The search for an artist or group of artists to create artwork that’ll show Central Florida’s culture and character along I-4 is underway.

“The Orange County Public Art Review Board seeks an artist or artist team(s) to develop artwork for a dedicated site located to the south of I-4 at the Grand National Drive overpass to provide an artistically rich installation that will capture the character and culture of our community, and visually enhance the public space,” an Orange County press release stated. 

Professional artists working in three-dimensional media are eligible to participate.

The deadline to turn in all application resumes, images and other materials is Wednesday, November 6. As far as the placement for this artwork, the area being considered falls between the “City of Orlando and the International Drive overlay plan.” 

The budget for the artwork is $200,000, funded from a grant by the I-4 Ultimate Art Endowment Committee. 

While the quality of the artwork is a part of what will go into the Public Artist Selection Panel’s decision making, durability and the ability to withstand weather conditions, such as extreme heat and hurricanes, and not deteriorating are some of the most important factors. There also shouldn’t be much need for adjustments to be made to the artwork. 

The people who select the artwork will consist of “the project manager, arts professionals, and staff,” according to the press release. The final three artists will be awarded a stipend of $2,000 for their proposals for the site. 

The amount of work that can be turned in is between one and 10 images. There are no requirements to turn in anything audio or video related, although the maximum for anything in those categories is one item. In total, artists need to turn in a minimum of one item and a maximum of 12 items to be considered.

Timeline of Events

•  Nov. 6, 2019, midnight MST – Artist submission deadline on CAFÉ.
•  Nov. 13, 2019 – Selection Panel Review Meeting to choose three finalists.
• Dec. 4, 2019 – Artist Site Visit for three finalists.
• Feb. 19, 2020 – Selection Panel Review meets to review final proposals and select artists.
• May 1, 2020 – Artist final proposal due to I-4 Ultimate Project. 
• Feb. 2, 2021 – Artwork installation completed.

For questions, contact Terry Olson, the Director of Arts & Cultural Affairs for Orange County, at [email protected] or 407-836-5540.