Valley Metro CAPEX Light Rail Public Art 2024

The Capitol Extension project is a 0.7-mile western extension of the existing Valley Metro light rail transit line from downtown Phoenix towards the Arizona State Capitol, scheduled to begin operations in 2028. The project includes two split platform stations (4 total platforms) along the route: one at 7th Avenue on Washington and Jefferson streets, and one at 15th Avenue on Washington and Jefferson streets. Additional infrastructure includes one new traction power substation, one operator facility, and sidewalk railing.

Experienced public artists are invited to apply for the four station platform projects at $275,000 each. Emerging public artists are invited to apply for the traction power substation ($50,000), operator facility ($25,000), and three sidewalk railing projects ($40,000 each). Artists will apply for all projects in this call. Budgets are "Lump Sum," including all costs such as artist fees, travel, insurance, shipping, engineering, fabrication, installation, administrative expenses, taxes, contractor's licenses, and inspections.

Artists awarded a contract will coordinate with area residents and stakeholders, design consultants, Valley Metro and City of Phoenix staff, and the Regional Rail Arts Committee to enhance the overall design of stops and transit elements. Artwork should be thoughtful, engaging, and reflect the character of the surrounding community while maintaining strict standards of safety, maintenance, and operations. Evaluation criteria include demonstration of artistic merit in conceptual approach and technical execution, potential to create an impactful design, experience in collaborative design work and community engagement, and past projects demonstrating value commensurate to costs. Applicants must be living and legally able to work in the United States. Submit a letter of interest describing past approach to projects, responses to evaluation criteria, and reasons for interest; current resume or CV; three to five references with contact information; an annotated image list; and no more than 10 digital images of completed artwork.