Long Beach Court Building Art Program

The Art Program for the Long Beach Court Building seeks commissioned artworks for a new state-of-the-art 531,000 square foot Superior Court facility in downtown Long Beach. The building, designed by AECOM, is an L-shaped low-rise structure with four distinct elevations reflecting different neighborhood contexts. The project is a public-private partnership between Long Beach Judicial Partners LLC and the State of California.

Three commissions are anticipated: one for $750,000 and two for $375,000 each. All budgets are inclusive of design, fabrication, and installation. Lighting, plaques, and reasonable site preparation will be provided by Long Beach Judicial Partners. Artists should have experience with complex projects involving substantial budgets and pressing timelines, and capacity to create work that will last a minimum of 35 years with normal maintenance requirements.

Artwork should respond to the nature of the Court and the building's specific physical and cultural conditions, be respectful of the architecture while maintaining independent identity, and provide respite from the stressful business of courts. Locations include both interior and exterior sites: the plaza at the Magnolia and Third Street entrance, the landscaped courtyard, the Great Hall (a five-story interior space with natural light), and other locations to be considered. Artists should spend time in on-site analysis and will be fully briefed by project stakeholders. Work samples required: 8 images and up to 2 videos (8-10 total samples).