10 Aug Bots on Broad Phase 2 – Open Call for Fabrication Bids
Bots on Broad: Phase 2 — The Tommy Bot Bench
Project Overview
The Greater Augusta Arts Council is seeking qualified metal artists, metal fabricators, welders, and fabrication companies to submit a bid for the fabrication and installation of The Tommy Bot Bench, the second phase of the Bots on Broad public art project.
The Tommy Bot Bench is a collaborative public art project designed by Augusta artist Leonard “Porkchop” Zimmerman. The project combines public art and functional seating to create an interactive landmark for downtown Augusta.
The completed bench will be located at the entrance from Augusta Common into the newly developed Jones Alley, creating a welcoming and visually engaging feature for pedestrians entering the new public space.
As a continuation of the Bots on Broad project, The Tommy Bot Bench will feature Zimmerman’s playful, robot-inspired design while functioning as a durable, comfortable, and inviting public bench.
About Bots on Broad: Phase 2
Bots on Broad is a public art initiative celebrating Augusta’s creative character through imaginative, smaller-than-life robot-inspired artwork incorporated into downtown public spaces. Phase 1 of this project saw then 8″ tall “Tommy” robots, designed by local artist Leonard “Porkchop” Zimmerman, in local business windows as part of a scavenger hunt type sculpture trail.
Phase 2 will bring a life sized Tommy in the form of a “Tommy Bot Bench” to the pathway between Augusta Common and the newly developed Jones Alley. The project is intended to serve both as a piece of public art and as a functional gathering place where residents and visitors can sit, interact, and enjoy the surrounding downtown environment.
The bench’s design has already been developed by Leonard “Porkchop” Zimmerman. This opportunity is specifically for a qualified fabricator to translate Zimmerman’s artistic vision into a durable, professionally constructed public artwork.
Click here to submit!
Scope of Work
The selected metal artist/fabricator will be responsible for the fabrication, finishing, transportation, and installation of The Tommy Bot Bench based on Leonard “Porkchop” Zimmerman’s existing artistic design.
The selected vendor will:
- Review and interpret Zimmerman’s design, drawings, sketches, and/or concepts.
- Work directly with Leonard “Porkchop” Zimmerman throughout the fabrication and development process
- Provide recommendations regarding appropriate materials, construction methods, structural integrity, durability, and fabrication techniques.
- Fabricate the bench according to the approved design.
- Ensure the bench is structurally sound and suitable for regular public use.
- Complete appropriate surface preparation and finishing for long-term outdoor installation.
- Recommend an appropriate exterior-grade enamel-based paint system suitable for the materials and outdoor environment.
- Coordinate with Zimmerman to allow him to participate in painting the finished bench using the enamel-based paints and application methods recommended by the fabricator.
- Provide guidance to Zimmerman regarding surface preparation, paint application, curing, and any protective coating necessary to achieve a durable finish.
- Coordinate with the Greater Augusta Arts Council regarding fabrication progress and project requirements.
- Transport the completed artwork to the installation site.
- Complete all necessary installation and anchoring.
- Ensure the finished artwork is safe and appropriate for public use.
- Make reasonable adjustments to the fabrication as needed in consultation with Zimmerman and the Arts Council.
Artist Collaboration & Painting
This is a fabrication and installation opportunity, not an open call for a new artistic concept.
Leonard “Porkchop” Zimmerman will retain creative oversight of the artistic design. The selected fabricator will work collaboratively with Zimmerman to translate his design into a durable, professionally fabricated public artwork.
Zimmerman would like to personally participate in painting the bench as part of the creative process. The selected fabricator will be responsible for recommending an appropriate exterior-grade, enamel-based paint system and will provide guidance regarding the proper preparation and application of the paint.
The fabricator and Zimmerman will coordinate the painting process to ensure that Zimmerman can contribute directly to the finished artwork while maintaining the durability, safety, and professional quality required for a long-term outdoor public installation.
Bid Proposal Requirements
Interested vendors should submit a detailed budget proposal based on Zimmerman’s provided Tommy Bot Bench design.
Proposals should include:
- Total project cost
- Material costs
- Labor and fabrication costs
- Welding/fabrication costs
- Surface preparation and finishing cost
- Recommended paint system and associated costs
- Transportation costs
- Installation and anchoring costs
- Any anticipated subcontractor costs
- Estimated fabrication timeline
- Estimated installation timeline
- Examples or photographs of relevant previous work
- A brief description of the vendor’s experience with metal fabrication, public art, outdoor sculpture, or custom furniture
- Any assumptions, exclusions, or additional costs that should be considered
Vendors should clearly identify what is included in their total bid and identify any anticipated costs that are not included.
Design & Fabrication Considerations
The selected fabricator should review Zimmerman’s design and identify any aspects that may require technical modification to ensure the finished artwork is:
- Structurally soun
- Safe for public interaction
- Durable in an outdoor environment
- Resistant to weather and corrosion
- Appropriate for regular public seating
- Securely anchored to the site – concrete path
- Suitable for long-term maintenance
Any proposed modifications to the artistic design should be discussed with and approved by Leonard “Porkchop” Zimmerman and the Greater Augusta Arts Council before implementation.
The selected vendor is expected to bring professional fabrication expertise to the project while respecting and maintaining the artistic intent of Zimmerman’s original design.
Please view Leonard “Porkchop”Zimmerman’s Design by clicking here: Leonard Zimmerman’s Tommy Bot Bench Design
Click here to submit!
Qualifications
This opportunity is open to:
- Metal artists
- Sculptors with metal fabrication experience
- Professional welders
- Metal fabricators
- Architectural or custom metal fabricators
- Qualified fabrication companies
- Artist/fabricator teams
Preference may be given to vendors with demonstrated experience producing:
- Outdoor sculpture
- Public art
- Custom metal furniture
- Large-scale metalwork
- Durable outdoor installations
- Public seating or other functional artwork
Applicants should be able to demonstrate the ability to safely fabricate, transport, and install a substantial outdoor metal artwork.
Project Location
Entrance from Augusta Common into Jones Alley
Augusta, Georgia on a concrete path.
The finished Tommy Bot Bench will be positioned at the entrance connecting Augusta Common to the newly developed Jones Alley.
Because of its prominent location, the artwork will serve as both a functional seating element and a highly visible public art feature welcoming residents and visitors into the space.
Selection Process
Bids will be evaluated based on:
- Overall project cost and value
- Demonstrated fabrication experience
- Quality and craftsmanship of previous work
- Ability to successfully execute Zimmerman’s design
- Experience with outdoor and/or public installations
- Understanding of structural and durability requirements
- Proposed fabrication and installation timeline
- Ability to collaborate effectively with Zimmerman and the Arts Council
- Completeness and clarity of the bid
The Greater Augusta Arts Council reserves the right to select the proposal that provides the best overall value and meets the artistic, technical, budgetary, and installation requirements of the project.
Submission
Please submit all bid materials and supporting documentation in this form.
Bid Deadline: October 23, 2026 by 11:59 p.m.
Anticipated Selection: November 6, 2026
Contracts Signed: by November 20, 2026
Anticipated Fabrication: Mid November – End of February
Installation Deadline: Sunday March 7, 2026 at the latest
Click here to submit!
Questions regarding the project, design, or fabrication requirements may be directed to the Greater Augusta Arts Council’s Gallery & Public Art Director Heather Dunaway at heather@augustaarts.com