Tunnel Public Art Lighting Project in The Vista Cultural District, Columbia, SC

The Vista Cultural District and One Columbia for Arts and Culture are hosting an open competition for a public art lighting project in the Lincoln Street Tunnel in The Vista, Columbia, SC. The project is located inside a 100-year-old railroad tunnel beginning at the intersection of Lady Street and Lincoln Street. The proposed lighting artwork must extend the length of the 400 ft. tunnel. The design may highlight The Vista as the creative and cultural district of Columbia and/or the function of the Vista Greenway tunnel as a pedestrian crossing between The Vista and the newly renovated Finley Park. Three artists will be shortlisted and each will receive $500 compensation for conceptual designs. Materials must withstand high traffic in a public and university environment and be capable of withstanding adverse weather conditions common to South Carolina, including high UV exposure, high humidity, and high temperatures.

The goal is to create a meaningful work of public art lighting that engages residents and visitors while adding security to the tunnel. The artwork should be unique, engaging, and support The Vista's objective to be a vibrant, walkable neighborhood welcoming diversity of people, businesses, and entertainment venues.

The selected artist will receive $135,000 to cover materials, equipment, labor, installation, insurance, travel, engineered drawings, and other associated costs. Payment will be made in thirds: one-third as a deposit after contract execution, one-third at installation, and one-third after satisfactory completion. Work must be installed by August 29, 2025. Shortlisted artists will present conceptual designs via video call between December 16-20, 2024, with anticipated notification of final selection on December 20, 2024.

Eligibility: You must be a professional visual artist or artist team (up to five members), a US citizen or authorized to work in the United States, create public art or artwork suited for public spaces, and not be a student enrolled in undergraduate or graduate visual arts coursework at the time of application. Applications require at least five images (up to two videos), artwork information as a PDF, artist statement, resume/CV, letter of interest, and current contact information.