Call for Community-Engaged Public Art: Robinson Park Recreation Center

The City of Pasadena Cultural Affairs Division seeks statements of qualification from California-based artists and teams to create permanent public art at the Robinson Park Recreation Center, located in Northwest Pasadena at 1081 N Fair Oaks Avenue. The selected artist or team must be culturally sensitive and eager to engage with community members while developing artwork concepts. Selection will be based on the quality of past work, approach to community engagement, and ability to create art that reflects the history and aspirations of the area.

The Robinson Park Recreation Center is a newly renovated state-of-the-art facility serving as a community hub with recreational programming for all ages. The public art project is intended to enrich community life, engage Northwest Pasadena residents, and enhance the neighborhood's visual character. The artwork will reflect the community's history and the legacies of Jackie and Mack Robinson, who were raised in the neighborhood. The artist or team will work with the City's Cultural Affairs staff during the concept development phase to determine the best location for the artwork and must collaborate with City staff from Cultural Affairs, Department of Public Works, and Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services to ensure the artwork meets safety standards and can be easily maintained.

The total artwork budget is up to $200,000, divided into two phases: Development Phase ($40,000) for leading a community engagement process and developing a Concept Art Plan for review by the Arts & Culture Commission, and Implementation Phase ($160,000) for developing and implementing the Final Art Plan. Applicants must submit up to 15 images or videos of past work (videos no longer than 30 seconds each), a professional resume with full contact information, three references from past clients, and answers to application questions about their interest in the project, experience with similar projects, community engagement experience, and experience with durable and secure materials. The Selection Panel will recommend up to four finalists to interview. Finalists will present their past work and describe their community engagement approach. The Selection Panel recommendation will be forwarded to the Arts and Culture Commission for review and approval. The contracted artist or team will present a final public art concept to the Arts and Culture Commission for review and recommendation to City Council for approval. Artists must be available to meet with staff and stakeholders during project development, make presentations at community meetings, and present proposals to the Arts & Culture Commission. Artists must be eligible to work in the United States and have a valid U.S. Social Security or Tax Identification Number by the application deadline.