Call Description

The Norfolk Art Commission Wants to Hire an Experienced Public Artist to Mentor 4 Local Artists

 We are seeking a professional public artist to mentor four emerging local artists in Hampton Roads. Norfolk has a thriving community of talented artists, but many of them lack experience in public art. The selected Mentor Artist will guide four mentees interested in pursuing careers in public art, helping them to develop their skills as they navigate the public art field.

 The Mentor Artist will assist with reviewing applications, interviewing finalists and selecting the four mentees. Additionally, the Mentor Artist will be responsible for ensuring that the four public art projects are successfully built, meeting all necessary requirements and deadlines. The Mentor will receive a $250,000 contract, which includes a $50,000 stipend. Each mentee will receive a $50,000 subcontract through the Mentor to create a public artwork at one of four designated sites. (The total budget for the program is $250,000.)

 This program offers the Mentor Artist a chance to expand their legacy and have a lasting impact on the next generation of public artists. By providing guidance and encouragement, the selected Mentor Artist will help mentees stay focused, motivated and accountable in their artistic development, bolstering their confidence and visibility, and boosting their career advancement.

PROJECT SITES: Four sites have been selected for a work of art by a mentee artist. The sites are a neighborhood branch library, a community center, a police station and a park.

PROJECT FUNDS: Up to three finalists for the Mentor Artist may be selected to be interviewed in a virtual meeting by the Norfolk Arts Commission. The stipend for this position is $50,000. The Mentor Artist will be responsible for subcontracting and mentoring four diverse local artists, who will each complete a $50,000 project. The total budget for the program is $250,000.

All the selected artists, including the Mentor and the mentees, must carry a commercial general liability insurance policy that names the City of Norfolk as an additional insured. The certificates of insurance must guarantee 30 days’ written notice before any changes become effective. Such insurance can be purchased, and the certificate presented, after the first payment to each artist is made. If an artist employs anyone in connection with this work, the artist must carry a worker’s compensation insurance policy and an automobile liability insurance policy, if appropriate. All artists in the program (including the Mentor and mentees) who employ anyone in connection with this project must carry a worker’s compensation insurance policy and an automobile liability insurance policy, if appropriate. The Mentor Artist will ensure the other artists’ compliance with this policy.

SELECTION CRITERIA AND AWARD CONSIDERATIONS: The mentor contract will be awarded based on professional artistic experience to fulfill the requirements of this project either in studio, educational, community, employment and/or art projects and the ability and resources to undertake the mentorship.

Application Requirements

PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS: Submissions must be submitted via the Café Call for Entry website by 11:59 PM EST on June 11, 2025. The application is free.

The following materials are required:

1.      Statement of Understanding: By submitting your application, you agree to the Statement of Understanding, which indicates that you will comply with all applicable state laws in Virginia.

2.      Letter of Interest: In 750 words at most, explain your interest in this project. Address your years of experience in public art. Tell us why you want to be a mentor and how you would be a success at it. Describe the materials you have expertise with, and your experience working in collaboration with other artists. Tell us about your contacts with insurers, engineers, fabricators, shipping, etc., and how you would work to share those contacts with others.

3.      Resume: Maximum of two pages, outlining your professional accomplishments. Include any teaching or mentoring experience.

4.      Artwork images: Share 10 images of your completed work. Make sure they show a variety of work that you completed solo or as a member of a team.  

5.      References: Provide three professional references, including name, affiliated organization (if appropriate), email address and phone number; and your relationship to each reference.   

Eligibility Criteria

Submissions are open to all U.S. artists who have experience with a variety of successful public art commissions in various public settings.