Ocean View 21st Bay Public Art Commission

Ocean View (OV) is a coastal region in Norfolk, Virginia with more than 7 miles of free, accessible shoreline along the Chesapeake Bay. The area is economically, socially, culturally, and racially diverse. In the 1990s, a large-scale urban renewal project began at the east end of Ocean View, with the city investing over $50 million to develop an upscale new urbanist waterfront neighborhood named "East Beach." The neighborhood includes 700 residences, restaurants, shops, parks, and public places, with mature live oak trees preserved in linear public parks. East Beach was named one of the nation's top restored beaches.

The artwork will be sited in a wide dune-like median at the transition point where Ocean View Avenue transitions from East Beach to the older part of Ocean View. The artwork will serve as a gateway, entrance, and transition point into Ocean View and should reflect the natural beauty of the community. The work should be natural and organic, energetic, fun, stimulating, and tell the story of sand, wind, water, and sun. The artwork must be large enough to be viewed from vehicles traveling Ocean View Avenue and incorporate a base tall enough to showcase the artwork above collecting sand. It must be made of durable, permanent materials that are safe and easily maintained, standing the test of time against harsh wind, sand elements, and occasional hurricanes. There is no infrastructure for a mural.

The commission will be awarded based on artistic merit (excellence, originality, creativity, and innovative approaches), professional artistic experience to fulfill project requirements, and appropriateness of materials, style, and concepts. Submissions must include a Statement of Understanding, Letter of Interest (1000-word max), resume (maximum two pages per person), up to ten images of relevant artwork, and three professional references. This project is open to all artists over 18 years of age. There is no application fee.