Downtown Clearwater - Mercado Mosaic Public Art Commission

The Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency is commissioning artists to create a public art installation for The Mercado, a public plaza in downtown Clearwater's Gateway district. The project seeks experienced mosaic and mural artists to design an installation that embraces the name and character of this multifaceted community space. At minimum, 60% of the artwork should be completed in mosaic tile with paint used to accent and enhance the work.

The installation includes multiple surfaces: a building wall on the east façade featuring four panel areas (the largest 8' tall by 9' wide, with two smaller 8' by 2'6" panels), and 11 circular planter areas with an average design surface of 57 square feet. Selected finalists may also be asked to develop a Phase 2 design concept for an entry pillar located 0.5 miles away at the intersection of Gulf to Bay Boulevard and Court Street. The pillar features four sides with panel areas 17' tall and 2' wide at the base.

The selected artist or team will receive a $75,000 contract covering artwork design, fabrication, materials, installation, insurance, travel, public presentations, and all related expenses. Three finalists will be selected and paid a $1,000 stipend for final proposals. Final artist selection will be made after public voting at the Mercado Grand Opening event. Submittals are due June 30, 2023. Selected finalists will be notified July 21, 2023, with final proposals due August 4, 2023. Artwork installation is scheduled for Fall 2023. Artists must have professional experience in public art mosaics and murals and should field verify the site before final budget and scope approval.