APPLICATION DEADLINE: September 1, 2023 *CaFE closes the application at midnight (11:59 PM) Mountain Time. Tech support is available by email only at cafehelp@westaf.org.

PURPOSE/GOALS: In accordance with Hawai‘i Revised Statute 103-8.5, the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, Art in Public Places Program is requesting qualifications from individual artists for artwork to be commissioned for various locations statewide. Through this RFQ we intend to establish a qualified pool of professional artists for consideration.

SITE DESCRIPTIONS: Sites for art may include opportunities for three dimensional freestanding sculpture, two dimensional images translated into durable materials and large painted murals. Specific locations have not been announced.

ELIGIBILITY: Applications will be accepted online only through CaFÉ at: www.callforentry.org. This RFQ is open to National and International Artists. Hawai‘i artists will be given special consideration.  Hawai‘i Artist: An artist who was born and/or educated in Hawai‘i, regardless of whether he/she currently resides in Hawai‘i or elsewhere; obtained a major part of his or her artistic training and development in Hawai‘i; is a Hawai‘i resident; or has made a significant impact in Hawai‘i through exhibitions, installations and/or commissions.  

SUBMISSION: Interested artists should submit the following: a. Resume b. Artist’s written statement of design philosophy, and seven (7) images of completed work. Selection Criteria: Appropriateness of the artist’s medium, style and previous professional experience.

ARTIST SELECTION PROCESS: After the Café application deadline, the SFCA staff will screen applicants for compliance with the selection criteria to establish a qualified candidate pool to be considered for commission/acquisition. These pre-qualified artists will be presented to various Art Advisory Committees (AAC). Up to five semi-finalists may be asked to develop a detailed design proposal for each location or interview. After reviewing proposals or interviewing artists, the AAC will recommend candidate(s) to the SFCA Board of Commissioners for final approval. Artists selected for commissioned artworks are required to obtain a General Excise License from the Hawai‘i State Tax Office. They are also required to obtain a certificate of vendor compliance from Hawai‘i Compliance Express before the contract is awarded. Contact us: For questions, please contact Alexandra Skees (alexandra.skees@hawaii.gov) and Kamakani Konia (kamakani.p.konia@hawaii.gov), SFCA Art in Public Places Project Managers. All information contained herein does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract and these provisions are subject to change.

Application Requirements

Interested artists should submit the following: a. Resume b. Artist’s written statement of design philosophy, and seven (7) images of completed work. Selection Criteria: Appropriateness of the artist’s medium, style and previous professional experience.

Eligibility Criteria

Applications will be accepted online only through CaFÉ at: www.callforentry.org. This RFQ is open to National and International Artists. Hawai‘i artists will be given special consideration.  Hawai‘i Artist: An artist who was born and/or educated in Hawai‘i, regardless of whether he/she currently resides in Hawai‘i or elsewhere; obtained a major part of his or her artistic training and development in Hawai‘i; is a Hawai‘i resident; or has made a significant impact in Hawai‘i through exhibitions, installations and/or commissions.