Aquilini Development and Construction is looking to spend nearly $600,000 to commission a new public artwork for the downtown Rogers Arena site.

The developer, a subsidiary of the family-run company that owns the Vancouver Canucks, is now inviting professional Pacific Northwest artists to submit proposals.  

The new public artwork would be incorporated into a proposed redevelopment of the Rogers Arena site that includes three mixed-used, high-rise towers.

The designated budget of $585,000 includes artist fees as well as costs for travel, design, fabrication, and installation.

Ballard Fine Art, a local art consultancy firm, is coordinating the artist selection process on behalf of Aquilini Development and Construction.

The selected proposal should fit well with the architecture, community, and existing public art in the area, according to a document by Ballard Fine Art about the project.

“It will be a celebratory piece with high energy and engender a sense of place within the community,” the document says.

Expressions of interest from artists are due by February 15. A finalist is to be selected by April and installation of the project is to take place by early 2016.