Pocket Park Art - Request for Qualifications

2/12/21 UPDATE: We are no longer accepting submissions for the Pocket Park Artwork. Thank you to all who applied.

The Mount Vernon Area Arts Council is seeking qualifications from artists for exterior artwork to be installed into the South Alley “Pocket Park” located on Main Street in downtown Mount Vernon. Area artists are encouraged to submit qualifications.

The Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Development Corporation (CDC) is spearheading the installation of a pocket park in the south alley between two storefronts on the First Street corridor in downtown Mount Vernon, Iowa. The park will include three raised platforms, each with table and chairs as well as chalk boards for children’s activities. A metal archway and overhead lighting are also part of the plan.

The Mount Vernon Area Arts Council (MVAAC) is requesting RFQ’s for an artwork to be installed on the west side wall of the alley.

The selected artist(s) will create artwork that will enhance the pocket park and speak to the City’s history, dedication to arts & culture and its citizenry. Last year the State’s Iowa Arts Council designated Mount Vernon’s First Street corridor as an official Cultural & Entertainment District.

Overall themes within the park will include unity, inclusivity, and a welcoming place for all. The artwork will be site specific but is not limited to a particular medium. However, the artwork cannot be applied directly to the building’s surface and must be installed with attachment points. The budget for the artwork may not exceed $9,500, including design, fabrication, transportation and installation.

The full RFQ form is available to download here, or by clicking the image below. We encourage you to visit the space in person, as well as the architect’s renderings included in the RFQ PDF.