The City of Ocala Public Artist Roster

The City of Ocala Public Artist Roster is a pre-qualified list of professional visual artists that serves as a resource for public art selection and commission at the City and as a reference for external organizations and private entities. The Roster may be used in combination with an open call, invitational, or as the sole resource for identifying appropriate artists/teams for select projects based on an expedited selection process, need for specific skillset, or a curated opportunity. For each project, the qualifications of the artists will be reviewed by the Ocala Municipal Art Commission (OMAC) and recommended for final approval by City staff. Applications are reviewed on the artist's experience and portfolio. Previously accepted roster artists must reapply to remain on the Public Artist Roster. There is no application fee.

Eligible applicants must be professional visual artists or artist teams/collectives (up to five artists) living in the United States or with legal ability to work in the United States, and must be 18 years or older. Artists must create public art or artwork well suited for public spaces with experience in one of four categories: Public Art (large scale murals or standalone works for public environments), Interactive/Media Arts (work produced or transmitted through digital technologies), Integrated/Infrastructure (design practices integrated into building design or landscape design), or Creative Placemaking (engagement through personal interaction and/or ephemeral artwork).

Applications must include: 8-10 images of artworks (.jpg, .jpeg, or .png at 72 dpi minimum), artwork information for each image, artist statement (one page), resume (two pages maximum), and 2-3 professional references. Application deadline is April 27, 2026. OMAC initial review begins June 5, 2026, with accepted artists contacted no later than October 2026. Contact Emily Parkman, Cultural Arts Supervisor, at [email protected] or 352-629-8447.