City of San Antonio announces call for artists for public art opportunities

(Dec. 20, 2013) -- The City of San Antonio Department for Culture and Creative Development is seeking the 2014 installment of applications for the Capital Projects Artist Pool (CPAP), which will be managed by Public Art San Antonio (PASA), a division of the department.

CPAP is a roster of pre-qualified artists to be considered for upcoming opportunities to create new public artwork for various projects in parks, plazas, streetscapes and facilities throughout the city in conjunction with city-funded capital improvements.

Currently, there are 90 artists from Texas and beyond in the CPAP. "Public Art San Antonio is proud to offer these substantial opportunities to artists that will bring art to the communities and enhance the city's unique aesthetic character," said Guillermo Nicolás, PASA board chair.

To date, nine artists from the CPAP have been selected for public art projects resulting from the 2012-2017 bond program. Approximately 25 public art projects will be completed as part of the city's current public art plan that covers all city council districts. Each project budget will vary in scale, ranging from small enhancements to major opportunities.

"Our goal is to assemble a pool of highly qualified artists that will each be able to synthesize the purpose of the public improvement project with a creative sense of place for the community," said Felix Padrón, director of the Department for Culture and Creative Development for the City of San Antonio. "We want our public art projects to be sources of pride for the residents of San Antonio."

>> PASA will host a technical assistance workshop for prospective applicants at 5 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 7 at the PASA Studio, 400 N. St. Mary's Street, Suite 101. The call for artists is open to all practicing, professional artists working in any media and who reside in the United States.

An artist selection panel comprised of art professionals and community representatives will review submittals and recommend artists for the CPAP. Recommended artists will be considered by the Public Art board and ultimately approved by City Council. The application is available online at the PASA website; the deadline to apply is 4:30 p.m. CST, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014.

For more information about public art in San Antonio, visit the Public Art SA or SA Hearts, your guide to arts and culture and the official website of the City of San Antonio Department for Culture and Creative Development.

For more information, contact Crystal Hollis at 210-701-0775.