Request for Proposals – Phelps County Bank Sculpture Commission

Submission Deadline: September 28, 2026

Installation Deadline: February 27, 2027

Sculpture Walk Springfield, in partnership with Phelps County Bank (PCB), invites artists to submit proposals for a permanent sculpture to be installed at the courtyard entrance of PCB’s new downtown Springfield branch—a remodel of the historic downtown YMCA building on Jefferson Avenue. 

The chosen artwork will establish PCB as a cultural and civic anchor, reflect the values of community, connection, and growth, and provide a striking welcome for guests ahead of the building’s early 2027 public opening. 

About the Site

A courtyard-style plaza at the building’s main entrance off Pershing, site of the former downtown YMCA, being remodeled into PCB’s new branch. Adjacent to accessible parking and the primary pedestrian approach, and is intended as a welcoming arrival point.

      • Rendering and site plan included below.

Project Goals

      • Establish Phelps County Bank as a cultural and civic anchor in downtown Springfield.
      • Serve as a visually compelling landmark that draws intentional foot traffic to the entrance courtyard.
      • Reflect the values of community, connection, and growth.
      • Nod the site’s history as Springfield’s downtown YMCA, a longtime community gathering place.
      • Prioritize durability and low maintenance, engineered for year-round outdoor Ozarks weather exposure.

Budget

      • Artist Commission: $10,000
          • This portion of the budget must cover all costs related to:
              • Artist fee
              • Design and fabrication
              • Transportation and delivery
              • On-site installation
      • No additional funds will be provided for infrastructure changes or site preparation.

Eligibility

      • Open to professional artists or teams aged 18+.
      • Demonstrated experience creating durable, large-scale public work is preferred. 

Selection Criteria

Artistic Merit & Vision: Clarity, creativity, and connection to the site’s history and community.

Footprint must not exceed 15 feet in any direction.

      1. Visual Impact: Strong sculptural presence that complements the courtyard and architecture.
      2. Durability & Safety: Outdoor longevity with minimal upkeep.
      3. Feasibility: Technical execution within budget and timeline.
      4. Community Fit: Relevance to Springfield’s cultural and civic landscape.

Submission Requirements

Please submit the following (PDF format):

      • Statement of Interest (max 1 page): Concept description and how it reflects the goals of this RFP.
      • Visuals: Sketches, renderings, or mockups.
      • Budget Breakdown: Estimated costs and timeline.
      • Resume/CV: For individuals or teams. 
      • Portfolio: Up to 5 relevant past works, especially large-scale or outdoor projects.

Timeline

Call Opens: August 7, 2026

Submission Deadline: September 20, 2026

Artist Notification: September 28, 2026

Contract Finalized By: October 8, 2026

Fabrication Period: Upon Signing – January 2027

Installation Deadline: February 27, 2027

Submission Instructions

Email all required materials to: submissions@sculpturewalkspringfield.org

Subject Line: PCB Sculpture Proposal – [Your Name]