The Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission in partnership with Congresswoman Doris Matsui and the cities of Sacramento and West Sacramento announce an exciting opportunity for artists to create a temporary public art or place-making installation to promote culture and connectivity across the Sacramento River.

Artists and artist teams are invited to submit qualifications through The Arts Commission’s website. RFQ includes a short preliminary proposal, and all materials should be submitted no later than August 13, 2018. “River Crossing”, the title of the public art/placemaking initiative, is intended to celebrate the culture and vibrancy of the neighborhoods connecting the two cities, and promote pedestrian, bicycle, and streetcar pathways linking mixed-use development in the Washington District of West Sacramento with entertainment, employment, and recreation in downtown Sacramento.

On July 11, 2018 at the Crocker Art Museum both cities will host a concept panel discussion about temporary public art and the River Crossing project in general. Artists applying and interested community members are encouraged to attend. The event will also be live streamed. Details to follow closer to the event on the Arts Commission’s website.

“Public art is a way we can capture the united spirit of our region,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “This is an opportunity for local artists to contribute to our sense of place, and further strengthen the visual and physical bridge between Sacramento and West Sacramento. I look forward to seeing what I know will be a stunning display of talent and a wonderful reflection of our sense of community.”

“This art installation will symbolize the important and growing connection between Sacramento and West Sacramento, a connection that will be further strengthened by the streetcar project,” said Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg. “Our waterfronts can’t thrive without one another. Both cities are now rightly focused on making the riverfront an accessible place to live, learn, and play.”

“This creative community partnership to install art along pedestrian and bicycle pathways will infuse the City’s waterfront neighborhoods with new excitement and energy,” said West Sacramento Mayor Christopher Cabaldon. “We are thrilled with this collaboration that unites our cities and Crocker Art Museum and contributes to more livable, walkable, and connected neighborhoods on both sides of the river.”

Public Art installations are intended to stay up for six months, but exact timelines are flexible and dependent on the selected proposal. Artists may consider a one-time activation, time-based interventions as well as traditional public art installations. Learn more about the Request for Qualifications, project timeline, and additional resources.