Title
Artist Contract for Laveen Heritage Park 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 Dixie Friend Gay for an amount not to exceed $460,000 to design, fabricate and install of artwork for the Laveen Heritage Park Public Art Project. The subcommittee is also asked to approve the selected alternate, DiBari & Associates, who would be contracted only if the selected artist is not able to complete the project.
THIS ITEM IS FOR CONSENT ACTION.
Report
Summary
The Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-29 Public Art Plan includes funding for artwork to be located at Laveen Heritage Park, currently under construction on 14.17 acres of land at 6925 W. Meadows Loop. The recommended artist, Dixie Friend Gay, will work with the project design team and the Parks and Recreation Department to design an iconic work of art to be installed within the butterfly garden of the park.
On May 12, 2023, a selection panel reviewed 214 applicants from artists who responded to a City-issued Request for Qualifications. A Pre-Qualified Artists Roster for City Parks was used to select the artist for this project. The panel identified 43 artists to be included in the Pre-Qualified Artist Roster for City Parks. The Laveen Heritage Park Public Art Project is one of several projects that will utilize this Roster.
The artist selection panel for the Laveen Heritage Park Public Art Project included: Kenia Cerna, District 7 resident and college student; Rex Gulbranson, retired art administrator; and Joe Diaz, City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Deputy Director. The panel reviewed the applications over a two-week period, then met on July 17, 2024 to collectively review, discuss, and vote to recommend an artist and alternate for the project. The panel recommended Dixie Friend Gay (TX) as the artist and DiBari & Associates (FL) as the alternate for this project.
Financial Impact
The Laveen Heritage Park Public Art Project is one of 48 projects in the FY 2024-29 Public Art Plan that City Council approved on July 1, 2024. The proposed $460,000 budget will cover all costs related to the design, 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 August 13, 2024, by a vote of 8-0 and two abstentions.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Inger Erickson and the Arts and Culture Department.