Civic Art – Vista Canyon Multi-Modal Center

The City of Santa Clarita is seeking an artist to design and fabricate an original, site-specific artwork to be permanently located at a Metrolink Station and Bus Transfer Station under construction at the Vista Canyon Multi-Modal Center. The artwork will be installed on a wall visible at the station, near the site of the 'wedding of the rails' in 1876, when the Southern Pacific and Central Pacific railroad tracks were joined together with a golden spike. Three historic plaques will be relocated to the station within sight of the artwork: a State Historic Landmark, a memorial to Chinese rail workers, and a marker of the golden spike ceremony site.

The artwork should convey or contribute to the themes of the joining of the rails and the golden spike. It must be an original design suitable for viewing by all ages, no more than 11 feet wide, 15 feet in height, with a depth of 4 inches, and weigh no more than 40 pounds per square foot. The artwork can be of any medium but must be constructed of durable materials able to withstand harsh desert weather conditions, high winds, and extreme temperatures. It must be installed with sufficient anchoring to prevent removal or damage from wind or earthquakes and must comply with ADA standards and standard engineering practices. No electricity will be available onsite; if power is required, a solar component is suggested. The artist will be required to outline a maintenance schedule and provide installation instructions and a maintenance guide.

The total budget for the artwork is $40,000. Up to five semifinalists will be invited to create proposals and will receive a $1,000 honorarium plus $400 accommodation allowance. The selected finalist will be responsible for all design, fabrication, transportation, travel, and hotel expenses, as well as insurance coverage for the installation period. Artists 18 years or older with a US mailing address are eligible to submit individual or collaborative applications. The application deadline is July 30, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. PST. Required materials include a cover letter, resume or CV, artist statement, and up to ten images of previous artwork, with at least one example of existing public artwork.