Public Art Commission Opportunity – City of Rupert

The City of Rupert, Idaho (“City”) is seeking proposals from qualified artists or artist teams to design, fabricate, and assist in the installation of a permanent outdoor public artwork at the
prominent intersection of 7th Street and G Street, at the end of Fremont Avenue in the City. The City intends this monument to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026 and to celebrate the spirit, heritage, and shared values of the Rupert, Idaho community.

The City encourages proposals ranging from traditional sculptural monuments to modern or abstract works that speak to Rupert’s history, identity, and enduring American values of freedom, independence, and community pride.

Project Goals
 Honor the Nation’s Founding: Mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with a lasting and meaningful public artwork.
 Celebrate Local Identity: Reflect Rupert’s history, culture, and values—whether agricultural heritage, pioneering spirit, or civic pride.
 Create a Landmark: Provide a visually striking, durable work of art that becomes a recognizable point of pride for residents and visitors while creating a cohesive element in the historic downtown.

Eligibility
This opportunity is open to professional artists, art vendors, and artist teams residing in the United States.
 Previous experience completing outdoor public art installations is preferred but not required.
 Artists of diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and artistic styles are encouraged to apply

Artwork Guidelines
The artwork should:
 Be permanent, durable, and low-maintenance, suitable for Idaho’s four-season climate.
 Be visible and impactful from a distance.
 Be safe for public interaction and able to be placed in the intersection without obstructing pedestrian or vehicle line-of-site requirements in the surrounding area.
 Include interpretive or educational elements if desired (plaques, integrated text, etc.).
The City is open to a wide range of artistic expressions: traditional figurative sculpture, abstract monumental art, or multi-material installations that meet the project’s commemorative purpose.

Budget
The City has identified $35,000 for this project; however, the final budget may exceed the amount depending on fundraising and the cost of the selected artwork.
This amount must cover all costs related to the design, engineering, fabrication, transportation, installation, artist travel, insurance, and any other expenses necessary to complete the project.

Proposal Submission Requirements
Interested artists must submit the following in digital format (PDF preferred) and delivered to Rupert City Hall by deadline of 12/20/2025.
1. Letter of Interest (1–2 pages)
o Describe your artistic vision, approach to commemorative or community-focused work, and why this project interests you.
2. Concept Sketches or Renderings
o Illustrative images of your proposed design (conceptual level acceptable at this stage).
o Indicate materials, size, and installation concept.
3. Budget Estimate
o Preliminary breakdown showing how the project would be completed within the available funds.
4. Timeline
o Proposed milestones from design to fabrication and installation, anticipating completion by mid-late 2026.
5. Resume / CV (for artist or team members)
o Include past public art commissions or relevant experience.
6. Portfolio of Past Work
o 5–10 images with descriptions (title, location, materials, budget, year completed).
7. References
o At least two professional references, is preferred, from someone familiar with your public art or large-scale project work.

Contact
For general questions, to request the full RFP, or clarifications about making application, please contact:
Kelly Arthur Anthon —  kelly.anthon@rupert.id.us] |  (208) 436-9600
Leslie Garner — leslie.garner@rupert.id.us] |  (208) 436-9600
City of Rupert Administration