Public Art Ideas Competition

ACT Public Art, a program of the City of Providence's Department of Art, Culture + Tourism, invites artists and artist teams to submit ideas for temporary public art projects that animate Providence's public spaces. This pilot round focuses on City-owned property and the broad idea of Animating Public Space, seeking projects that bring new life to Providence's shared spaces and create new ways of interacting with public spaces.

Artists or artist teams may submit ideas for temporary public art projects at City-owned locations of their choosing, including streetscapes, City facilities and buildings, and City parks. Artworks may not be located within the PVDFest footprint (bounded by Greene St., Fountain St., Weybosset St., and Dorrance St.). All works must be temporary, on view for at least six months and no more than two years. Selected artists can install work as early as October 2019, with all commissioned works available for public viewing during Spring/Summer 2020. Each selected artist will receive a budget of up to $10,000 to fabricate, install, and de-install their work, plus project management support from ACT staff and consultants.

The selection process is two-phase. In Phase 1, artists submit qualifications and a letter outlining their concept. Up to 7 finalists will be selected and receive an honorarium of $750. Finalists will develop their concept further and present to the Art Selection Panel, with up to 4 projects selected by August 2019. Eligibility is open to established and emerging artists and artist teams 18 years or older with specialized training and/or exhibition history. Artists must live or work in the Providence Metro Area (all of Rhode Island and Bristol County, Massachusetts), with preference given to those in Providence. Artists currently working on a public art commission from the Department are not eligible. Work sample requirements: minimum 3 images, maximum 12 total samples (images, audio, and/or video combined). Submissions are made through CaFÉ at www.CallForEntry.org with no entry fee.