Norfolk Arts and Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia (BGCSEVA) have received a grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies to create three art interventions, one in each of the three Norfolk Police Patrol Districts. The artwork will remake the streets, improve public safety, inspire people, draw in visitors, and enhance residents’ quality of life creating more vibrant streets for everyone.
We want to hire *one artist or artist team to develop and create asphalt art on Bland Street near Sewells Point Road in the Second Patrol Division. Bland Street is adjacent to an open space that will be the home of a future neighborhood park. For the past 6 years Norfolk police officers have engaged with BGCSEVA in the Cops And Kids Eating (CAKE) program. The selected artist will work with the Five Points community, Boys & Girls Club members, the police, and dance professionals to develop the street artwork design. The design should include elements that can be painted by the community during an art installation event scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2020.
The artwork should be beautiful and meaningful and specific to the neighborhood to enrich the community, support the pedestrian experience and police relations. The design should take into consideration social distancing and allow for participants to paint and engage 6’ apart. The final design will be used as a location for police and the community to participate in street dancing and engage in art activities. Citizens will engage with the police and city staff to develop individual relationships, breakdown misperceptions and provide feedback about the hopes for their community and the new park.

(Note: No Deadline, this is an ongoing opportunity)

The Norfolk Public Art Commission seeks to match funds to create Public Private Partnerships to create public art in Norfolk, VA.

CONTEXT: Public art is a valuable tool for creating dynamic and sustainable places. Art displayed prominently at locations within the community serves as an effective tool for creating unique and diverse destinations. Public art can also bring added texture to otherwise indistinguishable areas. Funded by 1% of the City of Norfolk’s Capital Improvement budget, the Norfolk Public Art Program has been successfully commissioning public art for the past twelve years in downtown, parking garages, the zoo, light rail stations, community centers and a variety of other public spaces.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: We are seeking private commercial developers who want to enhance their development project with public art. The Norfolk Public Art Commission will match up to $25,000 for each project.

PROJECT SITE: Artwork must be placed within Norfolk city limits at the private development site where it can be experienced by the maximum number of people.

SIZE/MEDIA: Artwork size and materials will be determined by the project site(s). Artwork must be fabricated in durable, permanent materials that are safe and easily maintained. Artwork will become the property of the City of Norfolk and will be maintained by the City.

PROJECT FUNDS: The total budget for the completed artwork will be a minimum of $50,000 with $25,000 from City Public Art funds and $25,000 or more from the developer.

TO APPLY: All commercial developers and foundations are eligible. Please submit a letter of interest to Karen Rudd, City Hall, 810 Union St., Room 409 Marketing and Communications, Norfolk, Virginia 23510 or email karen.rudd@norfolk.gov. Candidates will be interviewed prior to final selection. There is no fee to apply.

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