RFP: SoMa Sculptural and Functional Artistic Bench Project

Request for Proposals (RFP)

SoMa Sculptural and Functional Artistic Bench Project

Issued by: SoMa 501 Little Rock, Inc.

Project Title: Sculptural and Functional Artistic Bench

Location: SoMa District, Little Rock, AR

Proposal Deadline: 10/7/25 12:00PM CST

Overview

SoMa 501, in partnership with the Division of Arkansas Heritage's Public Art Grant Program, seeks proposals from talented artists to create a sculptural and functional artistic bench. The bench will embody SoMa’s independent, creative, inclusive, and historic character and engage both residents and visitors. This bench will serve as a visual landmark and photo destination, enhancing the cultural vibrancy of SoMa while celebrating its unique community.

Project Scope

Theme: Southern storytelling. A gathering place that acts as the roots of the community.

A place for sharing, coming together, sitting, reading, relaxing and telling stories. The

bench should capture SoMa's spirit—historic, creative, independent, and inclusive.

Design Requirements:

○ Must be sculptural and artistic in nature.

○ Must be functional and allow for 2-3 seated individuals.

○ Should serve as a distinctive placemaking element.

○ Should incorporate interactive elements that encourage visitors to photograph themselves with the bench (e.g., elements they can "pose" within or alongside).

○ Reflect the SoMa district’s characteristics, including its history, diversity, culture, and the vibrancy of its businesses and community.

○ Should be sturdy and allow for at least 500lbs per seat.

○ Use durable, weather-resistant materials suitable for an outdoor installation.

Location: Between 12th and 13th on Main St. Little Rock, AR 72202

Size: Space should approximately allow for 2-3 seated individuals.

Budget: A project budget of $10,000 will cover artist fees, supplies, travel expenses, and any other costs related to the bench’s creation and installation.

Timeline: The bench must be completed by an agreed upon date.

Eligibility

● Open to artists with experience in public art projects.

● Artists must be able to work within the specified budget and timeline.

● Experience working with metal or other durable outdoor materials is required.

● Previous experience working on community-centric projects is preferred.

Proposal Requirements

Interested artists should submit the following materials by 10/7/25 at 12:00PM CST:

● Artist Statement: A brief introduction to the artist and explanation of interest in the SoMa functional artistic bench project.

● Design Concept: A detailed sketch or rendering of the proposed bench design. Include a brief description of the concept and how it aligns with SoMa’s character.

● Portfolio: Up to five examples of past work, preferably including large-scale public art or other functional sculptures.

● Timeline: A proposed timeline for the completion of the bench, including preparation, fabrication, painting, and any required finishing processes.

● Budget: An itemized budget, including artist fees, materials, and any other related expenses.

● References: Contact information for at least two references familiar with the artist's previous public art projects.

Selection Criteria

● Artistic Merit: Quality and creativity of the proposed bench design and its reflection of SoMa's personality.

● Interactivity: Inclusion of elements that encourage visitor interaction and engagement.

● Feasibility: Artist’s ability to complete the bench within the specified timeline and budget.

● Experience: Previous experience with public art projects and functional sculptural work.

● Community Impact: Consideration of how the bench will contribute to the SoMa district's cultural and visual landscape.

Submission Instructions

● Proposals should be submitted electronically in PDF format to soma@somalittlerock.com.

● For questions or additional information, contact Elizabeth Michael at soma@somalittlerock.com.

● All submissions must be received by 10/7/25 at 12:00PM CST.

Important Dates

● Proposal Deadline: 10/7/25

● Selection Announcement: Upon receiving Arkansas Heritage grant.

● Project Start Date: Upon receiving Arkansas Heritage grant.

● Completion Deadline: 6/1/26

Compensation

The selected artist will receive an agreed upon compensation upon completion of the bench within the total project budget of $10,000. The $10,000 will include time, materials, supplies, travel and any other expenses needed to complete the bench. Payment will be made in installments, with details to be finalized during contract negotiations.

Rights and Usage

Upon completion, the bench will become the property of SoMa 501 and may be used for promotional purposes in print, online media, and marketing materials. The artist will be credited in all relevant promotional materials.

Additional Information

SoMa 501 reserves the right to modify, extend, or cancel this RFP at any time. Submission of a proposal does not guarantee selection.

We look forward to seeing your creative vision for SoMa!