Horse Fever Public Art Commission for F.D.O.T.

Description

CALL FOR PUBLIC ART PROPOSALS & CONCEPT DESIGNS –

Horse Fever® Public Art Commission 
Florida's Most Artistic Welcome Center |
I-75 Northbound Rest Area | Marion County, Florida

Presented by Marion Cultural Alliance (MCA), Celebrating Florida's Horse Capital of the World™

An Exciting Opportunity for Florida Artists!
Marion Cultural Alliance (MCA), in partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), invites professional artists to submit proposals for an exciting new Horse Fever® public art installation at the I-75 Northbound Rest Area in Marion County, Florida, located between County Road 484 and State Road 200.
This project will feature three (3) original Horse Fever® sculptures, creating a signature public art experience that welcomes travelers to Ocala/Marion County while celebrating the region's natural beauty, rich history, and internationally recognized equestrian heritage.
The installation is scheduled for March 2027.

PROJECT VISION: Florida's Most Artistic Welcome Center
Imagine travelers stopping along Interstate 75 and discovering an unexpected celebration of art, nature, and Florida's equestrian heritage!
Through this project, MCA and FDOT seek to transform an ordinary rest stop into a memorable cultural destination, featuring three beautifully painted Horse Fever® sculptures that reflect the spirit of Ocala/Marion County.
These sculptures will serve as welcoming landmarks, provide engaging photo opportunities, and introduce visitors to the vibrant arts and cultural experiences awaiting them throughout the region.

THE ARTISTIC OPPORTUNITY: MCA seeks artists to create original designs for three life-size Horse Fever® sculptures.
The installation will include:
Two standing horses (heads up): Approximately 6'3" high × 7'7" long × 19" wide.
One grazing horse (head down): Approximately 5' high × 7'10" long × 20" wide.
Each selected artist will transform a blank fiberglass horse sculpture into an original work of public art. Artwork must be appropriate for a highly visible, family-friendly public setting and suitable for long-term outdoor display.
Artists may submit [up to 3] proposed designs. Each design must be submitted as a separate ArtCall entry and must identify the intended sculpture pose. Final selections will be determined by Florida Department of Transportation and Marion Cultural Alliance. 
Each design will be evaluated individually based on its artistic quality, originality, and alignment with the project’s vision and selection criteria. Commissions are not limited to one per artist: one artist may be selected for all three sculptures, two artists may share the three commissions, or three artists may each receive one commission. 
Artists submitting multiple designs should be prepared to complete all selected designs within the established project timeline. Compensation is $7,500 per commissioned sculpture.

ARTIST ELIGIBILITY: This opportunity is open to artists age 18 and older who currently reside in Florida.
Artists working in a variety of visual art disciplines are encouraged to apply. Previous Horse Fever® experience is not required. Applicants should demonstrate the artistic skill and ability to translate their proposed design onto a life-size, three-dimensional sculpture and complete the project within the established timeline.
Experience with large-scale painting, three-dimensional surfaces, or outdoor public art is preferred. Artists without this experience should explain how their existing practice prepares them for this commission.

ARTISTIC THEMES: Artists are encouraged to develop imaginative, colorful, and visually compelling designs inspired by one or more of the following themes:
Florida's Horse Capital of the World™ Celebrate the horses, farms, rolling pastures, and equestrian traditions that make Ocala/Marion County internationally renowned.
Florida's Natural Springs and Waterways Capture the beauty of Florida's crystal-clear springs, rivers, lakes, and extraordinary aquatic ecosystems.
Florida Wildlife and Natural Beauty Highlight native plants, wildlife, forests, and the diverse natural landscapes that make Florida unique.
Historic Marion County Celebrate the people, places, traditions, and history that have shaped our community.
Welcome to Ocala/Marion County Create a vibrant visual welcome that reflects the warmth, character, and distinctive identity of our region.
Creativity is encouraged! Artists may combine themes or propose an original concept that captures the welcoming spirit of Florida and Ocala/Marion County.
Designs should be visually engaging from multiple angles and recognizable to travelers of all ages. Historical, cultural, and environmental references should be thoughtfully researched and accurately represented.

REQUIRED HORSE DESIGN TEMPLATES: All proposed designs must use the provided Horse Fever® outline corresponding to the intended sculpture pose.
Templates for both the standing horse (head up) and grazing horse (head down) will be available on the Horse Design Templates subpage of this ArtCall site.
These outlines provide a consistent foundation for submissions and help MCA and FDOT evaluate how each concept will translate onto the actual sculpture.
Artists must:
Download and use the outline that matches their proposed sculpture pose.Develop their design directly on the provided outline, either manually or digitally.Submit clear, full-color renderings showing both sides of the horse.Preserve the horse’s outline and proportions so the committee can accurately evaluate the proposed artwork.Include additional views or detail images when needed to explain elements extending across the front, back, top, or other areas not clearly visible in the side renderings.
Hand-drawn designs must be scanned or photographed clearly, with even lighting and readable details. Digital designs must also clearly communicate the proposed colors, imagery, and placement.
Standalone artwork, inspiration images, or written descriptions do not replace the required template-based renderings. The committee must be able to understand the complete concept and how it will appear on the finished horse.
Submissions that do not use the required horse outline or clearly communicate the proposed design may not be considered.

ARTIST RESPONSIBILITIES: Selected artists will be responsible for:
Developing & finalizing an original artistic design for approval by MCA and FDOT.Participating in reasonable design revisions during the approval process (if selected). Painting the assigned Horse Fever® sculpture according to the approved design.Using materials and techniques suitable for outdoor public art.Completing the artwork according to the established project schedule.Coordinating with MCA regarding sculpture pick up, delivery, painting location, progress updates, and completion.
Designs must be limited to painted surface treatments. Three-dimensional adornments, attachments, raised embellishments, or structural alterations are not permitted. Artists must preserve the horse sculpture’s original shape and surface profile.

WORKSPACE & TRANSPORTATION: Selected artists are responsible for picking up & delivering their assigned Horse Fever® sculpture and providing a designated indoor workspace for the duration of the painting process.
The workspace must accommodate the sculpture’s dimensions (previously provided) and allow safe access for unloading, painting, and collection. Artists should review the dimensions carefully before applying and describe their proposed workspace, including its location and any access limitations, in their application.
MCA will provide the pickup & delivery location, scheduling details, and handling instructions. Once painting is complete, MCA will coordinate collection for professional protective coating and final installation.

ARTIST COMPENSATION:
Artist Fee: $7,500 per commissioned horse sculpture
The fee compensates the selected artist for the design and painting of the assigned Horse Fever® sculpture. The artist fee includes design development, agreed-upon revisions, artist labor, paint, supplies, studio expenses, and pick-up/delivery costs.
Payment will be issued upon completion and acceptance of the finished artwork by MCA and FDOT. Artists who wish to request an advance deposit to help cover material expenses should coordinate with Jaye Baillie, MCA Executive Director, before beginning work. Any approved deposit will be applied toward the total $7,500 commission, with the remaining balance paid upon completion and acceptance.
MCA will provide the blank fiberglass sculpture and coordinate professional protective coating, final transportation, and final installation.
Selected artists must execute an artist agreement and W-9 IRS form before beginning work. 

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
Applications must be submitted through fdothorses.artcall.org and include;
Artist information — provide once per applicant via ArtCall profileContact Information: Name, email, phone number, and city, county, and state of residence.Artist Biography: A brief biography describing your artistic background and primary medium(s). Maximum 150 words.Artist Statement: Describe your interest in this project and your experience with large-scale painting, three-dimensional surfaces, outdoor public art, or Horse Fever® sculptures. If this would be your first public art commission, explain how your existing practice prepares you for the project. Maximum 200 words.Portfolio & Relevant Experience: Three to five examples of completed artwork demonstrating your ability to execute the proposed design. Include each work’s title, medium, and year, and identify your role in collaborative projects.Website: Provide a link to your website, social media and/or online portfolio, if available.
2. Design Information - provide separately for each proposed design on ArtCall (follow and answer all prompts during the application process )
Please clearly distinguish proposed design renderings from examples of previously completed artwork. Submission deadline: December 13, 2026, at [11:59 p.m.] Eastern Time.ORIGINALITY & APPLICATION ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: Artists must identify any third-party imagery or protected materials incorporated into their proposals and confirm they have permission for the intended use.

AI-assisted or AI-generated designs are permitted, provided their use is clearly disclosed in the application. Artists must briefly explain how AI was used in developing the submitted concept.
All proposed designs must accurately represent artwork the artist can personally execute on the physical sculpture. The use of AI does not replace the artistic skill, technical ability, or hands-on work required to complete this commission. Portfolio examples must demonstrate the artist’s ability to achieve the style, level of detail, precision, and overall quality shown in the proposed design.
Selected artists will be expected to faithfully translate their approved concepts onto the sculptures. A proposal should not depict techniques or complexity beyond the artist’s demonstrated abilities. MCA and FDOT may request additional work samples or clarification to assess the feasibility of a proposed design.
By submitting, applicants acknowledge that they have reviewed the project requirements, compensation terms, and timeline; that they can meet the stated requirements or have disclosed any limitations; and that selection is subject to final design approval and execution of an artist agreement.
Submitting a proposal does not guarantee selection or a commission.

PROJECT TIMELINE 
November 11 – December 13, 2026 | Call to Artists; interested artists submit proposed designs and color renderings for consideration
December 14–18, 2026 | Artist Selection - FDOT reviews submitted proposals and selects three artists and their designs. MCA notifies selected artists and coordinates sculpture delivery.
December 21 – February 19, 2027 | Sculpture Painting - Selected artists paint their approved designs on the Horse Fever® sculptures. MCA oversees artist coordination and project progress. Individual start dates will depend on completion of agreements, design approval, and sculpture delivery.
February 22 – March 5, 2027 | Protective Coating - Completed sculptures are transported for professional protective coating and curing to ensure durability for long-term outdoor display.
March 8–19, 2027 | Transportation and Installation - Sculptures are transported to the I-75 Northbound Rest Area. MCA coordinates installation with FDOT and project contractors.
Late March 2027 | Official Unveiling - Public unveiling and dedication of the three Horse Fever® sculptures at Florida's Most Artistic Welcome Center.
Timeline is subject to adjustment based on FDOT approvals, weather, and installation requirements. Final dates will be communicated to selected artists.

ARTIST SELECTION: Artists will be selected based on:
Artistic quality, creativity, and originality.Relevance to the project's themes and vision.Visual impact and suitability for a public outdoor environment.Demonstrated artistic ability and experience.Ability to complete the project within the established timeline.
Selection decisions are anticipated by 6 p.m. Eastern Time on December 18, 2026. MCA will communicate application outcomes by email/ArtCall notification.
Selection may be contingent upon requested design revisions. Artists must receive final design approval before painting begins. Any requested revisions, approval deadlines, and production requirements will be communicated directly to selected artists.

A LASTING PUBLIC ART LEGACY: This is more than an opportunity to paint a horse. It is an invitation to become part of a 25-year public art legacy and help create an extraordinary welcome to Ocala/Marion County.
The completed sculptures will be permanently displayed at the I-75 Northbound Rest Area, where they will be enjoyed and photographed by travelers for years to come.
Interpretive signage and QR codes will connect visitors to Horse Fever®, participating artists, and the many arts, cultural, historic, and heritage experiences available throughout Marion County through MCA's Ocala Metro Art Scene.
Your artwork could be among the first things travelers see when they discover Florida's Horse Capital of the World™!

QUESTIONS?For more information, please contact:Jaye Baillie, Executive Director at Marion Cultural Alliance📍 Brick City Center for the Arts (23 SW Broadway St, Ocala, FL)📧 Jaye.Baillie@mcaocala.org | 352-369-1500🌐 mcaocala.org

Having trouble navigating ArtCall? Click here for a quick step-by-step tutorial guided by MCA! Or watch the video tutorial below.