Artists invited to submit tennis center sculpture proposals

Artists are invited by the city of Sarasota to submit proposals for a sculpture to be placed at Payne Park Tennis Center. 

The selected sculpture will be prominently placed within an interior courtyard — a partially shaded, highly visible location that is also viewable from the public right of way. The courtyard is viewed by hundreds of visitors daily and is accessible to the public during facility hours. Surrounding landscaping will be adjusted to complement the selected piece. The city will provide the concrete base, integrated or required lighting and a permanent plaque. 

The work should be original, visually compelling from multiple angles and fabricated from durable, weather-resistant materials suited to a coastal climate. Artists are encouraged to consider how their designs will complement the courtyard’s scale and surroundings, and to propose works that are safe, stable and inviting to the public without presenting hazards or encouraging climbing.

Themes to consider include:

• Motion, rhythm, and sport.
• Innovation and artistic expression.
• Connection and community.
• Sarasota’s cultural vibrancy.

Proposals may be figurative, abstract or conceptual, and may be newly commissioned or existing works. Although the artist budget is up to $25,000, proposals of all budget levels will be considered. Competitive bidding will be one of several factors in the selection process.

Application deadline is Oct. 5, 2025. Panel review will be Oct. 6-15 and community input on finalists will be accepted Oct. 16-20. The city’s Public Art Committee will make the final selection on Nov. 5 and installation is expected in early 2026.

For more information and to apply visit SarasotaFL.gov/PPTC-Call-For-Artists.