Public art projects that are identified through the culmination of intensive public realm planning processes in partnership with neighborhood advisory groups, Main Street programs, other District government agencies and private developers are incorporated through the DC Creates Public Art Neighborhood Projects. Most of the works are locating on a “Great Street” (provide link to Great Street programs). These are large scale works in prominent public locations that supports the revitalization of specific areas of Washington including the downtown area.

Calls to artists are open to professional artists with site-specific and/or public art experience. Preference is given to artists who reside in the District of Columbia. Artists who apply should have experience working with community representatives, landscape architects, businesses and government entities. 

A selection committee, representing diverse interests and expertise, will review slides submitted by the artists and recommend between (3) three to (5) five Semi-Finalists. Each semi-finalist will be awarded an honorarium to create a site-specific design proposal that would include a scale model or rendering, an itemized budget, a project timeline, and a project narrative. Out-of-the-area artists will also receive a moderate allowance for transportation costs to present the proposal to the panel. The selection committees will reconvene to review the designs and will recommend (1) one finalists for the project. 

The design proposal and the selection committee’s recommendations will be forwarded to the DC Arts Commission for review and approval. The artist whose design is approved will then enter into an agreement with the DC Arts Commission for fabrication and installation of the artwork.

For more information contact Rachel Dickerson, Public Art Manager, at rachel.dickerson@dc.gov or (202) 724-5613.