The City of Marion has opened a call for artists to design a signature sculpture piece for the Central Plaza project.
The sculpture will be located near Seventh Avenue and the crosswalk in City Square Park.
The request for qualifications and application to apply can be found online at CaFE (Call for Entry).
With construction on the Central Plaza underway, the City of Marion is seeking artist qualifications from those interested in creating a permanent signature sculpture for the Central Plaza “that engages people within the park and piques the interest of others driving by.
“This work of art should convey the spirit of the community, create interest and draw people to Marion,” city officials said in a release.
Applications will be accepted online until Monday, April 15. Following the closing of the call, a selection panel will review each submission and select finalists, who will then be invited to submit a formal proposal.
The city hosted a groundbreaking ceremony March 28 for the $8.35 million Central Plaza project, which involves reconstructing the eastern portion of City Square Park, as well as a vacated section of 11th Street.
Key features of the project will include a refrigerated ice-skating loop, year-round accessible public restrooms, a live performance space, water features, an interactive play sculpture, public art, seating, an enclosed Depot Pavilion, and other improvements.
The project also includes planting perennial flowers and native trees, laying commemorative bricks, and installing decorative lighting.
Funding for the project includes a $3 million grant from Destination Iowa and a $100,001 ARPA grant from the Linn County Board of Supervisors. The Marion Park Foundation is spearheading a private fundraising effort, aiming to raise $1.3 million. The rest of the expenses will be met through local option sales tax funds and general obligation bonds.
The project began in March and is projected to be mostly finished by December 2024.
