USF St. Pete is looking to commission a local Tampa Bay artist to construct a peace pole for the campus. Um, peace pole?
A peace pole symbolizes a memorial space, a space of conflict resolution or a place for gathering and contemplation.
“Creating a peace pole on campus is intended to provide a space for the campus and larger community to come together,” said Regional Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Patti Helton in a recent statement.
The selected artist will construct the pole in a designated, semi-covered and recently renovated outdoor space next to the Nelson Poynter Memorial Library.
The campus hopes that the site will not only be a convening space for students, staff, faculty and the community, but also a place of respite and study.
Now let’s get to the money. The campus is willing to offer an $8,000 budget to make this project happen.
So who is in the running? Tampa Bay fine artists and craftspeople who are experienced in art installations. That means sculptors and fine woodworkers, with a body of work that demonstrates a high level of skill in design and fabrication are eligible to apply.
“We want to connect the art community to the campus by tapping into local talent. That is what USFSP is all about,” shared USF St. Petersburg Regional Chancellor Martin Tadlock.
“Plus the peace pole is a visible reminder of our commitment to being an inclusive community that values civility at USF Saint Petersburg,” Tadlock added.
The deadline for submission is May 13, with the selected artist being notified by early June.
Artists can apply online.
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