Call for Artist Qualifications: Veterans Park Community Art Project

Overview

The City of San Marcos seeks artists and artist teams to submit their qualifications to create ways to integrate art in a predominantly Hispanic, bilingual neighborhood park. The selected artists will facilitate community involvement during both the design and painting phases of this public art project. Pieces included in the project may include designs and painting on a pavilion structure and shaded seating area.

Background

The City will install new shaded seating structures at Veterans Park, a well-loved park in a predominantly Hispanic, bilingual neighborhood in San Marcos. The new structures, along with an existing pavilion at the park, will be the canvas for a public art project that celebrates the vibrancy of the neighborhood and reflects its culture and values.

Key Dates

• Aug. 17, 2026: Submissions due
• September 2026: Artist notification

Eligibility

Open to regional artists based in Hays, Travis, Caldwell, Guadalupe, and Comal Counties aged 18 and over.

Selection Criteria

• Experience working with neighborhood communities for public art projects
• Artistic quality of past work
• Appropriateness of artist's style for the location

Award

$5,000 commission. The selected artist will hold a public input meeting with the neighborhood, create original designs and a comprehensive plan for the various surfaces to be painted, and coordinate painting of the park structures with participation from the neighborhood.

Application Requirements

• Current resume and bio
• 3-5 images of relevant previous work
• Brief note explaining past experience facilitating community involvement in public art projects

Public Involvement

The selected artist will hold an initial public workshop to receive feedback and inspiration from neighborhood residents for the project design. The artist will also facilitate public involvement in the actual painting of the project.