City of Fremont: Public Artwork for Outdoor Plaza

The City of Fremont, California is seeking artist proposals for the commission of an innovative and permanent public art installation flanking the entrance to a new outdoor plaza, Urban Plaza, in south Fremont. The artist will design, fabricate, and install the artwork. The area for the artwork is approximately 8 to 9 feet in diameter.

The artwork will be located at the Metro Crossing Urban Plaza at 44960 Warm Springs Boulevard in Fremont's Warm Springs Innovation District. The plaza will be privately owned but publicly accessible open space. The artwork will serve as a centerpiece, marking the main entrance into Metro Crossing and will be visible from the adjacent Warm Springs/South Fremont BART Station. The commissioned artwork will help define the character of the area, promote a passive pedestrian-friendly atmosphere, and offer pleasant walking experiences for residents and visitors.

This opportunity is open to all professional artists nationwide. Artists must be at least 18 years of age and have experience working with substantial budgets. The budget for this project—including design, fabrication, and installation—is a maximum of $320,000. Applicants must submit a letter of interest, updated resume (no more than three pages), conceptual art proposal with descriptive narrative (PDF only), 4-6 images of previously installed work with title, medium, dimensions, and value, and three professional references. Responses will be evaluated by Fremont's Art Review Board, which will recommend first and second choice proposals to the Fremont City Council for final approval. Selection criteria include strength of conceptual proposal and narrative, artist's resume and experience with similar-scale public art projects, artwork's resistance to wear and vandalism, ease of maintenance, and adherence to public safety standards. The tentative timeline includes Art Review Board review in April 2020, finalist interviews and recommendation in May 2020, and City Council contract award in June 2020, with artwork completion and installation from June 2020 through Spring 2021.