Scottsdale Public Art - Drinkwater Gateway

Scottsdale Public Art is accepting qualifications from artists for a public art opportunity at the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall in the underpass on Drinkwater Boulevard, located between 1st Avenue and 2nd Street. The total project budget is $150,000. Up to four finalists will be selected for interviews and paid a $1,500 stipend. Artists working in the United States and who have experience designing projects with a similar budget and scope are encouraged to apply. Applications are due by January 31, 2020.

The underpass is part of the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall and is adjacent to Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA), Scottsdale Civic Center Library, and City Hall. The featured art could include a variety of media, including light-based art that uses information/data from those who pass through. The Drinkwater underpass will function almost like a marquee for the City of Scottsdale. Proposed art installation may use walls of the tunnel for a textural art experience, illuminate underside of planters at the entrances/exits, incorporate dynamic lighting, or be placed on top of and in between tiered planters located on the north and south ends of the bridge. Proposed installations shall not encourage pedestrians to enter non-pedestrian areas, conflict with traffic control measures, be distracting to drivers, or interfere with tunnel lighting.

Submission requirements include 5 digital images of previously completed artwork, a current professional resume or curriculum vitae (CV) with artist address, email, and phone number, 2 professional references, and a statement of intent addressing how the applicant's previous experience and current artistic direction will result in a successful public art project. An artist-selection panel will evaluate submissions and select three to four finalists for interviews. Finalists will receive a $1,500 stipend to cover travel and related expenses. Selection criteria include professional qualifications, proven ability to complete projects of similar scope, artistic merit, and demonstrated ability to work with government agencies and stakeholders. The project artist will be recommended by the selection panel for approval by the Scottsdale Public Art Advisory Board. All questions should be directed to Tanya Galin, public art coordinator, at [email protected].