passed by City Council in 2007 where 1 percent of the funds  for the capital projects of the city be given for public art.

The three new walls at West Park are 18 by 18 in width and height and 120, 90, and 60 feet long, going downhill.

Ann Arbor’s park planner Amy Kuras said that they are looking for something that is vandal-resistant and will not interfere with seating.

Amy Kuras said that they are looking into the options of paintings, mosaics or impressions in the concrete. But it will still be up to the artist who will handle the project.

The art must complement the theme of the park and create a natural environment. The master plan is to add wetlands, native plants and new pathways.

Those who are interested should submit the follwoing to the city by Friday, Feb. 12:
- letter of interest
- resume
- 3 references
- 20 images of past artwork

A panel of art professionals, Art Commission and Park Commission staff and community members will select a finalist.

Selection will be based on the following criteria:

- quality of presentation
- strength of past work
- experience working in public settings

Panelists will also judge artist’s ability to install the artwork and the ability to work in a team.

Find an Ann Arbor Park in the Directory of Ann Arbor, MI.