Request for Proposals 
Project Title: Riverside Arts Market Lift Station Public Art

Issued By: Riverside Avondale Preservation (RAP) in collaboration with JEA

Funding Partners: Haskell, PNC Foundation, COJ Environmental Protection Board

Theme: Water, River, and Connectivity

Deadline to Submit: August 20, 2025

Project Overview

Riverside Avondale Preservation (RAP), in collaboration with JEA invites professional artists, as individuals or teams, to submit proposals for a public art installation on a JEA lift station, pictured above, overlooking the St. Johns River and downtown Jacksonville skyline. This project celebrates water as a vital, life-giving force and emphasizes the natural beauty of the riverfront environment, a cornerstone of our community. The concepts provided shall be inspired by local history and community research.

The selected artwork will serve as a visual representation of our shared commitment to preserving nature, celebrating the St. Johns River, and advocating for the importance of water sustainability and conservation.

Site Description

The lift station is located at 715 Standish Place, Jacksonville, Fla. 32204 within the boundaries of the weekly Riverside Arts Market, a vibrant farmers’ and artists market hosted every Saturday from 10am-3pm since 2006. The space is highly visible in a culturally rich space situated along the St. Johns River.

Theme Details

The theme of Water focuses on: 

  • The St. Johns River as an essential natural resource and ecosystem.
  • Water as a unifying element that connects people, nature, and urban life.
  • Conservation, sustainability, and the importance of protecting water resources.

The artwork should inspire viewers to appreciate water as a vital force and evoke a sense of stewardship for the river and surrounding environment.

Project Budget

The total budget for the project is $20,000, which includes all artist fees, materials, fabrication, installation, and other associated costs. Half of the cost will be paid up front, upon notice of the winning proposal. The remainder will be paid in tandem with a notarized affidavit that all work has been completed and no remaining consideration or payment is owed.

Scope of Work

The selected artist will be responsible for:

  1. Concept development and design proposal based on the theme.
  2. Fabrication of the artwork using durable, weather-resistant materials appropriate for Florida’s climate.
  3. Collaboration with RAP, JEA, and other relevant stakeholders and fabricators throughout the process.
  4. On-site installation, ensuring public safety and access during and after the project.
  5. Project dimensions are approximately 16.8′ height and 90′ width and include the brick portion of the lift station, leaving the top border intact and stopping outside of the fenced utility equipment. 

Proposal Requirements

A strong artist proposal will include a combination of the following:

  1. Statement of Proposal: Describe your interest in the project, approach to the theme, and relevant experience. Share your artistic vision and how it aligns with the project goals.
  2. Concept Proposal: Artists are encouraged to include a sketch, visual reference, or other loose representation of the proposed artwork. These visuals are optional, but encouraged, and should help convey the artist’s general concept and creative direction. NOTE: First-round submissions are not required to submit a rendering, but will be required from the finalists. 
  3. Resume or CV: Highlight relevant experience, including previous public art installations.
  4. Portfolio of Experience: Up to 5 images of previous work, highlighting past experience in creating public art.

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

  • Artistic merit and creativity
  • Relevance to the theme and connection to the Riverside Arts Market community
  • Feasibility of the design within the site and budget constraints
  • Durability and suitability for the outdoor environment
  • Alignment with RAP’s and JEA’s mission to promote sustainability and community engagement

Selection

  • No more than three proposals per candidate will be considered. 
  • The selection committee will consist of representatives from RAP, RAM, JEA, PNC, Haskell, COJ Environmental Protection Board, Haymaker Coffee, and the RAP Placemaking Committee. 
  • At least two finalists will be chosen from the selection committee and provided to JEA to determine the winning proposal. The winner will be notified no later than Oct. 1, 2025, with a project deadline of Nov. 15, 2025.

Submission Details

Submit all proposal materials via email to kandice@riversideavondale.org with the subject line: RAM Mural Proposal – Your Name/Team Name before the deadline. 

For questions or additional information, please contact Kandice at kandice@riversideavondale.org.

RAM Mural Community Funders