Public Artist Roster for the State of Maryland

Overview

The Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) manages the Artwork Commissions percent-for-art program. In 2013, MSAC created the Artwork Commissions program (formerly titled – Maryland Public Art Initiative) that is overseen by the Maryland Public Art Commission. For all new or renovated state-owned buildings, a percentage of the construction budget is set aside for public art. MSAC public art staff work closely with the state agency partner constructing the project and manage the process from artist selection, through design, fabrication, and installation. The work becomes part of the state public art collection.

Purpose

The new Public Artist Roster will be an inclusive and equitable process for selecting artists and the commissioning of new, original and site responsive public art. We seek a diverse range of artists to work with Maryland state agencies, colleges and universities across the state to create public art for new or renovated State buildings.

Description

The Artwork Commissions program will use the Public Artist Roster to select artists for projects between $50,000 and $1,500,000. The budget covers all design, fabrication and installation costs. This includes materials, transportation, subcontractor fees, licenses, insurance, sales tax, studio space and all other expenses. The following outlines the types of public art projects open to Public Artist Roster artists:

• Site responsive commissions: all of our projects are site-responsive. Artists would work with the project public art committee to design, fabricate, and install a permanent artwork specific to the site and community.
• Architecturally-integrated projects: artists would work closely with the building’s design team to combine artwork with the architecture or landscape to create a permanent site-responsive artwork.
• Community-engaged commissions: artists would engage with the community as part of your process. This shapes the design of a permanent site-responsive artwork.

Selection Period

The Public Artist Roster will be used for selecting artists for Artwork Commission projects between 2023-2025. For particular projects, MSAC and the state agency partner may choose not to use the Roster and issue an open call Request for Qualifications (RFQ).

Timeline

• Application publication: March 31, 2023
• Informational Webinar: April 13, 2023, 4:00-5:00 pm EDT. To register click here.
• Roster Application deadline: May 31, 2023, EDT

Eligibility

The Public Artist Roster is open to:

• Independent visual artists
• Teams or collectives of independent visual artists

Applicants to the Public Artist Roster:

• Must reside in the United States or US Territory.
• Must be an artist or collaborative group that is independent, meaning not directly affiliated with a larger arts organization, company, or program.
• Must produce or present artwork that is relevant to the community and accessible to the public.
• Must be the lead artist whose original work is included in the roster application.
  • Must be 18 years of age or older. Collaborative groups must be composed of artists who are 18 or older.
• May submit only one application.
• Must not be enrolled in any matriculated high school, undergraduate or graduate degree program as of July 1, 2023

Click here for more details and the guidelines.

Click here for more information on the website.