Pond-Dakota Mission Park Sculpture
| Location: | Minnesota |
|---|---|
| Posted: | Mar 16, 2026 |
| Due: | Apr 16, 2026 |
| Agency: | City of Bloomington |
| Type of Government: | State & Local |
| Category: |
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| Publication URL: | To access bid details, please log in. |
The City of Bloomington’s Office of Creative Placemaking and Parks and Recreation Department, in partnership with the Okodakiciye Dakota Advisory Committee, invites public artists to submit qualifications for the design, fabrication, and installation of a site-specific sculpture at Pond-Dakota Mission Park, a site with deep Indigenous history and connections. This public art installation will enhance the park’s sense of place and identity while reflecting the history, culture, and values of the Dakota people. The design may engage with Dakota culture, history, language, the significance of the site or its connection to other culturally meaningful locations, and perspectives from past, present, or future, providing an opportunity to inform and inspire all who visit, work, and live in Bloomington.
Eligibility
This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is open to applicants who meet the following eligibility criteria:
• Applicants must be 18 years or older who reside in the contiguous United States.
• Have demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Dakota history and culture, and experience integrating community engagement into the development of their artwork.
• Experienced public artists and artist teams who have completed or administered the budget of at least one commissioned outdoor public art sculpture with a budget of $10,000 or more in the past ten years.
• A demonstrated experience with or understanding of installations that address the climate and ecosystem specific to Minnesota.
• Finalists must have the ability to attend an interview and presentation of a design concept and approach to the project.
Project Budget - $80,000
The budget for this project is $80,000. This budget must cover all design modifications, fabrication, engineering, installation, foundations, infrastructure, site preparations, meetings, site visits, transportation of artwork, insurance, and other related expenses including expenses related to the design, fabrication, and installation of the sculpture. More information about the site and sculptural requirements will be made available to the finalists.
RFQ Deadline: April 16, 2026, 4:00 p.m. Central Standard Time
Deadline for Responses:
April 16, 2026 - 4:00 p.m.
Download Bid Details:
For More Information:
DANA CHOU
PURCHASING MANAGER
Mailing Address:
CITY OF BLOOMINGTON
1800 W OLD SHAKOPEE RD
BLOOMINGTON
,
MN
55431
United States
Attachment Preview
Pond-Dakota Mission Park Sculpture
Request for Qualifications
RFQ – The City of Bloomington’s Office of Creative Placemaking and Parks and Recreation Department, in
partnership with the Okodakiciye Dakota Advisory Committee, invites public artists to submit
qualifications for the design, fabrication, and installation of a site-specific sculpture at Pond-Dakota
Mission Park, a site with deep Indigenous history and connections. This public art installation will
enhance the park’s sense of place and identity while reflecting the history, culture, and values of the
Dakota people. The design may engage with Dakota culture, history, language, the significance of the site
or its connection to other culturally meaningful locations, and perspectives from past, present, or future,
providing an opportunity to inform and inspire all who visit, work, and live in Bloomington.
Eligibility
This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is open to applicants who meet the following eligibility criteria:
Applicants must be 18 years or older who reside in the contiguous United States.
Have demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Dakota history and culture, and
experience integrating community engagement into the development of their artwork.
Experienced public artists and artist teams who have completed or administered the budget
of at least one commissioned outdoor public art sculpture with a budget of $10,000 or more
in the past ten years.
A demonstrated experience with or understanding of installations that address the climate
and ecosystem specific to Minnesota.
Finalists must have the ability to attend an interview and presentation of a design concept and
approach to the project.
Project Budget - $80,000
The budget for this project is $80,000. This budget must cover all design modifications, fabrication,
engineering, installation, foundations, infrastructure, site preparations, meetings, site visits,
transportation of artwork, insurance, and other related expenses including expenses related to the
design, fabrication, and installation of the sculpture. More information about the site and sculptural
requirements will be made available to the finalists.
RFQ Deadline: April 16, 2026, 4:00 p.m. Central Standard Time
For more information about Creative Placemaking please visit blm.mn/placemaking
1|Page
HOW TO APPLY?
Step One: RFQ – Submit by April 16, 2026, 4:00 PM Central Standard Time
Please apply online through CaFE™ at the following link:
https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=17063
In addition to your contact information, you will be asked to provide the following:
A letter of up to one page outlining your interest in the project, approach to design, methods for
research and community engagement, relevant experience, and familiarity with Dakota history,
culture, and traditions as they relate to your artwork.
One-page biographical information or resume. If you have multiple team members, please
provide brief biographical information on each essential member but do not exceed one page.
Work Samples: up to 10 images of your recent projects (one of which should be for an artwork you
either produced or administered the budget for, valued at $10,000 or more which was completed
in the past ten years). Please provide a brief description and final cost for each. Follow CaFE™
image requirements: JPEG format only, 1200 pixels on the longest side, less than 5 MB in size.
Visit the CaFE Help Page , for more information on image requirements or for help resizing
images.
One-page listing three references who can speak about your ability as an artist and collaborator.
Include an email and phone number for each reference.
Do not submit a project proposal or design at this time.
We encourage interested applicants to learn more about Bloomington Creative Placemaking efforts by
visiting blm.mn/placemaking, and the Pond-Dakota Mission Park and its history by visiting blm.mn/PDM.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to inquire about any portion of the RFQ that is not fully understood
or susceptible to more than one (1) interpretation. Written inquiries are required. Oral communications
will not be accepted, except to confirm delivery of the proposal or written correspondence.
All inquiries, questions, or clarifications must be submitted by email not later than seven (7) calendar
days prior to the due date of this RFQ – Thursday, April 9, 2026 by 5:00 PM Central Standard Time.
Inquiries, questions, or clarifications submitted after this date will not be answered. All inquiries will be
responded to within three (3) business days.
Please email questions to: Kathryn Murray, Creative Placemaking Specialist at
placemaking@bloomingtonmn.gov. Any questions concerning the RFQ must reference the page number,
section heading, and paragraph. Please include “Pond-Dakota Sculpture RFQ Question” in the subject
line. Please do not ask other City personnel questions, as information gathered from other sources may
not reflect the correct position or interest and could result in disqualification.
A Questions and Answers addendum related to this RFQ will be updated as questions come in and can
be found at blm.mn/pondsculpture.
The City of Bloomington does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to, or
treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, this information can be
available in Braille, large print, audio tape and/or electronic format.
For more information about Creative Placemaking please visit blm.mn/placemaking
2|Page
Step Two: Selection of Finalists and Artist Notification – by Friday, May 1, 2026
The submitted qualifications will be evaluated by a selection panel composed of members of the Dakota
Advisory Committee, stakeholders, community leaders, and public art professionals. The panel will
select three finalists based on equally weighted criteria:
1. Quality of letter of interest including an understanding of the project purpose, and approach
to design and engagement.
2. Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Dakota history and culture, gained through
research, collaboration, past work, or other relevant experience.
3. Demonstrated experience incorporating community engagement into a project.
4. Artistic quality and relevance of artwork samples.
Step Three: Selection of Artist/Team – Notification by Monday, June 8th, 2026
Three finalists will be selected and scheduled to attend an optional in-person site meeting on Monday,
May 18, 2026, and present their concept design proposal in-person or virtually to the selection panel the
week of June 1, 2026. Specific information on the design presentation and responsibilities of the
artist/team will be provided to the finalists. Each finalist/team will receive a $2,000 design payment
inclusive of any travel expenses. Payments will be made half upon signing an agreement, and half on
the day of the presentation. Payments are only available via check. The concept design presentation
should include visuals in the form of digital presentation, a scale model, drawings, or a combination of
formats. The presentation should also include: a detailed description of how the design meets the project
purpose; team members involved; past experience; a project timeline; ongoing maintenance needs and
related estimated costs, a budget outlining how the proposed sculpture will fit within budget parameters;
and how the Artist will incorporate engagement into the development of the sculpture design. This
project intends to comply with the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990. As such, finalists will be required to
document compliance with the requirements.
The panel will consider the following criteria when selecting the artist/team:
1. 40%: Artistic quality, alignment with project purpose, and structural integrity.
Is the concept design visually engaging, and does it reflect an understanding of the
project’s purpose related to Dakota history, culture, and values?
Does it fit well within the theme and context of the area?
Will the sculpture engage a broad audience in a meaningful way?
Does the design consider safety, accessibility, and material durability suitable for
Minnesota’s climate?
2. 30%: Experience and qualifications.
Does the artist/team have experience with projects including those working with the
Dakota community, municipalities, or community organizations?
Does the artist demonstrate the technical ability to execute a project of this scale and
complexity?
3. 20%: Timeline, budget, and maintenance.
Are project schedule, budget, and ongoing maintenance needs clearly outlined and
appropriate?
4. 10%: Communication and collaboration skills.
Ability to communicate design concepts clearly.
Artist/team demonstrates professionalism and spirit of collaboration.
For more information about Creative Placemaking please visit blm.mn/placemaking
3|Page
Pond-Dakota Mission Park Sculpture Timeline
Optional virtual informational meeting: March 26, 2026 at 5:00 PM via WebEx:
Virtual Meeting Link:
https://logis.webex.com/logis/j.php?MTID=m8b7ec8c3613e6b779c749d32f19d477b
Meeting number: 2869 931 0824
Password: Pondhouse2026
Join by phone
+1-312-535-8110 United States Toll (Chicago)
+1-415-655-0001 US Toll
Access code: 2869 931 0824
Submitted questions due: Thursday, April 9, 2026 by 5:00 PM Central Standard Time
RFQ – qualification proposals due: Thursday, April 16, 2026 by 4:00 PM Central Standard Time
(online via CaFE™: https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=17063)
(Do not submit a project proposal or design at this phase.)
Artist applicant notification and finalists selected by: Friday, May 1, 2026
Optional in-person site meeting for finalists: Monday, May 18, 2026
Design presentations by the finalists: Week of June 1, 2026
Selection of artist/team by: Monday, June 8, 2026
Installation of Sculpture: Installation should occur within 2026-2027. Finalists should include their
timeline in the presentation.
PURPOSE – WHERE AND WHY?
Dakota consider the confluence of the Mni Sota Wakpa (Minnesota) and Wakpá Thánka (big river re:
Mississippi) rivers to be the spiritual home and origin of their people. Bloomington is home to burial
mounds found throughout the bluff, and was home to significant Dakota Villages of the Lower Minnesota
River Valley, including Cloudman and Penasha.
Pond-Dakota Mission Park is the site of the historic Oak Grove Mission and the 1856 Gideon and Agnes
Pond House. The historic Pond House was the dwelling of Gideon Pond and Agnes Hopkins Pond from
the mid-1800s to the early 1900s. The Ponds served as missionaries to the Dakota Indians, and as
farmers and ministers in the young community of Bloomington, Minnesota. The park features many fun
and educational programs held in the house and park throughout the year, including Dakota cultural
programs such as an annual Dakota Language camp. The newest addition to the park is an Indigenous
Plant Arboretum featuring a wide variety of important Indigenous plants and shrubs. Projects such as
this honor the indigenous history of the site and act as learning tools for visitors to the park.
The Parks and Recreation Department manages an extensive system and hosts numerous activities and
events throughout the year. In 2022, Parks and Recreation facilitated the establishment of a Dakota
Advisory Group for the City. The group is called the Bloomington Okodakiciye, describing a partnership.
The roles of the Bloomington Okodakiciye, as determined by the Dakota members of the group, are:
For more information about Creative Placemaking please visit blm.mn/placemaking
4|Page
1. To establish an agreement of consultation and collaboration with the Dakota Community and the
City.
2. To implement a process for determining accessibility, land use, and educational interpretation as
it relates to the Dakota for land areas within the City of Bloomington.
3. To educate and make explicit that Bloomington is on Dakota homeland with culturally competent
historical accounts, Dakota language and signage, religious and cultural accessibility, and other
considerations as determined by the Dakota Community and Bloomington with attention to
cultural issues of importance. A Dakota public Arts project was determined by the Bloomington
Okodakiciye to be a good step in helping tell the Dakota story in Bloomington and the Minnesota
River Valley.
Creative placemaking integrates arts, culture, and design to strengthen and connect communities. In
2021 Bloomington’s Creative Placemaking Commission commissioned a South Loop indigenous history
report, “Lines on the Land: How Dakota Homeland Became Private Property,” written by Peter DeCarlo,
and presented by Dr. Kate Beane and Peter DeCarlo in 2023. As a result of the report, presentation, and
presentation attendee survey responses, the Creative Placemaking Commission prioritized highlighting
indigenous history in art projects. Since then, the Bloomington. Tomorrow, Together Strategic Plan,
developed by hundreds of community members, prioritized the outcome of expanding Creative
Placemaking efforts from South Loop District to citywide. During engagement for the development of the
Citywide Creative Placemaking Plan, the desire to highlight the indigenous history of Bloomington was a
prevalent theme. This partnership with Parks and Recreation and Dakota Bloomington Okodakiciye,
artists and community members aligns with community feedback and creative placemaking goals to
acknowledge and honor Native history, culture, and land.
LOCATION
The site of the sculpture will be at Pond-Dakota Mission Park (401 E 104th St, Bloomington, MN 55420),
the site of the historic Oak Grove Mission and the 1856 Gideon and Agnes Pond House. The sculpture
could be placed either in the area just west of the house or south of the house along the prairie overlook.
The area will be determined by the selected artist and approved by the City.
Area east of the house next to reestablished prairie.
Prairie overlook area, just south of the house.
For more information about Creative Placemaking please visit blm.mn/placemaking
5|Page
This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.
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