Main Street Batesville seeks proposals for public art display  

Main Street Batesville and the Batesville Area Arts Council are seeking proposals for a public art display that will be placed inside the Citizens Bank Pocket Park.

The desire is for the display to create a canopy for the public space.

“The art should fuse art and purpose together by using items such as kites, umbrellas, shade sails, or more,” Main Street Batesville said in a release. 

Batesville has a unique cultural and historical background, being geographically nestled in the foothills of the Ozarks and the oldest continuous city in the state. Designs that reflect the region and its rich history are encouraged.

The display will have a two-fold purpose, the release noted.

First, it will add vibrancy to an area that is used by the public for events and gatherings.

Secondly, the display will make the space more comfortable during the summertime.  

The selected artist(s) would be eligible for up to $10,000 to cover the cost of materials and artist fees. The funding of the project is dependent on approval from the Department of Arkansas Heritage and will be determined. The selected artist will be required to arrange for all necessary equipment, lifts, tools, and materials. These costs will be covered by the art funding.  

The selection of the artist and the design will be made by Main Street Batesville and Batesville Area Arts Council.

Submission requirements:  

• description of proposed art display and connection to Batesville  
• personal statement about the artist(s) work and past experiences  
• design image (this can be a sketch or digital design)  
• budget outline  

The deadline for design ideas and proposals is Oct. 1. Questions and submissions can be sent to Mandi Curtwright, executive director at Main Street Batesville, via email at mainstreetbatesville@gmail.com.