The City of Johnson City, TN is seeking qualifications from artists or art teams for the commission of a sculptural fountain

The City of Johnson City, TN is seeking qualifications from artists or art teams for the commission of a sculptural fountain to be placed in a pond within a newly developed wetland park.

ELIGIBILITY: This opportunity is open to all professional artists over the age of 18 with previous public sculpture experience. Artists must reside within the United States.

BUDGET: Up to three finalists will be selected to develop concept proposals for this project. The total project budget for the selected commission is not to exceed $65,000. Finalists who plan to provide both the sculptural component and the water fountain (and include both of these elements in their designs) will receive a $2,000 honorarium for their proposals. Finalists who plan to provide the sculptural component only will receive $1,500 for their proposals. The selected artist/art team will be paid $59,000 (if including both the sculpture and the fountain) and $44,500 (if including the sculpture only) for the commissioned work. If the fountain component is not included in the selected artist’s design, the City will provide an aerating fountain to combine with the sculptural piece. The selected artist/art team will be responsible for own travel costs, materials, housing, and personal liability insurance. Finalists will be required to present their work to City of Johnson City staff via Zoom.

THE PURPOSE OF THE STORMWATER BASIN / WETLAND PARK PROJECT: As part of the redevelopment of the West Walnut Street corridor, a business district between East Tennessee State University and downtown Johnson City, a former business complex was demolished to accommodate a new park designed to alleviate flooding and improve water quality. Storm related flooding is a major concern for area residents and business owners in this area. This project, with a primary goal of stormwater mitigation and storage, will capture surface water, treat it efficiently and discharge it into Brush Creek. As Brush Creek is an impaired stream with causes such as E. coli and sedimentation/siltation, the infusion of treated surface water will be beneficial to the overall water quality of the creek and surrounding areas. The wetland park will include a storm pond for water storage, and the sculptural fountain will be located at this site.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The City of Johnson City is seeking a sculptural fountain design that celebrates ecological restoration, biodiversity, and the return of a tranquil, natural oasis in the midst of a busy urban corridor. The fountain is also intended to serve a functional purpose in aerating the pond in which it will be placed, improving water quality and the health of aquatic life. Artists will have the option to provide either both the sculptural component and the fountain or the sculptural component only. If only the sculpture is provided, the City will select a fountain and will work with the artist to place it along with the sculpture. Artists who include the fountain must offer an aerating fountain as opposed to a decorative fountain, or include a combination of the two.

The pond will be fed by water from a spring that once belonged to one of the first families to settle in the Johnson City area. Through natural water filtration and erosion control in the wetland park, the water flowing through this area is expected to be greatly improved, thereby creating an environment where more wetland species may thrive. Shade trees will also be planted along the waterways, cooling the water temperature and providing more oxygen to sustain aquatic life. After this period of ecological restoration, it is hoped that indicator species such as frogs, salamanders, turtles, and waterbirds such as the Great Blue Heron will occupy this area, signifying positive changes in the overall health of the natural environment. The fountain design should be inspired by this narrative and should in turn inspire the viewer to reflect upon the importance of water quality in our community. Please view the complete project description at the link below or view the attached RFQ for additional details.

INSTALLATION DATE: The sculpture installation will take place by August 31, 2026. Installation will be scheduled in consultation with the City of Johnson City Public Works Department.

SUBMISSION DETAILS: Visit https://www.johnsoncitytn.org/bid_detail_T4_R432.php

After clicking the link above, view the Attached Document "RFQu 6849 Sculptural Fountain Project.pdf" for complete submission details
IMPORTANT: If you wish to submit electronically, please view the "Addendum 1" located just above the "RFQu 6849 Sculptural Fountain Project.pdf" link. The link for electronic submissions in the RFQu document itself is not functional, and our Purchasing Dept. issued the Addendum to provide the active link for electronic submissions. The Addendum is also attached to this email.
Questions? Please call our Purchasing Dept. at 423-975-2715