Temporary Public Art Installation – Uptown Ankeny

The City of Ankeny invites artists and artist teams to submit proposals for a temporary public art installation in the Uptown District, located along the High Trestle Trail. This initiative aims to enhance the vibrancy and visual appeal of Uptown while creating an engaging and memorable experience for residents and visitors.  The High Trestle Trail is a popular regional destination that attracts a high volume of cyclists, walkers, and visitors throughout the year, offering significant visibility and engagement opportunities for public art.

Project Details

• • Location: Uptown Ankeny along the High Trestle Trail (specific site(s) to be determined in collaboration with the selected artist)

• • Installation Deadline: July 1

• • Exhibition Dates: July 1 – December 31
    (Artwork will become the property of the City and will be removed at the conclusion of the exhibition period)

• • Budget: Up to $2,500 total (inclusive of artist fee, materials, fabrication, and installation)

Artistic Direction
We welcome a wide range of creative approaches and encourage innovative, visually compelling, and community-oriented concepts. Proposed installations should be durable, safe for public interaction, and suitable for outdoor display over an extended period.

Submission Requirements

• • Artist statement or brief bio

• • Concept proposal (including description, materials, and approximate dimensions)

• • Sketches, renderings, or examples of past work

• • Installation plan, including any site considerations

• • Budget breakdown (not to exceed $2,500 total)

Eligibility
This opportunity is open to individual artists and artist teams. Local and regional artists are especially encouraged to apply.

Application Deadline: May 15

Final artist selection is subject to review and approval by the Ankeny Cultural Arts Board and City Council. Selected artist(s) will be notified shortly after the submission deadline to allow adequate time for planning, fabrication, and installation.

Questions
For questions or additional information, please contact:
Lindsay Fox
City of Ankeny Economic Development Department
lfox@ankenyiowa.gov
515-965-6431