The City of Palm Springs Public Arts Commission is seeking artists to create new, permanent sculptures for their inaugural Beautiful Shade program. All entries must be original work and artists are encouraged to be creative. Each of the potential parks have unique and distinct environmental challenges that would benefit from this program. We encourage artists to visit each potential location prior to submission. The proposed artwork should feature imagery and a color palette that is welcoming, with the focus on themes that promote community, healthy living, family, sustainability, and offers maximized shade.

Submit your proposals by Friday, November 15, 2024!

                                                              Download the Application for  Palm Springs Beautiful Shade Call For Artists

Description: 

The sculpture can be any shape, form or design. The installation can be one large piece, or multiple smaller pieces which enhance each other. The total commission amount per park does not change. The sculptures can be any shape, form or design.

Design fully functional, permanent art pieces which create shade. These will be art pieces, not architectural installations.

Artists should design the shade cast as well as the artistic structure itself.

Integration of organic and non-organic elements is allowed, but all aspects should be included in the overall budget.

Pieces may not be able to provide 100% of shade, 100% of the time, but consider when and how residents utilize public spaces to maximize the impact of your art.

A park used for morning dog walks is used differently for families watching afternoon soccer practice in the same location. Consider time of day and use of facility.

Your piece should be beautiful, reflect your personality as well as the image of Palm Springs, and encourage all residents to enjoy their public space.

These original pieces will become part of the Palm Springs Permanent Public Art Collection.

There will be three tiers of submissions:

A design totaling $5,000
A design totaling $25,000
A design totaling $50,000

Location: To be determine 

Selection Process:

The Palm Springs Public Arts Commission will review artists’ qualifications and proposals. 

Selection Criteria:

In alignment with the Palm Springs Public Arts Commission mission and vision, proposals will
be evaluated on:

• Artistic excellence and creative merit, as evident by submitted materials
• Community value added; Responsiveness and compatibility with surrounding environment
• Suitability to the site and desert climate
• Footprint or active history in the Greater Palm Springs area (preferred)

Project Timeline:

• Submissions due November 15, 2024
• Art installation week of May 19, 2025

Eligibility: Open to all. Preference will be given to artists with a connection to Palm Springs.

Additional Requirements:

 Design fully functional, permanent art pieces which create shade. These will be art pieces, not architectural installations.

Artists should design the shade cast as well as the artistic structure itself.

Integration of organic and non-organic elements is allowed, but all aspects should be included in the overall budget.

Pieces may not be able to provide 100% of shade, 100% of the time, but consider when and how residents utilize public spaces to maximize the impact of your art. 

A park used for morning dog walks is used differently for families watching afternoon soccer practice in the same location. Consider time of day and use of facility. 

Your piece should be beautiful, reflect your personality as well as the image of Palm Springs, and encourage all residents to enjoy their public space.

These original pieces will become part of the Palm Springs Permanent Public Art collection.

The artist is to propose the recommended method of attachment, including cost.  City reserves the right to change the method of attachment depending on design of the selected artwork and placement location.

Applications:
Join us in using art to enhance street safety, revitalize public space, and engage our community. Your creativity makes a difference in Palm Springs. We look forward to receiving your submissions!  Please email proposals to: cfa-pspac@palmspringsca.gov by Friday November 15, 2024. Include “Beautiful Shade Proposal” in email header.