Temporary Public Art – Trailhead Project

The City of Santa Clarita, located 30 minutes north of downtown Los Angeles, is seeking original sculpture designs for placement along its extensive trail system. The city features more than 9,000 acres of rolling open space and 100 miles of trails designed for walking, riding, jogging, and skating.

Sculptures must fit on a pre-determined concrete pad measuring 96" by 96" with a usable corner-to-corner space of 72" by 72". Sculptures should be between 6' and 15' in height (excluding base) and weigh no more than 3,000 pounds. There is no required theme, though consideration of response to the landscape and site-specificity is encouraged. Sculptures must be suitable for viewing by all ages and may not be used for advertisement or promotion. Designs must not include breaches of intellectual property, trademarks, or images of drugs. Artists should consider materials that can withstand harsh desert weather conditions (high winds and extreme temperatures), resist theft and vandalism, and require minimal maintenance. Power is not available onsite; if required, a solar component is suggested.

Selected artists will receive a $5,000 honorarium for a three-year period, with an additional $1,500 stipend to cover required three-year insurance costs. The City will collect a 25% commission on artwork sold during that period. Artists are responsible for delivery, pickup, fabrication, transportation, installation, insurance, and all associated expenses. Installation drawings and instructions from a California-licensed engineer must be submitted for approval. All sculptures must include anchorage tabs or devices to secure them to the concrete pads without altering the pads. Artists must provide a maintenance guide and be available for meetings with City staff and engineers. Applicants must be 18 years or older with a US mailing address and must submit a W-9.