Sandusky seeks artists for Wheels Park mural and interactive sculpture; proposals due March 20

Mr. Miller reported that two calls for artists are posted for Wheels Park: one for a mural covering vertical surfaces of the skate park and another for a sculpture intended to be interactive or rideable. Both calls are open with proposals due March 20; questions from applicants are due by the end of the current week, and staff will publish a Q&A for interested artists.

Mr. Miller said there is budgeted compensation for both projects through the Public Arts and Culture Commission, which will prepare a staff report and decide which proposals to advance. He outlined options for procurement if few applicants respond: the city can request qualifications only and then pay a finalist to develop a full proposal or revise the solicitation if no suitable responses arrive. He said his outreach list includes roughly 60–70 artists plus about 100 community contacts gathered during the park's design process and that examples from other cities have generated international interest.

Committee members asked whether the request for proposals might be too demanding for smaller or local artists; staff acknowledged that the sculpture will likely require engineering expertise because it is expected to be functional and safe for riding. No formal decision was taken; the Public Arts and Culture Commission will consider proposals at its next meeting.