Florida State University’s new student union building, which is slated to open next year, could contain permanent art about the Seminole Tribe.

With a July 1 deadline looming, FSU is in the midst of seeking proposals from artists for one or more large-scale wall-based works, installations or murals for permanent display in the building.

The selection committee will consider all proposals, however, priority will be given to works that represent and celebrate the Seminole Tribe’s culture and history. Preference will be given to artists with Seminole ancestry.

The area where the art will be located is the main union stairway with a space of 26×14.

Existing works and new works, which would be created specifically for the space, are acceptable.

Requirements include that the works must be flat or shallow relief, relatively lightweight and capable of being mounted safely in one part or multiple parts on vertical, drywall finished surfaces.

The works can be photographs, graphics, paintings or other mediums that meet the qualifications for installation.

FSU may award one or more commissions for the available spaces. The available budget for commissions or purchases, including shipping and installation costs, is currently $50,000.

The new union replaces the former union at 75 N. Woodward Ave. on the Tallahassee campus. Construction began in 2018. The anticipated opening of the building is spring 2022, according to information on FSU’s website.

Artists should submit the following, formatted into one PDF document, by July 1 to newunionart@fsu.edu:

• Artist statement and bio  
• CV/Résumé
• Links to artist website and social media handles
• 10–20 images of representative work

Deadlines are:

• July 1: application materials due
• July 16: three finalists informed
• Oct. 1: finalists submit proposal and receive honorarium
• Oct. 15: artist selected

The top three finalists will receive $5,000. Finalists will be asked to provide a description of their proposed commissioned piece (no longer than 250 words), a detailed budget that includes any reproduction costs and proposed timeline for completion, all due Oct. 1. The chosen artist will also receive $50,000, to include installation and any required printing, muralist, etc. For more information email newunionart@fsu.edu.