wasena bridge neighborhood sculpture

The City of Roanoke is seeking at an artist or artist team to exhibit sculpture at a new plaza adjacent to the Wasena Bridge running from the opening of the new bridge in Summer 2026 through April 2029.  

Location and Program

As part of the replacement of the Wasena Bridge (also referred to as the Main Street Bridge) crossing the Norfolk Southern rail lines, the Roanoke River, Wasena Park, and the Roanoke River Greenway, the City of Roanoke acquired the former location of B & D Comic Shop at 802 Elm Avenue, SW, Roanoke, Virginia, 24016.

The site is being used to accommodate a new traffic circle and an adjacent sidewalk and planting area.  The planting area will feature an arc of trees and plants as background to a central pedestal for public art.

The pedestal will provide a public art space that can be programmed individually or as part of the City’s public art program, which includes both temporary and permanent art. The initial installation will be through a three-year lease. With input from the neighborhood and stakeholders after experiencing the temporary work for a year or more, a decision will be made to explore purchase of the work or inclusion of the site in the next call for temporary art serving the Elmwood Art Walk and a growing number of neighborhood pads.

Artists/artist teams should carefully read and review all such items and should address such items in its proposal. However, the final description of the services and/or items to be provided to the City is subject to negotiations with the successful Offeror(s), and final approval by the City.

In the spirit of bringing fresh perspectives on our collective journey and ongoing improvement of the city, the Roanoke Arts Commission invites submissions of 3-D work. Concepts and finished work must reflect the spirit of the community, the Old Southwest and Wasena neighborhoods, and the intention of bridging and convergence. Design elements may refer to the new bridge itself, and the aspirations of the community collaborating to achieve it’s planning, development, and construction. During the 2-year closure of the bridge, traffic patterns for many residents, workers, and visitors have been disrupted. An entire community patiently contributed to the achievement of the new bridge through reroutings and longer commute times.

Work can be new or proposed. New work is encouraged.

Work must be:

+ of a scale and material suitable for outdoor display, 
+ designed to withstand an outdoor, high traffic, unmonitored environment,
+ maintenance free or require little maintenance for the three-year duration,
+ complementary to the adjacent historic neighborhood
+ original,
+ suitable for family viewing, and
+ constructed so that it can be securely anchored.

The pad will be is 6’ by 6’ with 18” of depth and will hold up to 1,500 lbs. Work cannot be over 15’ tall or 6’ wide. Anchor bolts are required and must be set at least six inches from the edges of the pads. 

Installation

Costs associated with transportation of the piece, travel of the artist, insurance during travel and installation, installation, and removal of the work are the responsibility of the artist. 

+ The City will provide pads and installation support as feasible.
+ Completed installation must pass city inspection, meeting all safety requirements.
+ Artists whose projects are accepted will be required to sign a loan agreement.
+ Works will not be insured by the City, but may be self-insured by the artist.