Title
Artist Contract for Cortez Park Well Site Public Art Project (Ordinance S-51316)
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, 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 artwork for the Cortez Park Well Site Public Art Project. Further request authorization for the City Controller to disburse all funds related to this item.
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. An artist selection panel reviewed the qualifications of 78 artists who submitted applications and recommended John Randall Nelson as the artist. The Arts and Culture Commission recommended a design contract with John Randall Nelson in the amount of $50,000 on March 10, 2020. The recommended contract was subsequently approved by the 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, will be completed in 2025.
The initial design concept was presented at an in-person public meeting at Cortez High School on September 27, 2023, along with a follow-up online design survey shared with residents in October 2023 via the District 1 and Arts & Culture digital newsletters. John Randall Nelson incorporated public feedback for his concept to finalize the design, which was presented at another in-person public meeting on April 24, 2024, held at Cortez High School.
Financial Impact
The Cortex Park Well Site Public Art Project is one of 48 projects in the FY 2024-29 Public Art Plan that the City Council approved on July 1, 2024. The proposed budget of $380,000 will cover all costs related to the 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. The Economic Development and Housing Subcommittee approved this item at its September 11, 2024 meeting, by a vote of 3-0.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Inger Erickson and the Arts and Culture Department.