Artist-Initiated Public Art Program RFP Released

Arts Huntsville is pleased to announce its 2022-2023 Artist-Initiated Public Art Program, made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts’ American Rescue Plan Grant Program and the City of Huntsville. The program will allow the Huntsville Public Art Committee to extend grant awards of up to $15,000 to five to 10 artist-initiated public art projects and/or programs this summer. Invitations are extended to artists and artist teams within the Arts Huntsville service area (35-mile radius of Huntsville) in partnership with sites located within the city of Huntsville.

This is an exciting opportunity for local artists and one which the community originally identified in Huntsville’s Public Art Master Plan. While most public art projects define specific parameters and a site location for artists, this program allows artists the freedom to work in partnership with a community group, neighborhood association or property owner to enliven different areas of the city through public art.

Designed as an “ideas competition,” this program encourages local artists to explore how they can bring their artistic practice into public space. In addition to the financial award, Arts Huntsville will provide professional and technical support, such as assistance with getting site permissions and permits, and will work with the artists and their site partners to promote programs or projects.

Owners or managers of public sites located within the city of Huntsville are also invited to reach out to Arts Huntsville if they have an accessible, eligible space that might be enhanced by public art.

While these proposals must be artist-initiated, Arts Huntsville stands ready to help connect artists with potential sites. Sites must be located within Huntsville city limits and cannot be historically protected to be eligible.

Artists can access the Request for Proposal and application at https://artshuntsville.slideroom.com/. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through October 10, 2022, or until all funds are awarded, whichever comes first.

Artists can also reference Arts Huntsville’s proposal writing workbook. A video providing additional guidance will be live on the Arts Huntsville YouTube Channel on the week of June 27. Both artists and potential site partners are invited to reach out to [email protected] with questions.

Image Credit: ‘Soar High’ by Dariá Hammond, Lantana Park, Huntsville, Alabama.