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You will submit this application online using PublicArtist.org.
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| Budget: $62,000 |
| Activated: 04/22/2025 Deadline: 06/23/2025 |
| Call Summary Create an 8–12 ft tall, durable metal sculpture honoring the courage and service of Waco firefighters at the new Fire Station #4 (2601 La Salle Ave). Artist budget $62,000. Apply via PublicArtist.org by June 23 , 2025. Open to professional artists / artist led teams who reside in, and are legally authorized to work in, the United States. Preference will be given to applicants with a demonstrable connection to Waco or McLennan County, Texas. Installation targeted for August 2026. |
| Budget Description USD $62,000 Budget details are provided for Phase 1 reference only—NO cost proposal is requested at the RFQ stage. |
| Project Description Fire Station #4 (2601 La Salle Avenue) is under construction as a forward looking public safety facility that will serve neighborhoods that include Baylor University housing and campus. The selected artist/team will design, engineer, fabricate, transport, and install the work. Mediums such as bronze, stainless steel, or painted steel are encouraged; integrated low voltage lighting is possible. |
| Artwork Goals The City of Waco and Creative Waco seek a signature outdoor sculpture to be placed at the street-facing entrance that: -Honors the courage, service, and inclusive spirit of Waco firefighters. -Anchors the new station as a civic landmark and photogenic point of pride. -Balances Tradition & Place. Stakeholders prefer a recognizable firefighter figure enriched with symbolic details and an optional, subtle nod to Baylor University’s bear mascot—avoiding kitsch or mascot like literalism. -Endures Central Texas climate with minimal maintenance. |
| Artwork Location Description Address: 2601 La Salle Avenue, Waco, TX 76706. Preferred Scale: A 48 in × 48 in (1.22 m ×1.22m) concrete plinth Finished height 8–12 ft (2.4–3.7m), plan footprint 6 ft². |
| Site History Fire Station #4 has protected South Waco since the early 1950s. The 2025-26 rebuild replaces an aging facility with a modern, energy efficient station designed by Martinez Architects. Located near Baylor University, the site serves as a visible gateway along historic La Salle Avenue—the corridor that once linked downtown Waco to the cotton and rail industries and now anchors campus life and neighborhood revitalization. |
| Eligibility Open to professional artists or artist-led teams residing in the United States. Preferred: demonstrable connection to Waco or McLennan County (lived, worked, or studied here). Must be 18 +, legally able to work in the U.S., and carry required insurance Experience with public art of similar scale/budget is desirable but not mandatory; applicants must demonstrate capacity to deliver a durable, code compliant work. The selected artist will execute the City of Waco Artwork Agreement (template available on request) covering insurance for fabrication, transportation, and installation phases, copyright transfer, and maintenance obligations. |
| Application Requirements |
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Biography Resume: 1 page(s) maximum Work examples: 1 - 10 Artist Statement Letter of Interest Statement of Interest (max?1 page) – Connection to the project, artistic approach to figurative public sculpture, experience working with civic stakeholders. |
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Artists are allowed to apply in teams.
Artists applying as a team must split the allotted number of work examples between themselves. |
| Selection Information |
| Selection Process For Phase 1 RFQ Process: 1. Artistic Review Panel – arts professionals, firefighters, community members evaluate concept strength and local relevance. 2. Up to three finalists receive stipends to develop maquettes and present to the panels. 3. Recommended design proceeds to the Waco Arts & Culture Commission and then Waco City Council for contract approval. |
| Timeline Project Schedule (subject to Council approval) Milestone- Date RFQ published- 22 April 2025 RFQ submissions deadline- 23 June 2025 Technical & Artistic Panel review- 23 June – 30 June 2025 Finalist interviews & maquette presentations -by 2 September 2025 Arts & Culture Commission recommendation- 9 September 2025 City Council presentation of recommended design and contract approval - 7 October 2025 Artist contract executed- 31 October 2025 Fabrication- November 2025–July 2026 Site prep & installation- August 2026 Artwork acceptance by the City of Waco- 15 August 2026 Fire Station Opening Celebration- September 2026 |
| Additional Resources |
| RFQ Fire Station #4 (PDF) |
| Contact Information | Julie Cervantes PO Box 1104 Waco TX 76703 United States 2543008677 julie@creativewaco.org |
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