City of Durham Pre-Qualified Artist Registry

The City of Durham's Cultural and Public Art Program commissions a variety of public artworks in collaboration with City departments and other organizations engaged in capital development projects across Durham, North Carolina. Public art is defined as original visual art including sculptures, murals, photographic renderings, mosaics, and electronic art installations. Project locations may include the City's parks, sidewalks, interior and exterior walls, vehicles, bus stops, and spaces visible from public streets and pedestrian walkways. Public art is traditionally free of admission fees and administered through a public process that provides opportunities for community input.

The City of Durham's Pre-Qualified Artist Registry will be used to select artists when a project's requirements render it suitable. Selection will be based on the appropriateness of the artist's medium and experience relevant to specific project requirements. The City continuously seeks greater diversity and urges artists and artist teams of all backgrounds and any medium to become part of the pre-qualified registry. Candidates are eligible regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender identification, military status, sexual orientation, marital status, or physical ability.

Submission materials must include an artist statement describing your experience and qualifications, at least five high-resolution images from at least three different projects with accompanying summaries of title, location, cost, materials/medium, and timeline, a resume including any public or private commissioning experience and community engagement experience, and three professional references or recommendation letters with contact information. Artist teams should explain their collective interest and qualifications, include examples from each team member, and may submit a total of three references collectively. City staff will review applications for completeness, and an Artist Selection Committee will evaluate portfolios for inclusion in the registry. Selection timeline is rolling.