The City of Ann Arbor invites qualified bronze artists or artist teams to submit qualifications to design, fabricate, and install a bronze figure of Kathy Kozachenko in front of Larcom City Hall at 301 E. Huron Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
PROJECT :
Bronze Figure: Kathy Kozachenko, Ann Arbor, MI
BUDGET:
up to $75,000
DEADLINE:
March 8th, 2026 at 11:59 pm EST
CALL FOR PUBLIC ART: BRONZE STATUE OF KATHY KOZACHENKO
OPPORTUNITY
The City of Ann Arbor invites qualified bronze artists or artist teams to submit qualifications to design, fabricate, and install a bronze figure of Kathy Kozachenko in front of Larcom City Hall at 301 E. Huron Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Kathy Kozachenko made history on April 2, 1974 by successfully running for elective office as the first openly gay or lesbian candidate in the United States. This public art commission is part of the City of Ann Arbor’s Bicentennial celebration in 2024 and reflects a City Council resolution to recognize Kathy Kozachenko’s contributions to public service, civil rights, and the LGBTQ+ community, coinciding with the City’s 200th anniversary and the 50th anniversary of her election.
PROJECT BACKGROUND
Kathy Kozachenko was elected to the Ann Arbor City Council on April 2, 1974, representing the City’s Second Ward as a member of the Human Rights Party. At the time of her election, Kozachenko was a 21-year-old student at the University of Michigan and ran as a member of the Human Rights Party (HRP). Her election marked the first time in the United States that an openly gay or lesbian candidate was elected to public office. Kathy Kozachenko stood as a beacon of courage, ahead of her time, epitomizing the essence of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Kozachenko was preceded on City Council by fellow Human Rights Party members Jerry DeGrieck and Nancy Wechsler, who were elected in 1972 and later became the first gay and lesbian elected officials to come out while serving in office. Kozachenko is also a woman of Ukrainian descent.
In her 1974 victory speech, Kozachenko acknowledged her history-making election by saying, “This is the first time in the history of the U.S. that someone has run openly as a gay person and been elected to public office. Gay liberation was not a major issue in the campaign - both candidates in this ward said they supported gay rights, but 10 years ago, or even three years ago, lesbianism would have meant automatic defeat. This year we talked about rent control. We talked about the city’s budget. We talked about police priorities, and we had a record of action to run on. Many people’s attitudes about gayness are still far from healthy, but my campaign forced some people at least to re-examine their prejudices and stereotypes.” She helped pave the way for hundreds of openly LGBTQ+ elected officials in the years to follow her, including the at least 1,185 LGBTQ+ elected officials currently serving in the United States, according to the Victory Institute. It is befitting during the 200th birthday of Ann Arbor, Michigan, which coincides with the 50th anniversary of her own election, that Councilmember Kozachenko’s inspirational contributions to society and the LGBTQ civil rights movement be recognized and celebrated.
Download Project Images and Site Packet Information
ELIGIBILITY
The City of Ann Arbor is seeking artists or artist teams who can commit to working in Ann Arbor as necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of this project. Artists must be 18+ years of age.
TIMELINE
All dates except the submission deadline are approximate, subject to change, and are presented for guidance only.
- Call Submission Deadline: March 8th, 2026 at 11:59pm EST
- Semi-finalists Selected: April 2026
- Semi-finalists Interviews: May 2026
- Finalist Awarded: June 2026
- Project Completion and Installation: by Spring/Summer 2027
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
- Letter of Interest: outline your interest in this project and how you will approach the artwork design and creation. (2000 character max)
- Resume: Outline your professional experience and accomplishments, maximum of two (2) pages. If submitting as a team, please include resumes for each team member, with each resume not exceeding two (2) pages.
- Artwork Images: selection of ten (10) images representing artworks most relevant to the scope of this opportunity.
- Artist Bio, (2000 character max)
- References: three (3) professional references, including name, affiliated organization (if appropriate), position or title, email address, phone number, and relationship to each reference.
HOW TO APPLY:
FOR QUESTIONS:
This Call-for-Art is managed in collaboration with the City of Ann Arbor by the A2AC’s Art in Public Program. Please direct your questions to:
artinpublic@annarborartcenter.org or call 734-926-4122