Project Information
Scottsdale Public Art is accepting qualifications from artists for a temporary public art opportunity in Scottsdale, Arizona. The opportunity involves designing and painting an exterior mural on the City of Scottsdale water riser and the concrete SRP well site on the south side of Thomas Road, between North 81st Way and North 82nd Street. The artwork theme should relate to water or the SRP canal system. The project has a total budget of $10,000.00 USD.
The selected artist/artist team will create a design and apply it with paint to beautify the water riser and concrete SRP well site. The artwork will be on display for two years and will be painted over after the display period. The artist will be available for ongoing maintenance during the display period if needed.
This opportunity is open only to artists working in the state of Arizona, United States, who have experience designing and completing projects with a similar budget and scope.
Applications are due by Monday, August 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. MST (AZ).
Selection Process
Artists are selected by an artist-selection panel through an equitable process. New artist-selection panels are created for every project. The selection panel may include art professionals, artists, community members, Scottsdale Public Art Advisory Board members, and/or project stakeholders. Scottsdale Public Art staff facilitate the selection panel process but are not voting members. Other non-voting members may include City of Scottsdale staff, consultants, and/or stakeholders of the larger project. These non-voting members are there to assist with the process and answer any questions relating to the overall project.
One artist and one alternate artist will be selected for the project.
Selection criteria include:
- Artistic merit, as demonstrated by submitted materials.
- Demonstrated ability to create engaging, skillfully executed, and thought-provoking artwork.
- Demonstrated potential to complete projects of a similar scope.
- Willingness and ability to collaborate with community members, stakeholders, and project teams.
Timeline
Subject to change, depending on a variety of factors:
- Monday, August 17, 2026 — deadline for response to RFQ at 11:59 p.m. MST (AZ)
- August/September 2026 — panel selection
- September 2026 — contract signed
- October 2026–February 2027 — design approvals
- March 2027 – installation
- March 2029 — deinstall and project complete
Application Delivery
Applications are accepted via the Submittable.com website. Proposals are not requested at this stage in the process. All materials submitted will be used by Scottsdale Public Art throughout the duration of the artist selection process.
Submission Requirements:
- Digital Images: Up to six images of previously completed artwork with project details.
- Resume or CV: Current professional resume or curriculum vitae (CV), including artist address, email, and phone number. Teams must submit one resume/CV per team member.
- References: Two professional references for applicant(s).
- Short Statement of Intent or Artist Statement: Address how the applicant’s previous experience and current artistic direction will result in a successful public art project (250 words or less).
Description of Location
Material: Textured stucco and concrete
Approximate Pipe Dimensions: 24’ long x 1.5’ wide
Approximate Well Dimensions: 2’ high x 14’ wide x 6‘ deep
Approximate Top Height from Ground: 8’
Equipment Needed: Ladder, ground is uneven (gravel with oleander bush)
