Call Description

Project Overview

The selected artists/artist teams will join an interdisciplinary project team (Design Team) that is designing and building the BRT. The Artist and the Design Team will work closely together to integrate public art into the BRT that aligns with the Design Team’s overall design and layout of the site. 

Public art in these stations may address elements including, but not limited to windowpanes in shelters, railings, seating, sidewalks, retaining walls, or freestanding (where space is available outside of the immediate shelter). Please note that the shelters themselves will be standardized, and artists are not requested to design custom shelters in their entirety. Elements of the shelter may be modified with public art.

The Artists will work with the Design Team to integrate public art into the Design Team’s drawings and presentations. In collaboration with the Design Team, the Artist is expected to attend public meetings. After a final concept design is approved, the Artist will oversee the fabrication and installation of the public art. Completion of the project is expected to be Fall, 2027.

For more information about this project including maps of the BRT, information about Alexandria's West End, stakeholders, etc. please review the Public Art Project Plan for West End Transitway. 

About the West End Transitway

The West End Transitway is a planned 5.3-mile bus rapid transit line (BRT) that will connect major transit facilities and several neighborhoods along the corridor. 

The City will be implementing the West End Transitway in phases, and anticipates beginning initial operation of a first phase of the transitway by 2026. 

Most station locations will include two shelters (one for northbound and one for southbound). The shelters are planned to be 36 feet long. Additional amenities at the stations may include leaning rails, benches, trash cans, and landscaping, and may vary based on the final site design and site constraints. 

For more information about the West End Transitway please click here. 

Budget

The project budget will vary based on selected elements with each station not to exceed a budget of $25,000.

Project Goals

The program goals of the West End Transitway public art projects are to:

• Make taking transit a better experience for existing riders and generate new ridership.
• Bring new artwork to Alexandria that is informed by the context of the site(s) and reflect the character and aspirations of the surrounding neighborhood(s).
• Add delight to the user experience of the stations, while adding value to passersby and travelers on the corridor that would view the artwork from a distance.
• Add character and identity to the individual stations and elevate the West End Transitway as a network.
• Connect nearby residents and neighborhoods to quality art experiences in everyday places.

Q&A Session (virtual)

The Office of the Arts will host an informational session via Zoom for interested artists to learn more about the project and ask questions about the application process and requirements on Tuesday, December 19th at 1:00pm (EST). To request a link to the session, please click here.  

Selection and Review Process

Submittals will be reviewed by a Task Force comprised of representatives from the Alexandria Commission for the Arts, community stakeholders, and project stakeholders working on the BRT.

Artist Selection Criteria

Applicants must demonstrate the following qualifications:

• Artistic merit of body of work
• Experience working with communities to design engaging artwork that is appropriate for the scope and scale of the project in collaboration with communities
• Experience in collaborating with City staff, stakeholders, and design and engineering professionals
• Appropriateness of qualifications for the project
• Effective communication and organizational skills
• Probability of successful execution of the project

Additional Information

• Artists can submit up to two applications (one as an individual and one as a team).
• Artists can select multiple design elements to address
• Selected artists will be required to sign a contract with the City of Alexandria.
• Selected artists may be required to obtain a Certificate of Insurance for general liability coverage for the fabrication and installation of the public art.

Additional Resources

Two approved plans guide the arts in Alexandria: 

• Public Art Implementation Plan
• Arts and Culture Master Plan

Application Requirements

To apply, please include: 

• a brief letter describing the type of artwork you would create and which design element you will address (e.g., windowpanes in shelters, railings, seating, sidewalks, retaining walls, open space, etc.) what interests you about the project, and how you would approach the project
• an estimated budget for both design and fabrication (not to exceed $25,000)
• a CV/resume
• the names, titles, phone numbers, and email addresses of 3 -5 references.

Please do not send specific proposals at this time.

Eligibility Criteria

Artists must be 18 years or older to apply. Emerging artists and artists who have not made public art are encouraged to apply if they have experience as a working artist as evidenced by their portfolio, exhibition record, critical reviews, honors, awards, etc.