Reimagine Phoenix: Transforming Textile Waste Public Art Project

The Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture's Public Art Program is requesting qualifications from artists to create new works that spark forward thinking as part of a citywide campaign promoting responsible textile consumption and recycling. Up to three artists will be selected to raise awareness about consuming and recycling textiles, and the environmental and economic impacts of disposing them.

Phoenix launched Reimagine Phoenix in 2013, a sustainability initiative to increase the city's diversion rate to 40% by 2020 and achieve zero waste by 2050. Textiles are especially challenging as they cannot be recycled by the city's program and often end up in landfills. Natural fibers release methane gases, while synthetic fibers take hundreds or thousands of years to biodegrade. Clothing also tangles and forces shutdowns of recycling machinery. Every year, the average American throws out over 80 pounds of clothing and textiles, equivalent to roughly 64,000 tons of fabric waste in Phoenix alone.

Selected artists will spend approximately 6 months creating works that raise awareness and inspire new thinking about using and re-using textiles. They will participate in educational trainings including tours of the 27th Avenue Solid Waste Management Facility, a textile sorting and recycling facility, and the Resource Innovation Campus. Artists will work closely with City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture and Public Works Department staff throughout the project. Projects could lead to opportunities including one-time events/shows with temporary or permanent works, or community engagement projects involving interactive programs with maker communities. All project materials are expected to be recycled or reused.

Submissions must include a one-page letter of interest (1000 words max), contact information for three professional references, a resume (no more than 3 pages, 10 point font minimum), and up to ten digital images of previously completed artwork (JPEG/JPG format, 1200 pixels minimum on longest side, under 5 MB each). Each image must include title, dimensions, date of completion, estimated budget, and brief description. Questions should be directed to Romeo Rabusa at [email protected] or (602-534-8334).