The City of San Rafael invites artists and artist teams to apply to have a sculpture installation featured in the city’s **Arts District**. Downtown San Rafael has been designated one of 14 **California Cultural Arts Districts** by the California Arts Council (CAC). The city’s goal is to enhance the aesthetic and vibrancy of its public spaces by incorporating a diverse and engaging body of public art. 

  
There are 2 opportunities available:

* Opportunity A: One existing large-scale sculpture for a 1-year exhibition from May 2026-May 2027
* Opportunity B: One existing or commissioned sculpture for permanent display to be installed in May or June 2026

  
**OPPORTUNITY A: EXISTING LARGE-SCALE SCULPTURE FOR 1-YEAR EXHIBITION**

The City of San Rafael seeks existing large-scale sculptures to be considered for temporary display at City Hall or on the grounds of the Falkirk Cultural Center located behind City Hall. The sculpture must be appropriate for public open space and encourage viewer engagement. Kinetic and interactive artworks desired, but not required.

The artist stipend is $5,000\. The stipend is inclusive of artist’s costs such as engineering, any modifications required to make the sculpture ready for outdoor display, transportation to and from the site, staff/labor costs for installation and deinstallation, insurance, and any maintenance or repair of the sculpture necessary throughout the duration of its year-long exhibition in San Rafael.

In addition to the artist’s stipend, the following will be provided at no cost to the artist:

* Rental of heavy equipment for the purpose of installation and deinstallation (excluding an operator of the heavy equipment)
* City permits, inspections, and fees
* Signage

  
**OPPORTUNITY B: SCULPTURE FOR PERMANENT INSTALLATION**

The City of San Rafael is seeking sculptures to be considered for permanent display at a high-visibility entry point to the city. The sculpture may be an existing work of art or commissioned. Commissioned work must be completed and installed by June 2026\. The sculpture is anticipated to be installed in May or June 2026 at a date to be determined by the city. The artwork should complement the landscape of the area, community spirit, be memorable, and appropriate for public spaces including vehicle traffic (ie. no flashing lights or installations that could be considered traffic safety hazards).

The artist stipend is up to $41,000\. The stipend is inclusive of artist’s costs such as design specs, engineering, materials, sales tax, transportation to and from the site, staff/labor costs for installation, heavy equipment rental and insurance.

In addition to the artist’s stipend, the following will be provided at no cost to the artist:

* City permits, inspections, and fees
* Site preparation (lightning not necessarily included)

The artist stipend is up to $41,000\. The stipend is inclusive of artist’s costs such as design specs, engineering, materials, sales tax, transportation to and from the site, staff/labor costs for installation, heavy equipment rental and insurance.

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