outdoor sculpture in rock hill

WAI in Rock Hill, SC is seeking proposals from artists/designers to create a contemporary outdoor sculptural design feature/ artwork to depict historical content in the City of Rock Hill on the grounds of the Emmett Scott Recreation Center consisting of the historic McGirt Auditorium, a gym, community room, craft room, classroom and game room.

Requested design inclusions are: sculpture/sculptural elements that will:

1 - Reflect the history of the site. Emmett Scott High School was a high school founded in 1920. It was the first public school for blacks in Rock Hill. Named for Emmett J. Scott (1873 – 1957), a prominent educator. Ralph Waldo McGirt, the longest-serving principal of the Emmett Scott High School.

2 - Include some content that correlates to the Southside Music and Cultural Trail since Emmett Scott High School was known for its marching band, whose director Frontis Brooks served from 1941 to 1971.

This public art project will serve residents of Rock Hill as a spot of historic significance in the Southside area of Rock Hill. Aiming to be a focal point within a green space on the courtyard grounds of the Emmett Scott Recreation Center, this work will celebrate the history of Emmett Scott the educator and Emmett Scott the high school, as well as Ralph McGirt the educator, while keeping a pulse on the future of the neighborhood’s identity. Thus, it will provide opportunities for dialogue emphasizing the value of music and education. The piece shall exemplify the concept of community. The piece must be pet/child/family friendly and ideally have an encouraging/ uplifting component and an aspect in the design to allow for photo opportunities with community members. 

WAI will select one artist’s/ designer’s proposal whose vision for this project incorporates these themes. The artist/designer will be responsible for the design, creation, transportation, and installation of the project and will work with the WAI Selection Committee and City of Rock Hill staff.