Maui Public Art FY26 Call to Artists

This Request for Qualifications stems from Hui Mo'olelo, a program that cultivates site-specific stories through community workshops rooted in Maui County. Selected artists will interpret one of these stories as a work of visual, performance, or experiential public art developed in collaboration with community members. The goal is to promote the unique history, culture and community of distinct sites throughout the County of Maui. Artists are particularly sought for New Media Projects, Fine Art Performances, Interactive or Participatory Projects, Mural or Surface-Based Projects, and Experiential or Environmental Art Installations.

Artists must select an excerpt from the story archive as inspiration for their public art proposal. Selected projects will be matched with appropriate venues, resources, and support based on scale, feasibility, and community impact. This is a commission, not a grant - artists are selected for their vision and experience, but must be open to research, dialogue, and adaptation as the project develops. The collaborative development phase involves working closely with community members, Maui Public Art Corps, and partners to refine initial ideas into site-specific, participatory artwork.

Five project categories are available: Pop-Up Performances ($5,000 budget cap), Outdoor Elevator Shaft Installation ($50,000-$90,000), Decorative Metal Railing Panels ($50,000-$58,000), Concrete Column Integration ($60,000-$250,000), and Permanent Landscape or Environmental Installation. Artists may apply for multiple categories by submitting separate applications. Entry fee is $10.00 with up to 10 applications allowed per artist.