RFP for Bob Hart Square Arch Sculpture

The City of Merced seeks a qualified metal‑fabrication artist to design, fabricate, and install a permanent public‑art sculpture at the center of the Bob Hart Square arch. The artwork must interpret the historic Canal Street irrigation theme, be metal‑based, weather‑resistant, and securely mounted to an existing metal band with specific dimensions. The project budget is approximately $25,000, with a final delivery deadline of 31 Oct 2026. Proposals are due by 01 May 2026. • Design a concept that reflects Canal Street’s water‑irrigation heritage and fits within the existing arch band. • Fabricate a durable metal sculpture, providing mounting brackets and ensuring structural compatibility with the band (inside diameter 7‑ft‑9‑in, band thickness 3 in). • Deliver, install, and coordinate on‑site installation; submit full portfolio, technical approach, budget, timeline, and references on a USB‑C device plus paper documentation. • Evaluation will consider artistic vision (25 pts), technical expertise (25 pts), public‑art experience (20 pts), feasibility (15 pts), submission quality (10 pts), and local‑artist preference (5 pts).