Scottsdale Public Art
Call for Artists/Request for Qualifications (RFQ)
Brown Avenue Parking Structure Expansion Public Art Project
Application Deadline: Monday, November 24, 2025 (11:59 p.m. MST (AZ))
Total Project Budget: $160,000.00 USD
Project Summary:
Scottsdale Public Art is accepting qualifications from artists for a permanent public art opportunity for the Brown Avenue Parking Structure Expansion project in Scottsdale, Arizona. The city of Scottsdale is working to expand the Brown Avenue Parking Structure to increase parking capacity in Old Town. Scottsdale Public Art seeks to contract an artist to design, fabricate, and install artistic features at the parking structure, located in Old Town Scottsdale, on Brown Avenue between 1st and 2nd Street. The final selected artist will receive $160,000 for the realization of the art.
Public Art Scope & Eligibility:
The selected artist will design, fabricate, and install permanent artwork affixed to the exterior of the parking structure. We are accepting applications from artists who have experience with large-scale mosaic, metal, or mixed-media installations. Painted murals, rusted metal, and free-standing sculptures are not appropriate for this project.
The artwork location will be on a section of the structure facing 2nd Street. The anticipated dimensions of this section are 31’ x 31’. The exact artwork dimensions will be refined as the overall project design progresses. When developing their design, the artist will work in close communication with the overall project design team and shall consider the style and history of Old Town Scottsdale, as well as the existing public artwork in the area. Community and stakeholder engagement will be required throughout this project in coordination with Scottsdale Arts and the City of Scottsdale.
Artists living and working in the United States, with experience designing, fabricating, and installing projects with a similar budget and scope, are encouraged to apply. Scottsdale Public Art supports diversity and inclusion in all public art calls. Any work at the site that would require a contractor or design professional, besides the artist selected, must be completed by a contractor or design professional licensed in the state of Arizona.
Selection Process:
Artists are selected through an equitable process by an artist selection panel. New artist selection panels are created for every project. The selection panel may include art professionals, artists, community members, a Scottsdale Public Art Advisory Board member, and project stakeholders. Scottsdale Public Art staff facilitate the selection panel process but are not voting members. Other non-voting members may include city of Scottsdale staff, consultants, and/or stakeholders of the larger project. These non-voting members are there to assist with the process and answer any questions relating to the overall project.
An artist selection panel will evaluate all submissions and identify finalists. Up to three finalists will be selected and paid a $2,000.00 USD stipend to do an in-person site visit and interview. Following the interviews, one artist and one alternate will be selected for the project. The final selected artist will create a permanent art installation at the site. A proposal is not required from finalists.
Selection criteria include:
- Artistic merit, as demonstrated by submitted materials
- Demonstrated ability to create engaging, skillfully executed, and thought-provoking artwork.
- Demonstrated potential to complete projects of a similar scope.
- Willingness and ability to collaborate with community members, stakeholders, and project teams.
- Interest in incorporating community voices into the design process, when applicable.
The final selected artist will be recommended by the selection panel for approval by the Scottsdale Public Art (SPA) Advisory Board. Throughout the project, the SPA Advisory Board approves art concepts and the project scope and budget, allowing the artist creative license within the established project plan. The contract and project plan are to be negotiated with Scottsdale Public Art. The Advisory Board reserves the right to reject any or all applications.
Timeline:
Subject to change based on project schedule:
- Monday, November 24, 2025: Deadline for response to RFQ (11:59 p.m. MST (AZ))
- December 2025 – February 2026: Finalist notifications, interviews
- February/March 2026: Artist selection and contract development
- March – August 2026: Community engagement, design and approval
- August – December 2026: Fabrication
- January – February 2027: Site prep and installation
- 2027: Project completion
Submission Requirements:
- Digital Images: Up to 6 images of previously completed artwork with project details.
- Resume or CV: Current professional resume or curriculum vitae (CV), including artist address, email, and phone number. Teams must submit one resume/CV per team member.
- References: 2 professional references for the applicant(s).
- Short Statement of Intent or Artist Statement: Address how the applicant’s previous experience and current artistic direction will result in a successful public art project (250 words or less).
Application Delivery:
Applications are being accepted via the Submittable.com website. Proposals are not requested at this stage in the process. All materials submitted will be used by Scottsdale Public Art throughout the duration of the artist selection process.
Scottsdale Public Art:
In 1985, Scottsdale adopted a one percent for art ordinance and established Scottsdale Public Art to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Scottsdale Public Art seeks to integrate high-quality artwork into public spaces, reflecting and enhancing Scottsdale’s cultural and artistic identity. The program promotes a dynamic and inclusive vision of art in the public realm
Scottsdale Public Art advocates for and facilitates the integration of artists’ work and ideas into the planning, design, and construction of community spaces. Public participation is encouraged throughout the process, from artist selection to artwork dedication, fostering a strong sense of shared ownership and civic pride. Scottsdale Public Art is a department of Scottsdale Arts, a private, nonprofit management organization that administers many of the arts and cultural affairs of the city of Scottsdale, Arizona.
Scottsdale, Arizona:
Scottsdale is home to a large residential community and serves as the primary resort destination in the Phoenix metro area. The city features a vibrant mix of specialty shopping, art galleries, recreational amenities, and numerous cultural and sporting events that contribute significantly to the region’s tourism industry. Residents from neighboring communities frequently visit Scottsdale to enjoy its retail centers, parks, libraries, and employment hubs. Scottsdale’s distinctive character and high-quality visual environment play a key role in supporting both its tourism economy and civic identity.
For Further Information:
All questions regarding this request for qualifications are to be directed to Victoria Sajadi, Public Art Manager, Scottsdale Public Art, at VictoriaS@scottsdalearts.org. Please include artist name and contact information in all correspondence.
Additional information about Scottsdale Arts: scottsdalepublicart.org
Additional information about the City’s Brown Avenue Parking Structure Expansion project: https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/capital-improvement/brown-avenue-parking-structure-expansion
Scottsdale Public Art
Call for Artists/Request for Qualifications (RFQ)
Vista del Camino Lakes Public Art Project
Application Deadline: Monday, December 15, 2025 (11:59 p.m. MST (AZ))
Total Project Budget: $190,000.00 USD
Project Summary:
Scottsdale Public Art is accepting qualifications from artists for a permanent public art opportunity for the Vista del Camino Lakes/Indian Bend Wash area, located between Roosevelt Street and Thomas Road in Scottsdale, Arizona. The city of Scottsdale is working to improve irrigation and repair the lakes infrastructure in the area. Scottsdale Public Art seeks to contract an artist to design, fabricate, and install artistic features as part of this project. The final selected artist will receive $190,000.00 for the realization of the art.
Public Art Scope & Eligibility:
The selected artist will design, fabricate, and install permanent artwork throughout the project area. We encourage artists working in any 2D or 3D media/medium to apply, and no prior public art experience is required. Due to the flooding of this area, free-standing sculptures are not appropriate for this project.
The artwork will primarily be integrated into the pathways (existing and new) throughout the project, but there is potential for additional artwork opportunities. The artist must work with the city’s selected contractor for the integration of artwork into the pathways. The overall city construction project will have multiple phases constructed over the next few years; the selected artist will work with Scottsdale Public Art and the City of Scottsdale to determine the precise timeline for artwork integration within the different construction phases.
When developing their design, the artist should consider the adjacent communities and the history and use of this area. Community and stakeholder engagement will be required throughout this project. Artists living and working in Arizona are eligible to apply. Preference will be given to community members of O’odham, Piipaash, and Yoeme Nations from Maricopa, Pinal, and Pima counties. Scottsdale Public Art supports diversity and inclusion in all public art calls.
Any work at the site requiring a contractor or design professional, besides the artist selected, must be completed by a contractor or design professional licensed in Arizona.
Selection Process:
Artists are selected through an equitable process by an artist selection panel. New artist selection panels are created for every project. The selection panel may include art professionals, artists, community members, a Scottsdale Public Art Advisory Board member, and project stakeholders. Scottsdale Public Art staff facilitate the selection panel process but are not voting members. Other non-voting members may include city of Scottsdale staff, consultants, and/or stakeholders of the larger project. These non-voting members are there to assist with the process and answer any questions relating to the overall project.
The artist selection panel will evaluate all submissions and identify finalists. Up to three finalists will be selected and paid a $1,000.00 USD stipend to do an in-person site visit and interview. Following the interviews, one artist and one alternate will be selected for the project. The final selected artist will create a permanent art installation at the site. A proposal is not required from finalists.
Selection criteria include:
- Artistic merit, as demonstrated by submitted materials.
- Demonstrated ability to create engaging, skillfully executed, and thought-provoking artwork.
- Demonstrated potential to complete projects of a similar scope.
- Willingness and ability to collaborate with community members, stakeholders, and project teams.
- Interest in incorporating community voices into the design process, when applicable.
The final selected artist will be recommended by the selection panel for approval by the Scottsdale Public Art (SPA) Advisory Board. Throughout the project, the SPA Advisory Board approves art concepts and the project scope and budget, allowing the artist creative license within the established project plan. The contract and project plan are to be negotiated with Scottsdale Public Art. The Advisory Board reserves the right to reject any or all applications.
Timeline:
Subject to change based on project schedule:
- Monday, December 15, 2025: Deadline for response to RFQ (11:59 p.m. MST (AZ))
- January - February 2026: Finalist notifications, site visits, interviews
- March 2026: Artist selection and contract development
- April – May 2026: Community engagement
- June - September 2026: Design and approval
- Fall 2026 - 2027: Fabrication, site prep, and installation
- 2027: Anticipated Project Completion
Submission Requirements:
- Digital Images: Up to 6 images of previously completed artwork with project details.
- Resume or CV: Current professional resume or curriculum vitae (CV), including artist address, email, and phone number. Teams must submit one resume/CV per team member.
- References: 2 professional references for the applicant(s).
- Short Statement of Intent or Artist Statement: Address how the applicant’s previous experience and current artistic direction will result in a successful public art project (250 words or less).
Application Delivery:
Applications are being accepted via the Submittable.com website. Proposals are not requested at this stage in the process. All materials submitted will be used by Scottsdale Public Art throughout the duration of the artist selection process.
Scottsdale Public Art:
In 1985, Scottsdale adopted a one percent for art ordinance and established Scottsdale Public Art to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Scottsdale Public Art seeks to integrate high-quality artwork into public spaces, reflecting and enhancing Scottsdale’s cultural and artistic identity. The program promotes a dynamic and inclusive vision of art in the public realm.
Scottsdale Public Art advocates for and facilitates the integration of artists’ work and ideas into the planning, design, and construction of community spaces. Public participation is encouraged throughout the process, from artist selection to artwork dedication, fostering a strong sense of shared ownership and civic pride. Scottsdale Public Art is a department of Scottsdale Arts, a private, nonprofit management organization that administers many of the arts and cultural affairs of the city of Scottsdale, Arizona.
Scottsdale, Arizona:
Scottsdale is home to a large residential community and serves as the primary resort destination in the Phoenix metro area. The city features a vibrant mix of specialty shopping, art galleries, recreational amenities, and numerous cultural and sporting events that contribute significantly to the region’s tourism industry. Residents from neighboring communities frequently visit Scottsdale to enjoy its retail centers, parks, libraries, and employment hubs. Scottsdale’s distinctive character and high-quality visual environment play a key role in supporting both its tourism economy and civic identity.
For Further Information:
All questions regarding this request for qualifications are to be directed to Victoria Sajadi, Public Art Manager, Scottsdale Public Art, at VictoriaS@scottsdalearts.org. Please include artist name and contact information in all correspondence.
If you would like a walkthrough on how to apply or have additional questions, please join our information Session:
Wednesday, December 3, at noon MST (AZ)
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84504639849
Meeting ID: 845 0463 9849
Additional information about Scottsdale Arts: scottsdalepublicart.org
Additional information about the City’s Indian Bend Wash project: https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/capital-improvement/indian-bend-wash-repair-lakes-and-irrigation