FDOT wants drivers and pedestrians to have a more more scenic and cultural view when traveling on a portion of Interstate 4 (I-4) so it is making funding available for public art installations.
Under the I-4 Ultimate Art Endowment Program, there will be $1.5 million available for projects that will place public art installations adjacent or near the 21-mile stretch of the I-4 project corridor. The art may be integrated into gateways, highway overpasses, pedestrian bridges, parks and streetscapes.
I-4 Mobility Partners is underwriting the fund. It was selected by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to oversee the design, build, finance, operations and maintenance of the public-private partnership I-4 Ultimate Project. Skanska Granite Lane (SGL Constructors) is also part of the joint venture.
Six local governments will be beneficiaries of the fund, guiding the art selection process and overseeing the implementation of the program. These are:
- Orange County
- City of Orlando
- Town of Eatonville
- City of Winter Park
- City of Maitland
- City of Altamonte Springs
“The I-4 Ultimate is a legacy project that will leave its positive mark on central Florida for years to come. The art endowment program is a wonderful way to add to that legacy and enhance the community beyond where the rubber meets the road,” said Paul Wabi, FDOT District Five Construction Program Manager.
Qualified artists will be selected by the beneficiary municipalities to create art installations that will capture the unique history and character of Central Florida and its unique communities.
The allocated endowment funds shall cover all short-term and long-term costs of designing, creating and maintaining the selected art installations.
“The art endowment program will reflect the individual character of the many diverse communities along the I-4 Ultimate project corridor,” said William McGuinness, project director of SGL Constructors.
“While I-4 Ultimate is already considered a transformative project for the region, this program will further enhance the experience for commuters and visitors, and we are very proud to be part of this initiative.”
Final artistic creations should be completed and in place by February 2021.