Pima County Valencia Road Public Art Opportunity - Mission Road to Camino de La Tierra

In collaboration with Pima County, the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is seeking a qualified Public Artist or Artist Team for commission through a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process. This is a request for qualifications only; do not submit proposals for artwork at this time.

Pima County's 1% for Public Art program, established in 1990, is dedicated to enhancing public spaces with meaningful artworks that reflect the county's unique character and cultural heritage. The Valencia Road expansion project will take place from Mission Road to Camino de La Tierra in Southwest Tucson. Eight locations along the corridor have been identified for artwork installations—four on the north side and four on the south side of Valencia Road. The region is rich in cultural diversity, with deep indigenous, Mexican, and early Spanish colonial influences. Artwork medium must be low to no maintenance and resistant to damage by full sun, vandalism, and environmental factors. Freestanding art is preferred and will be located along paths and sidewalks throughout the corridor.

The all-inclusive budget of $207,692 must cover all costs related to design, materials, production, transportation, and installation of the artwork; permits, taxes, and insurance; soil analysis, engineering, and mounting. Construction is anticipated to begin Fall 2025. The selected Artist/Artist Team will work collaboratively with Pima County, SAACA, and a seven-person Public Art Panel to develop conceptual designs. A seven-person panel will review all qualified applicants, select three finalists for interviews and presentations, and select the final Artist/Artist Team. Selection will be based on artistic quality, demonstrated ability to meet guidelines, artistic merit, superior craftsmanship, and suitability to project intent and site. Application deadline: April 11, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. MDT. Work sample requirements: minimum 6 images, maximum 10 images; 0-5 videos; 6-15 total samples.