The City of Santa Rosa Public Art Program is excited to announce a call for up to 10 temporary art installations for the 2025- 2027 Santa Rosa Public Art Walk, themed, Urban Renewal. This initiative aims to transform our downtown into a vibrant, open-air gallery that celebrates creativity and sparks imagination.   

About the Public Art Walk Program: 

The Santa Rosa Public Art Walk is a rotating temporary art program designed to connect the vibrant cultural hubs from downtown Santa Rosa to Railroad Square. This program aims to transform our urban environment into a dynamic open-air gallery.

Santa Rosa Public Art Walk Goals

• Foster Civic Excitement: Enhance downtown Santa Rosa with art that engages the community, boosting local pride and enthusiasm.
• Encourage Creativity: Provide a platform for innovative and imaginative artworks and contribute to Santa Rosa’s growing reputation as Northern California’s largest creative hub.
• Support Artistic Growth: Encourage emerging and established artists to experiment with new ideas and reach new audiences.
• Transform Public Spaces: Use art to invigorate and beautify downtown areas, turning ordinary spaces into dynamic cultural destinations.
• Offer Learning Experiences: Facilitate educational programs, workshops, and artist talks related to the art walk, enhancing public knowledge and appreciation of the arts.

Theme: Urban Renewal  

The City of Santa Rosa Public Art Program invites artists to explore and reinterpret the transformative power of art in revitalizing urban spaces. This theme encourages creative outdoor installations that breathe new life into our cityscape, reflecting a vision of renewal and innovation.

Eligibility: This opportunity is open to artists or artist teams residing or working in the United States age 18 and older.  All submissions must be of previously completed artworks. No artwork proposals for yet-to-be-created art will be accepted.

Honorarium:

Each selected artist receives an honorarium of $5000. This stipend is to cover all costs for the 2-year duration, including installation, deinstallation and insurance.

Site Selection:

Artworks are generally secured to concrete pads, but there are specific locations where alternative mounting methods may be used. Artists proposing non-standard mounting methods must provide detailed descriptions for approval.

Artists are responsible for installation and deinstallation of artwork.  Additional materials needed may be provided by the City upon request.

Submission Requirements: 

Images: Up to 6 artworks, with 3 views each (18 images maximum).

Image List & Description: Include title, date, medium, dimensions, weight

Statement on “Urban Renewal”: A 150-word maximum statement explaining how your work reflects the theme. Include photos if applicable.

Art Installation Plan: Detailed plan including size, weight, installation method, and hardware specifications. All installation materials and labor are the responsibility of the artist. Depending on artwork, stamped engineering drawings may be required.

Artist Resume: Include relevant experience and background information.

Selection Process: 

Selection Jury: A panel of art professionals, including two members of Art in Public Places Committee, reviews and scores the submissions

Evaluation Criteria: The jury assesses each artwork based on artistic merit, thematic relevance (Urban Renewal), innovation, feasibility (including mounting and safety), and overall contribution to the exhibition’s diversity and impact.

Final Selection: The jury selects the final artworks, with up to three alternates, to be included in the art walk. They may also recommend adjustments or additional information required from artists. Finalist recommendation to be approved by Art in Public Places Committee.

Application Requirements

1. Images: one artwork per application, with 3 views each (6 applications maximum).
2. Image List & Description: Include title, date, medium, dimensions, weight
3. Statement on “Urban Renewal”: A 150-word maximum statement explaining how your work reflects the theme. Include photos if applicable.
4. Art Installation Plan: Detailed plan including size, weight, installation method, and hardware specifications. All installation materials and labor are the responsibility of the artist. Depending on artwork, stamped engineering drawings may be required.
5. Artist Resume: Include relevant experience and background information.

Eligibility Criteria

US Based Artists, 18 and older.