Stagville Memorial Project Public Artworks for the Durham Rail Trail Gateway Plaza

The Stagville Memorial Project, in partnership with the City of Durham and Durham County, is seeking an artist or artist team to design and install a series of public artworks at the Durham Rail Trail Gateway Plaza in Durham, North Carolina. The artworks will uplift and honor the story of those descended from enslavement at Stagville plantation and their impact on Durham's community and culture.

The project encompasses three cohesive public artworks: creative elements on stairs with seatwalls featuring bold patterns, designs, and symbolic motifs; a large-scale contemporary sculpture serving as the focal point of the plaza; and a creative wayfinding pedestal combining art, history, and wayfinding. Materials for the sculpture may include bronze, stainless steel, tempered glass, ceramics, durable composites, or other durable materials suitable for permanent outdoor installation. Upon completion, the artworks will be conveyed to the City of Durham's Public Art Collection for ongoing management and maintenance.

The project budget is $269,000, inclusive of all costs including artist fees, subcontractors' fees, insurance, engineering, materials, fabrication, transportation, installation, community engagement, and documentation. The selected artist(s) will be under contract through 2028. Applicants must submit 1-10 images and 0-3 videos. The project is open to regional artists in North Carolina. The Durham Rail Trail is currently in the design phase, with construction slated to begin in fall 2026 and completion expected by spring 2028.