San José Seeks Public Art for Parking Garage Façade

San José Seeks Public Art for Parking Garage Façade

 San José, CA, Unknown

Entry Deadline: 2/20/18

The total project budget is $600,000, for design, fabrication and installation, and a mandatory contingency.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION & GENERAL INFORMATION

The City of San José Public Art Program in conjunction with the City of San José Department of Transportation’s Parking and Downtown Operations Division are seeking an experienced artist or artist-led team to develop an artwork that addresses the exterior façade of the Market/San Pedro Street Parking Garage in downtown San José. The garage is a prominent facility in San Jose’s downtown core and adjacent to the vibrant San Pedro Square commercial district, a popular destination for dining, retail and other activities day and night. The goal is for an enhancement that has a visual presence 24 hours a day.

As public art, this creative placemaking project is part of San José’s ongoing Illuminating Downtown program and is intended to strengthen the neighborhood identity in part through the creative use of illumination. Key goals for this project include: 1) to enhance the facility, and the vibrancy and character of the area, and enliven the streetscape through use of illumination and other possible elements; 2) to also increase safety, visibility, and to encourage active use of the parking facility at all hours; and, 3) engage residents, business owners and visitors in this vibrant downtown district and, where relevant, in participatory aspects of the design process.

In consideration of the use of illumination and night time activation in the project, the artist or artist team needs to have experience in the design, programming and operation of energy-efficient lighting effects and systems, appropriate to the nature and scale of this project. Design that is sustainable and maintainable will be an important consideration.

Interested artists shall submit qualifications to design, fabricate and install an artwork that provides visual enhancements and lighting elements which will serve to transform the parking garage into a more inviting, and more interesting structure within the pedestrian environment. ALL artist submittals must be through CaFE, the online artist call system.

The San José Public Art Program (SJPA), a program of the City’s Office of Cultural Affairs, seeks to build community identity by initiating artworks and exhibitions that enhance the civic landscape. Public art strives to reflect the City’s diversity, historic richness, and envision its present and future. The City’s Department of Transportation (DOT) seeks to provide a transportation system that is safe, efficient, and convenient for all modes of transportation, and which supports San José’s livability and economic vitality.  DOT’s Parking Program provides a comprehensive range of services to meet the needs of businesses, downtown employees, visitors, schools, and residents. Services include operation and maintenance of the city’s public parking facilities and on-street parking meters, and various parking compliance activities.

For more information and to apply, visit https://www.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=4954