Applying to calls is ALWAYS FREE!
|
You will submit this application online using PublicArtist.org.
|
| Budget: $8,750 |
| Activated: 05/15/2026 Deadline: 05/31/2026 |
| Call Summary Group Creatives invites artists, designers, and creative teams to submit qualifications for the development of a cohesive and visually unique set of citywide wayfinding elements for a fast-growing suburb in the Iowa City-Cedar Rapids metro that seeks to amplify its small-town comfort sense of place and regional connectivity. From this call for qualifications, three artists will be commissioned $1250 each to develop and present community-specific concept proposals that define the artistic direction of the greater wayfinding system that may include directional signs for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians; trail and park markers; and neighborhood and destination identifiers. |
| Budget Description The total project budget for the second phase of the greater wayfinding program is approximately $30,000. From this call for qualifications, three artists/artistic teams will be commissioned $1250 each to develop and present community-specific concept proposals. The selected finalist will be awarded a $5,000 retainer to produce comprehensive designs for the wayfinding system’s artistic direction. |
| Project Description The full wayfinding project will result in a comprehensive wayfinding system that may include: Signs for vehicular traffic Directional signage for bicyclists and pedestrians Identifying trail access points Signify highly-visited public destinations and gathering areas The scope of work for the artist/artistic team will require collaborating with city staff and stakeholders; developing initial concepts and artistic direction; and work with a design firm to move from artistic direction through the design process to be ready for fabrication and installation. |
| Artwork Goals Selected artist or team will develop a distinct visual wayfinding system that: Considers established City documents such as its comprehensive plan, signage and wayfinding assessment and community visioning report Incorporates logic, cost-effectiveness, ease of local production, scalability and timelessness Supports pedestrian and bicycle movement and creates moments of interest, pause and discovery Reflects the city’s values, growth and sense of place Enhances the experience of residents and visitors |
| Eligibility This opportunity is open to individual artists, graphic and industrial designers, architects, landscape architects and multidisciplinary teams. Preference will be given to applicants with previous examples of success with designing wayfinding or interpretive systems; civic or streetscape public realm projects; translating identity into functional design; and understanding public space and user experience. |
| Application Requirements |
|
Resume: 2 page(s) maximum Work examples: 1 - 10 Letter of Interest: 500 word maximum |
|
Artists are allowed to apply in teams.
Artists applying as a team must split the allotted number of work examples between themselves. |
| Selection Information |
| Selection Process From this call, a review committee of stakeholders will select three artists to develop commissioned proposals. From those proposals, one or more concepts will be chosen for implementation. |
| Selection Criteria Selected artists will demonstrate a strong track record including: Developing civic or streetscape public realm projects. Producing outdoor artworks that withstand weather conditions experienced in Iowa, which includes a full range from sub-zero temperatures, snow and ice, to rain, hail, high winds, high humidity, and 100°+ temperatures. Experience with wayfinding or interpretive systems is preferred. |
| Timeline RFQ Issued May 15, 2026 RFQ Submittal Deadline May 31, 2026 Judging period: June 1-5, 2026 Short Listed Notifications: June 8, 2026 Invited Proposal Deadline: July 22, 2026 Artist Proposal Presentations: July 27-29, 2026 (Date and Time TBD) Estimated installation/completion dates have yet to be determined. |
| Additional Resources |
| Contact Information |
| Alex Braidwood Artistic Director 1424 48th St Des Moines IA 50311 United States alex@groupcreatives.com 3135953155 |
 |
 |
 |
 |