roundabout sculpture: public art opportunity

The Cultural Arts Committee invites artists to create a signature sculptural installation for the roundabout at the north end of San Pablo Avenue. The selected artwork will serve as a visual landmark and reinforce the corridor’s evolving identity as a vibrant, design-forward public space. Artists are encouraged to consider scale, visibility, and durability in their concepts, and may propose either a single large-scale piece or a series of coordinated elements. Works that incorporate lighting to enhance nighttime presence are strongly encouraged. Water and kinetic features will not be considered.

SITE DESCRIPTION

The roundabout is located at the northern end of San Pablo Avenue, directly adjacent to the east entrance of College of the Desert. It sits within a dense civic and community campus that includes Palm Desert’s Civic Center Park—home to a public art collection, sports fields, skate park, and event lawn—as well as being adjacent to the dog park, YMCA, Palm Desert Community Center and Gymnasium, and City Hall. The site is highly trafficked by students, families, city staff, and residents accessing public services and amenities. Just south of the roundabout, San Pablo Avenue continues as a revitalized, pedestrian-friendly corridor that leads to Highway 111 and El Paseo, Palm Desert’s premier shopping and business district. This location offers high visibility from multiple directions and serves as a symbolic entry point to the City’s civic and cultural center.

TIMELINE

• Notification of Shortlisted Finalists: Week of November 17, 2025
• Shortlist Conference Call: December 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. PST
• Finalist Presentations to the Cultural Arts Committee: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
• Cultural Arts Committee meeting and final three selection and recommendation to the City Council: February 11, 2026
• City Council final selection, approval, and artist notification: March 2026
• Execution of Artist Agreement: April 2026
• Artwork Installation Deadline: April – May 2027 or Fall 2027