Call For Artists: San Rafael Temporary Sculpture Exhibition

Contact InformationLocal Edition CreativeContact Email: [email protected]

Requirement OverviewLocation Eligibility Type: RegionalEligible Applicant Types: ArtistSubmission Limit: 3Media RequirementsImages | Min: 3, Max: 6Audio | Min: 0, Max: 0Video | Min: 0, Max: 0Total | Min: 3, Max: 6

Opportunity SummaryThe City of San Rafael and San Rafael Arts invite artists and artist teams to apply for a one-year sculpture exhibition in the city’s Arts District. We are seeking one (1) existing large- or medium-scale sculpture to be featured prominently at the front entrance of City Hall from August 2027 to August 2028. Downtown San Rafael is proudly designated as one of California's official Cultural Districts by the California Arts Council.

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General Information APPLICATION DEADLINE: November 20, 2026; 5:00 PM PT EXHIBITION DETAILS & COMPENSATIONThe City of San Rafael and San Rafael Arts are seeking an existing large- or medium scale sculpture for a temporary, one-year display at the front entrance of City Hall. Artist Stipend: $5,000 - $7,000This inclusive stipend covers all artist-related expenses, including structural engineering, any modifications required to prepare the sculpture for outdoor display, round-trip transportation, labor for installation and deinstallation, insurance, and routine maintenance or repairs required throughout the one-year exhibition period.Provided at no cost to the artist:· Rental of heavy equipment for installation and deinstallation (excluding equipment operators)· City permits, inspections, and fees· Temporary Signage TEMPORARY SCULPTURE CRITERIAAll submitted artwork must comply with the City’s Public Art Review Guidelines and meet the following specifications:· Dimensions: Sculptures (including any base or pedestal) must have a minimum height of 8 feet and a maximum height of 18 feet. Width cannot exceed 9 feet.· Weight: The maximum allowable weight is 3,000 pounds.· Viewing Requirements: Sculptures must be designed for in-the-round viewing, allowing accessibility from all sides within the installation setting.· Installation Base: Artwork must be freestanding or designed to anchor securely to a concrete pad. The artist must supply their own installation base/concrete pad if required for the sculpture.· Materials: Sculptures must be constructed of durable, weather-resistant materials suitable for long-term outdoor display, capable of withstanding local environmental factors such as high winds, heavy rain, intense sun, and seasonal temperature variations.· Safety & Structural Integrity: Sculptures must be structurally sound and pose zero risk to the public. The City reserves the right to exclude works that are unsafe, unstable, in poor condition, or otherwise unsuitable for the exhibition environment.· Artist Presence & Timeline: Artists (or their designated representatives) must be present on-site for both installation and deinstallation. Works must arrive fully assembled or require only minimal on-site assembly for a safe, efficient setup. Artists must commit to the full 12-month exhibition period (precise installation and strike dates will be coordinated with the selected artist). TIMINGThe schedule below outlines the estimated timeline from the initial call for artists through final artwork installation. (Please note that dates are subject to change.)Project Phase / MilestoneEstimated DateCall For Artists IssuedOctober 20, 2026Application DeadlineNovember 20, 2026 (5:00 PM PT)Curatorial Team Review MeetingDecember 2026Artist Finalists NotifiedDecember 2026Public Art Board Review of FinalistsJanuary 2027City Council Review and ApprovalFebruary 2027Artist Selected and Project AwardedMarch 2027Installation of ArtworkJuly / August 2027Deinstallation of ArtworkJuly / August 2028 ENVIRONMENT/LOCATION· Location & Visuals: Images of the current artwork on display at the site can be viewed directly on the CaFÉ application page. · Questions & Inquiries: Questions regarding this call may be submitted via email until 12:00 PM PT on the application deadline date. Please email

Application RequirementsAll applications must be submitted through CAFÉ. Applications that do not meet the requirements and are not submitted through CAFÉ will not be accepted. Artists must submit the following:Statement of Interest:What draws you to this project? Your artist statement is a key part of the review process. Be intentional; it does not need to be l