Title
Artist Design, Fabrication, and Installation Contract for The Sueño Park Public Art Project (Ordinance S-52620) - District 4
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into a contract, and amendments as necessary, with Maximo Branding LLC, DBA Joe Ray, in an amount not to exceed $130,000 for design, fabrication, and installation services for the Sueño Park Public Art Project. 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 includes funding for the Sueño 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 Sueño Park.
The artist will be responsible for designing artwork that will serve as a focal point for the park and incorporate a functional element, such as shade or seating. The artwork will act as a visual identifier for the community, celebrating the identity of the park and its neighborhood. The artist will provide design, fabrication, and installation services, with an anticipated installation in winter of 2027.
The applicant pool for the Pre-Qualified Artists Roster for General Obligation Bonds was used to select the artists for this project. As stated in the Request for Qualifications (RFQu), applicants to the RFQu may be considered for similar public art project opportunities developed by the City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture.
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 Menjiva, Estrella Super Moms. The panel reviewed applications over a three-week period and met on December 11, 2025, to review, discuss, and vote to recommend an artist and an alternate. The panel recommended Joe Ray as the artist and Oliverio Balcells as the alternate.
Financial Impact
The cost associated with this agreement is $130,000. The approved Public Art Plan includes Water Services Department 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 January 20, 2026, by a 9-0-1 vote.
Location
Sueño Park, 4401 W Encanto Boulevard, Phoenix, AZ 85035
Council District: 4
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Managers Frank McCune and Cynthia Aguilar, the Office of Arts and Culture and the Parks and Recreation Department.