My Pasadena NEA Our Town Public Art Project

The City of Pasadena in partnership with Side Street Projects seeks proposals from California-based artists and collectives to create and install temporary, interactive public art projects in the Civic Center Overlay Zone that align with the City's Public Art Master Plan as part of the My Pasadena: National Endowment for the Arts Our Town project.

The proposed temporary public art projects are intended to stimulate civic engagement and reconnect the Northwest community—separated by the 210 freeway—to Pasadena's Civic Center. Projects will be located in the heart of the Civic Center area, along Garfield Boulevard between Walnut Street to the north and Green Street to the south, and along Holly Street from west of City Hall to Garfield Avenue. Socially-engaged art projects that expand community, build awareness of the contemporary role of government in civic life, and enhance understanding of and participation in civic dialog are sought. Competitive proposals should involve the history of the City and partner with local organizations including the Pasadena Library's We the People Program, the Armory Center for the Arts, Pasadena Heritage, Pasadena Unified School District's My Masterpieces Program, and the City's Northwest Ambassador Youth Program. Eligible projects can be short-term events or ongoing for up to one year during the project timeline of September 1, 2015 through August 31, 2016.

The total artwork budget is $95,000. Project award amounts range from $2,500 to $20,000, with one $20,000 contract, two $10,000 awards, four $7,500 awards, three $5,000 awards, and four $2,500 awards. Only one award per artist or arts organization will be made. Proposed project budgets must include design, fabrication, installation and de-installation. Work sample requirements: 4-6 images, 0-2 audio files, 0-2 video files, with a total of 4-10 samples. Submissions are due Monday, May 4, 2015. Questions may be referred to the Cultural Affairs division at 626-744-7062.