Students in Pre-K through 12 will walk past this site for art daily. Although the gym will host sporting events open to the public, this site for art is not public facing. The students are the main audience.

Artists are encouraged to draw inspiration from:

• The Blue Wave, our nautical mascot and visual identity, symbolizes momentum, collective strength, and forward motion 
• Tumblin Creek, which flows through the center of campus and represents continuity, nourishment, and connection across generations
• The school’s 33-acre natural campus, including tree canopy, daylight-filled architecture, and strong indoor–outdoor relationships
• Our commitment to environmental stewardship, reflected in LEED-certified buildings and sustainable design choices

We are particularly interested in work that integrates natural elements, light, movement, or materials in ways that echo the surrounding landscape and reinforce the gym’s role as a space for energy, gathering, and renewal. Consideration for the integration of the work into the broader campus aesthetic is also important to us. Above all, the selected artwork should feel of this place: grounded in history, alive to the present, and optimistic about the future—an enduring visual expression of a school that learns, leads, and lives healthily together. Artists are invited to engage with this dual identity: deep roots and forward momentum. We are interested in working with the artist to see how we can incorporate biophilic design principles into their work for LEED Certification credits.

To be considered for this project, artists must demonstrate that their public art experience meets at least two (2) of the criteria listed below. For the first round, please submit only a short text message briefly describing your experience, interest in the project, and overall fit. Additional materials, such as CV and a cover letter, will be requested from shortlisted artists.

For the second round, please ensure that the relevant information is clearly labeled and easy to locate within your CV or resume. Only complete applications will be considered.

Eligible experience may include:

• The artist’s work is included in private, public, corporate, or museum collections
• The artist has received awards, grants, or fellowships
• The artist has completed public art commissions of a similar scale
• The artist has participated in exhibitions at major museums or galleries

Stage 1: (3-5) Images and Statement to confirm artist/artist team meets crietia to apply is due Thursday, March 26th at 11:59pm EST.

Stage 2: Artists/artist teams moving on to stage 2 review will be notified on April 6th. Stage 2 participation requires a complete application submitted through monochronicle.  

Complete Applications due: Sunday, April 12th at 11:59pm EST.

Stage 3: The 3 artists/artist teams that are selected as finalists will be notified in May 2026; Virtual Meeting between Finalists and Stakeholders will be in Fall 2026; Proposal Presentation and Selection will be in Fall/Winter 2026;

Stage 4: Selected Finalist will install in 2027.

Required Application Materials

Applications will be reviewed and scored based on information provided in the Project Overview and Success Metrics. 

Applicants must submit the following materials:

Stage 1: Due Thursday, March 26th at 11:59pm EST 

1. (3-5) images for the initial blind review. Do not include video or audio files among the first five images. Images with identifying information added will not be reviewed. 

2. A statement confirming that the applicant meets at least 2 of the criteria to be considered.

The committee will review images, scoring applicants, and applicants with top scores will be asked to Stage 2 on April 6th 2026.

Stage 2: Due Sunday, April 12th at 11:59pm EST

1. Letter of Interest: A brief statement explaining why your artwork is appropriate for the project and how the submitted images relate to the project requirements. Artists may also include a short description of their history, training, and experience.

2. Resume or CV: A current professional resume or CV demonstrating that your public art experience meets at least two (2) of the required eligibility criteria. Please ensure this information is clearly labeled and easy to locate.

3. Artwork Images with Descriptions: Submit an additional 5-15 digital images of completed artworks.

Stage 3: 

1-3 artists or artist teams will be selected as finalists to meet virtually with stakeholders, create, and present a site specific proposal.  Finalists must register as a supplier with the University of Florida in order to receive the honorarium:
https://www.fa.ufl.edu/directives/supplier-portal/

Stage 4:

The artist or artist team selected to create their work of art will be issued the UF Art in State Buildings Contract (Artwork Selection). By applying to this opportunity, applicants confirm that they have reviewed and accept the terms of this agreement:
https://pdc.ufl.edu/resources/forms-standards/#contract-templates

Notes on Application Materials:

Video or Audio Files: If the artwork includes sound or motion, you may submit up to six (6) video or audio files, each counting as one image within the 20-image limit. Do not include video or audio files among the first five images. Promotional or “making-of” videos should not be submitted.

Image Descriptions: Each artwork must include the following information: Title, Medium (materials), Dimensions (H × W × D in ft. or in.), Date of artwork, Price of artwork or commission, Site/location including city (if applicable), Commissioning agent/client/collection/museum/gallery (if applicable).

Review Process: Florida’s Art in State Buildings Program requires blind reviews. Images containing the artist’s name as a watermark or within slide presentations will not be reviewed. An original signature within the artwork is acceptable.

Individual feedback will not be provided; however, the names of finalists will be shared with all applicants.

If images of completed public art projects are submitted, these projects must also be listed on your resume/CV.