Lighting/Shadow/Sound Art Opportunity- Racoon River Valley Trail Underpass

The City of Waukee seeks an artist or artist team to develop, design and install permanent public art using light, shadow or sound on the interior sides of a pedestrian/bicycle underpass along the Racoon River Valley Trail. The site is near NW 20th Street and Douglas Parkway, adjacent to the new Public Safety Facility. The preliminary project budget is up to $30,000, including all project costs; the final budget will be determined after selection. Three finalists will each receive a $500 stipend to refine their proposals. Project completion is planned for summer 2027.

Light, shadow or sound; discovery, surprise, imagination and emotional connection; celebrating the vibrancy and diversity of Waukee.

Geographic eligibility is Midwestern States, United States. Artists or artist teams must have completed two commissioned indoor or outdoor public works of art valued at least $25,000 each, demonstrate understanding of Waukee's unique character, and be able to participate in a virtual interview if needed. Preselection site-visit travel costs will not be covered. The artwork must be one cohesive piece and the artist's original work in concept, composition and execution, suitable for public viewing and permanent installation. The tunnel dimensions are 12'-0" X 10'-0" X 164'-0". Artwork should be colorful, eye-catching, high-impact, engaging, low-maintenance, durable, aesthetically and photographically pleasing, and appealing day and night in all seasons. The artist is responsible for necessary preparation of the underpass walls. The preliminary maximum project budget is up to $30,000 and includes design fees, travel, materials, wall power washing, priming and other site preparation, fabrication, documentation, transportation and installation, subcontractor work, maintenance and honorariums. The final budget will be determined after artist selection. One artist or artist team will be commissioned; each of three finalists will receive a $500 stipend to refine their proposal before a final interview. Selection considers 1–4 color sketches or design concepts, the letter of interest, work samples, project understanding, ability to meet the schedule and consideration of project criteria. Submit digitally in a single PDF, with work-sample JPEGs permitted as separate files: contact information for the artist and all team members; a one-page letter describing interest and design approach and addressing eligibility, community engagement and project criteria; one-page biographical information or resume for lead artist(s), including one paragraph for each team member if an artist-led team; contact information for three references from recently completed projects of similar scope; 3–5 work samples of projects completed within the last five years, with up to three standard JPEG images per project, each labeled with the applicant's full name and sequential number matching the work-sample list; a one-page work-sample list with a brief description and budget for each; and no more than three pages of initial concepts for the RRVT Underpass Lighting Project, which may include sketches, images and text. Email all materials to Nick Osborne at nosborne@waukee.org with “RRVT Underpass Lighting Project” in the subject line. Materials must be received by 4:30 p.m. CST on November 2, 2026; late submissions will not be accepted, and receipt will be acknowledged by email. Finalists will be announced November 20, 2026; presentations are scheduled for December 2026; project completion is due summer 2027. The City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals. Entry is free. Eligible forms include light, shadow and sound art; the listing also names digital art, technology, experiential art, lighting, wall art, video and projection mapping.