Title
Artist Contract for Cortez Park Well Site Public Art Project
Description
This report requests the Economic Development and Housing Subcommittee recommend City Council approval to enter into a contract, and amendments as necessary, with John Randall Nelson for an amount not to exceed $380,000 to fabricate and install of artwork for the Cortez Park Well Site Public Art Project.
THIS ITEM IS FOR CONSENT ACTION.
Report
Summary
The Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-29 Public Art Plan includes funding for artistic enhancements for a new production well site at Cortez Park. Through a competitive process, an artist selection panel reviewed the qualifications of 78 applicant artists and recommended John Randall Nelson as the project artist. A design contract with John Randall Nelson, in the amount of $50,000, was recommended by the Arts and Culture Commission on March 10, 2020. The recommended design contract was subsequently approved by Council on November 18, 2020.
John Randall Nelson has completed the scope of work for the design contract. The final design consists of 15 artistic medallions for the exterior security walls of the well site, and a monumental sculpture at the street corner. The new well site is located at the northwest corner of Cortez Park along Dunlap and 35th avenues. The project, including the public art elements, is expected to be completed in 2025.
The initial design concept was presented at an in-person public meeting on September 27, 2023 at Cortez High School, along with a follow-up online design survey shared with residents in October 2023 via the District 1 digital newsletter. John Randall Nelson incorporated public feedback for his concept and finalized the design, which was presented at another public meeting on April 24, 2024, held at Cortez High School.
Financial Impact
The Cortex Park Well Site Public Art Project is one of 42 projects in the FY 2024-29 Public Art Plan that City Council approved on July 1, 2024. The proposed budget of $380,000 ($360,000 artist contract + $20,000 contingency) will cover all costs related to fabrication and installation of the artwork. Additional funding in the Plan for this project covers staff time, contingency, and administrative costs. Funds are available in the department’s Capital Improvement Budget using Percent-for-Art funds.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
The Phoenix Arts and Culture Commission reviewed and recommended this item for approval on June 11, 2024, by a vote of 9-0.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Inger Erickson and the Arts and Culture Department.