The City of Springfield has released an Invitation for Bids, seeking proposals for Public Art in the Springfield Central Cultural District. The program, funded via the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, will award a pair of $5,000 grants to artists to produce public art in the district.
“Art is crucial to the vitality of any city,” said Mayor Domenic J. Sarno. “With this program we hope to build on the great things already happening in our cultural district and help support and show off our local artists.”
The program is calling for Springfield-themed proposals installed in the district that will become visible, positive and inspirational placemaking pieces for the city. The program is considering proposals of all types – paint, structure, visual, projection, audio, etc., and plan to make awards later this fall for installation next spring.
Springfield has been highlighted recently for public art projects including the recent utility box mural project. The Springfield Central Cultural District was approved in 2014, of which the city is an active member, and aims to “bring more vitality to the city by highlighting its outstanding cultural offerings and adding new creative opportunities for artists and the greater community. “
“The creative economy is a big part of what is happening in Springfield,” said Kevin Kennedy, Chief Development Officer. “Not only in art and cultural offerings but in companies in the creative industries that are here doing business in the city.”
The funding is being provided through the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) annual CDBG allocation to Springfield.
Proposals are due October 5, 2016. For more information, please contact the Office of Procurement at (413) 787-6290.
