Title
Artist Design and Installation Contract for Hermoso Park Public Art Project (Ordinance S-52714) - District 8
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or the City Manager's designee, to enter into a contract with artist Nyla Bevel in an amount not to exceed $50,500 for design and installation services for the Hermoso Park Public Art Project. If the artist is unable to participate, the panel identified Antoinette Cauley as an alternate to be contracted in their place. Further request authorization for the City Controller to disburse all funds related to this item.
Report
Summary
The Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-30 Public Art Plan provides funding for the Artists Initiatives, which includes funding for the Hermoso Park Public Art Project. In partnership with the Parks and Recreation Department, the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture is commissioning an artist to design artwork for Hermoso Park.
The selected artist will design artwork that resonates with a diverse audience while creating meaningful community engagement opportunities with the neighborhood. The piece will serve as a visual landmark, celebrating the unique identity of the park and its surrounding community. The artist will provide design and installation services, with an anticipated installation in late 2026.
The Pre-Qualified Artists Roster for Murals was used to select the artist for this Project. On July 30, 2025, a selection panel reviewed 83 applications from artists who responded to a City-issued Request for Qualifications. The selection panel identified 42 artists to be included in the Roster.
The artist selection panel for this Project included: Stacia Holmes, Parks and Recreation Department; Michelle Ponce, artist and community activist; Samaria Winans, neighborhood artist; Yaritza Flores Bustos, artist and community member; and Rosa Menjivar, Estrella Super Moms. The Hermoso Park Public Art Project selection panel reviewed applications over a three-week period and met on January 30, 2026, to review, discuss, and vote to recommend an artist and an alternate for the Project. The selection panel recommended Nyla Bevel as the artist and Antoinette Cauley as the alternate.
Financial Impact
The cost associated with this agreement is $50,500. The approved FY 2025-30 Public Art Plan includes Water Revenue and Wastewater Revenue Percent for Art funds for this Project.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
The Phoenix Arts and Culture Commission reviewed and recommended this item for approval on February 17, 2026, by a 9-0-0 vote.
Location
Hermoso Park, 2030 E. Southern Avenue
Council District: 8
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Managers Frank McCune and Cynthia Aguilar and the Arts and Culture and Parks and Recreation departments.