Potomac Yard Innovation District Public Art RFQ

The City of Alexandria's Public Art Program is commissioning public art for the northern extension of Potomac Yard Park, a newly constructed city park adjacent to the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus in Alexandria, Virginia. The selected artist or artist team will create site-specific artwork that reflects the site's context and history, with the goal of introducing dramatic, visually engaging, and unique art installations that foster an interactive environment for people of all ages.

Successful projects should celebrate one or more of the following themes: the relationship between past and future; the spirit of innovation, technology, and creativity; growth; and inspiring the future. The artwork should encourage interaction, continued use, gathering, and community participation within the park. The selected artist will collaborate with the project team—including Public Art Program managers, the Public Art Task Force, the Alexandria Commission for the Arts, residents, and stakeholders—to develop a design that integrates seamlessly into the existing linear park featuring multiuse trails and environmental elements. The artist is expected to attend public meetings and oversee fabrication and installation. The project is anticipated to begin in 2025.

The project budget, inclusive of design, fabrication, and installation, may not exceed $300,000. Applicants must demonstrate artistic merit, prior public art experience, experience working with communities to design engaging artwork, and experience collaborating with city staff and design professionals. Artists must be 18 years or older and have prior public art experience. Submissions should include a brief letter describing interest in the project and how your approach aligns with project goals, work samples from projects of similar scope and budget, a CV/resume, and 3-5 references. Artists may submit up to two applications (one as an individual and one as a team). Selected artists will be required to sign a contract with the City of Alexandria and may be required to obtain a Certificate of Insurance for general liability coverage.