CALL SUMMARY 

Tempe Public Art seeks artists interested in designing future rubberized playground surfaces. This call is intended to create a pool of applicants eligible to design park surfaces for the next 3 years of Tempe Park Playground renovation projects. Each year, we will draw from this list to commission artists for these projects. 

Artists selected for future projects will be asked to create designs that are site specific to the area. This may be artwork that is related to the color schemes, architectural elements, history, or other environmental factors within the parks area. The selected artists will work with Tempe Public Art as well as stakeholders in creating a design that develops these connections. All artwork will be provided to the city in a vector based digital drawing format for fabrication purposes. Artists will be expected to work with provided play area layout plans and as such, will need to have the ability to design with and around equipment. The selected artist will work with the City of Tempe’s selected vendor to ensure that color, line work and overall design is feasible in the context of a playground surface.  

This project is well suited for artists who work in 2-dimensional media. Printmakers, illustrators, painters, and surface/textile designers are particularly encouraged to apply for this opportunity.  Artists will be compensated for design and oversite only; construction and fabrication will be overseen by the City of Tempe Parks Department. 

ELIGIBILITY 

This Call to Artists is open to professional artists residing in Arizona and eligible to work in the United States.  Artists must demonstrate experience in design, communication, and have an understanding of color, pattern, and line work as it relates to scale.  

Accepted artist will be required by Arizona State Law HB 2008 to sign a statement verifying that they are lawfully present in the United States. City of Tempe employees, steering committee members, and their immediate family members are excluded from participating in this project. 

BUDGET 

Up to $15,000 each year (design only) 

The current budget covering all costs associated with design and oversite of the rubberized surface images is up to $15,000 per fiscal year ($5,000 design fee per park with a maximum of 3 park play areas awarded to one artist). The project budget must include all costs related to the artist’s project management fees; the artwork’s final design, rights to reproduce for future park design, attendance at meetings; subcontractor and consultant fees General Liability and other insurance required by the City, travel if necessary, and all other costs associated with the art project.   

PRE-SUBMITTAL INFORMATION SESSION 

Thursday, June 22nd , 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. (MST) via Zoom 

Tempe Public Art will present project details and the scope of work in a virtual presentation via ZOOM. Participants are encouraged to ask questions of staff for detail or assistance with the application process. If you are unable to attend, questions may be sent to christine_beatty@tempe.gov at anytime throughout the application process. 

Attendance at an artist pre-submittal session is not mandatory but strongly encouraged, especially for first-time applicants. 

Pre-Submittal Registration link: Click here 

HOW TO APPLY 

Deadline: Wednesday, July 5th, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. (MST)  

The entire submission must be completed on Submittable at www.tempepublicart.submittable.com . All requirements listed below must be met or the application will be removed from consideration. Specific proposals are not requested at this stage in the process and will not be accepted.   

• Artist Biography (250 words or less): Tell us who you are! This is your chance to introduce yourself and describe what skills you can bring to the project.  
• Digital Images: 6 images of previously completed work. Specific proposals will not be accepted.  
• Image List: (Maximum 2 pages) A separate document listing information about the 6 digital images. For each image submitted list the title, date, and size, with a thumbnail of the image.  
• Online application: Complete the Submittable online application in full. Each applicant will need to answer the following questions (250 words or less): 

1. Describe what excites you about creating artwork for playgrounds in Tempe  
2. In what way would this commission expand your artistic process/practice? 
3. How would you approach creating a two dimensional design for a play surface? What initial steps would you take to research the work ahead? 

ARTIST SELECTION PROCESS
Applications will be pre-screened by City staff to ensure that the submissions meet the minimum qualifications as described in the eligibility section. As park play areas are being renovated each year, an artist selection committee will be asked to review artists’ submissions and select 3-4 finalists from this applicant pool. The finalists will be provided with a stipend to create a proposal and be invited to interview with the selection panel. The steering committee is comprised of members from the Tempe Parks Department, Tempe Arts and Culture Commission representatives, and arts professional(s), . The selected Artist will work with the Tempe Parks Department and Tempe Public Art throughout the project.  
Selection panelists will be instructed to review with the following criteria in mind:

• Aesthetic quality – design, composition, color, line, and form 
• Innovative thinking – unique and engaging approach to artwork, , conceptual development as shown 
• Professionalism of submission – craft as demonstrated in completed artwork, care and quality of work, clear responses to questions provided that connect art practice to this opportunity 

CONTACT 

Reach out to the City of Tempe Public Art Program via email: Christine Beatty, christine_beatty@tempe.gov, if you require any additional information about this project or would like any assistance with your application, whether its technical support about Submittable, or clarification regarding content/ work samples for your application. 

STAY IN TOUCH 

Artists interested in other public art opportunities are encouraged to visit the City of Tempe Public Art Program web page: www.tempe.gov/PublicArt 

ABOUT THE TEMPE PUBLIC ART PROGRAM 

Tempe Public Art aspires to cultivate a unique community identity that advances Tempe as a vibrant and progressive destination. Tempe's diverse collection of permanent and temporary public art complements the natural and built environment through innovative place-making, installations and infrastructure enhancements. Tempe Public Art promotes artistic expression, bringing people together to strengthen Tempe's sense of community and place. www.tempe.gov/PublicArt 

ABOUT TEMPE PARKS 

Tempe parks are strategically placed throughout the city so most residents are within one half mile. Tempe parks serve as the community's backyard, providing residents and neighbors a venue to relax, learn and connect with one another and the environment. www.tempe.gov/city-hall/community-services/parks 

For more information regarding the Tempe Park Improvement Plan: https://www.tempe.gov/government/community-services/parks/parks-capital-improvements-plan 

This Call to Artist does not commit the city to enter into any agreement, to pay any costs incurred in the preparation of the proposal to this request or in subsequent negotiations, or to produce a contract for the project. The city reserves the right to reject any or all applications, reissue the Call to Artist, revise the project terms or procure any service by other means. While all reasonable care will be taken, the city is not responsible for loss of or damage to materials included with applications. 

Studio Artists Residency Description: 

The Studio Artists Program is looking for a visual artist with experience in teaching for a three-year residency. This partnership between Tempe Elementary District and the City of Tempe provides students with an opportunity to experience quality arts programming and provide personal studio space for the artists.  

Artist Expectations

• Be available to teach workshops in different schools in the Tempe Elementary School District during the 2023-24, 2024-25, and 2025-2026 school years. 
• Upon selection, complete fingerprint clearance card application (reimbursement available).
• Develop a hands-on workshop that relates to the artist’s expertise and style. 

Qualifications

• Lives in Maricopa County
• Experience in teaching visual arts (i.e., workshops, adjunct, after school programs, etc.)  
• Interest in working with elementary school students 
• Actively creating work

Artist Residency Compensation 

Up to $5,000 per school year 

• Artists will receive $200 per 4-hour workshop in approximately 25 classrooms
• Workshops divided into four class meetings (in school classrooms, not artist’s studio) 

24/7 access to art studio space in district building (shared with one other artist)

Residency Timeline

• June – New Artist Orientation Meetings 
• July – Workshop Development with Support & Studio Move-in 
• August – Scheduling Workshops in Classrooms 
• September through May – Workshops in Classrooms

Application Materials

• Submittable Application: Create Submittable account and/or sign in to Submittable. Complete questionnaire.
• Resume/CV: Include recent teaching experience and accomplishments as an artist (up to 2 pages)
• 5 Images: Images of personal completed artwork 

Deadline: Open Until Filled. First Review April 19th.   

Questions: 

Amanda McGlothern, Community Arts Specialist 

amanda_mcglothern@tempe.gov 

To submit your final report you must login or create a Submittable account

Within 60 days of completing the project, a Final Report must be submitted to the City of Tempe. The report will require you to share the outcomes of your project as well images and/or video documentation of your programming. Applicants who fail to complete final reports on time will not be eligible for future arts grants funding from the City of Tempe.

Pursuant to the Grant’s terms and conditions, the City of Tempe has the rights to use any materials submitted in the Final Report for data collection and promotional purposes.