RFQ - Ocean Springs Gateway Sculptures #17969

Ocean Springs, Mississippi

Request for Qualifications – Ocean Springs Gateway Sculptures

The City of Ocean Springs, Mississippi will accept sealed statements of qualifications from qualified and experienced metal fabrication and design team members to create two gateway sculptures for the North and West entrances to our beautiful city. These sculptures will serve as welcoming landmarks that reflect the cultural heritage and artistic spirit of Ocean Springs.

PROJECT GOALS:
- Welcome visitors to Downtown Ocean Springs through impactful and place-based sculptures.
- Support wayfinding, including activation of the developing Porter Avenue Corridor.
- Strengthening the city’s brand as a haven for arts, culture, environment, tourism, and dynamic quality of life.
- Highlight and promote Ocean Springs’ historical, cultural, and natural assets.

SCOPE OF WORK:
- Design and fabricate two metal sculptures to be installed at the designated entrance locations.
- Collaborate with the City of Ocean Springs and local stakeholders to ensure the sculptures align
with the community’s vision and aesthetic.
- Provide detailed plans, material specifications, and installation methods.
- Help coordinate the transportation and installation of the sculptures.
- Help ensure all work complies with safety standards and local regulations.

QUALIFICATIONS:
- Proven experience in metal fabrication, design and illumination, specifically for large-scale public art installations.
- Portfolio of previous public art projects, including images and descriptions.
- Ability to work within a budget and meet deadlines.
- Ability to work well with other project stakeholders and committee members
- Strong communication and collaboration skills.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
- Proposals shall be sealed and properly labeled as: QUALIFICATIONS FOR OCEAN SPRINGS GATEWAY SCULPTURES
- Proposals may be delivered or mailed to the following no later than 2:00 p.m., Thursday, May 1, 2025.

o Attn: City Clerk, City of Ocean Springs
o Hand-Deliver: 1018 Porter Avenue, Ocean Springs, MS 39564
o Mailing: Post Office Box 1800, Ocean Springs, MS 39566-1800

- Each Submission must include:
o Cover letter expressing interest and suitability for the project.
o Resume or CV of key team members.
o Portfolio of relevant work including images, descriptions, costs, and timeline of past projects.
Feature projects with a cost of $300,000 or less.
o References from previous clients or collaborators.

EVALUATION CRITERIA:
- Artistic merit and originality of past work.
- Relevant experience in metal fabrication and illumination of public art projects.
- Ability to meet project requirements and deadlines.
- Quality and comprehensiveness of the submission.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
- For questions or additional information, please contact: Julian Rankin, Executive Director of the Walter Anderson Museum of Art [julian@walterandersonmuseum.org – 228-872-3164]

Publish Two (2) Times in Legal Section on:
- Wednesday, April 2, 2025
- Wednesday, April 9, 2025