Design Council Meeting April 6, 2026

The City of Wichita Design Council held a meeting on April 6, 2026, primarily focused on public art procurement and capital improvement projects. The council reviewed and approved a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for an integrated public art project along East Douglas Avenue, with a budget of approximately $419,500 for artist fees and stipends. The RFQ process includes shortlisting candidates and conducting interviews, with submissions due in early May. The council discussed the potential impact of a pilot traffic study on the project scope and confirmed the RFQ would be open nationwide without local preference. Additionally, the council reviewed detailed design presentations for two public art installations, including budget considerations and potential grant funding of $100,000 from the Wichita Parks Foundation to enhance landscaping and lighting features. The council unanimously approved the 90% design development stage for these projects, allowing them to proceed to city council for funding release. Lastly, the council considered a proposed new public art sculpture memorializing a local wild turkey, discussing potential budget allocations between $30,000 and $40,000, but deferred funding decisions pending further information. The meeting concluded with a motion to approve the current Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget recommendations and a plan to revisit public art selection process improvements and council appointment discussions at a future meeting.