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City of Key Westcommission
City of Key West Welcome/Thank You for Coming Signs Public Art Commission (RFP 26-011)
- Who Can Apply: Professional artists and artist teams with a demonstrated history of completing thoughtful work integrated into challenging public spaces; no residency requirement.
- The Focus: Original, site-specific public art commissioned as a gateway at the entrance to Key West on US 1 — a welcome work and a thank-you work.
- Compensation: Project budget of $75,000–$100,000 for the commission as a whole, inclusive of design, artist fee, fabrication, installation, base, lighting and landscaping; no separate installation allowance.
- Key Requirements: Sealed paper proposal with completed application cover sheet and current resume; written proposal (2 typed pages max); itemized budget; concept drawings printed (5 pages max) or maquette, or digital PDF/JPG on a thumb drive (5 images max, not exceeding 75 dpi); a small model/maquette for 3D proposals; State licensing compliance documentation; ten signed forms/certifications (Non-Collusion, Non-Coercive Conduct, Public Entity Crimes, Indemnification, Equal Benefits for Domestic Partners, Cone of Silence, Anti-Kickback, Local Vendor Certification, Scrutinized Companies, DEI); proposer information and signature page and subcontractor list; one signed original plus two flash drives each containing one single PDF.
DeadlineThursday, October 15, 2026
Pay$75,000 to $100,000 for the project as a whole, inclusive of design, artist fee, fabrication, delivery, installation, base, lighting and landscaping
Application fee$0
DurationBuild and install period: one year from the City's notice to proceed, extendable once by six months if both sides agree in writing.
LocationKey West, FL
ParticipationOn-site
Disciplinespublic art, site-specific, mixed media, architectural, streetscape, historical
Application notesSealed paper submission only: no email, fax, upload or portal. Send by mail, certified mail, FedEx or UPS, or hand deliver to the City of Key West, Office of the City Clerk, 1300 White Street, Key West, FL 33040, marked 'RFP 26-011 PROPOSAL FOR PUBLIC ART FOR THE WELCOME/THANK YOU FOR COMING SIGNS PROJECT'; include one signed original plus two flash drives, each holding the whole submission as one PDF. Proposals received after 3:00 p.m. on October 15 are automatically rejected. A cone of silence is in effect: written communication only. Written questions closed September 28, 2026; the City answers by October 9, 2026, and amendments are posted on the City's bid listing, so check it before sending. Eight of the ten forms carry a notary block. Consult the City Engineering Department (in writing) about proposed locations before submitting. The selected artist must carry $300,000 liability insurance and provide County/City licensing, including a City of Key West Business Tax License Receipt, within ten days of notice of award. Contacts: Elizabeth Young, director@keysarts.com (artwork/program); Lucas Torres-Bull, lucas.torresbull@cityofkeywest-fl.gov (procurement).
Contactdirector@keysarts.com
City of Key West
Organization based in Key West