Artist Brief: What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking an artist or artist team to create five bold, joyful, story‑driven designs that will be printed as 10' x 6' construction‑fence banners for the future Downtown Library & Affordable Housing site in Santa Cruz. These banners will brighten an active construction zone and be visible to drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and nearby outdoor dining areas, so the artwork must read clearly from a distance and feel vibrant in the environment.

Creative Theme

“Stories Bring Belonging – A Weekend Day in the Life – From Nature to Downtown”

We want artwork that celebrates Santa Cruz through storytelling: moments of daily life, nature flowing into the city, community rhythms, and the feeling of belonging here. Each banner should stand alone as its own story, but the five designs should also feel connected as a series.

Vibe & Visual Direction

JOY. COLOR COURAGE. ENERGY. BE BOLD.

We’re looking for artwork that radiates positivity and movement. Think expressive color palettes, dynamic compositions, and imagery that sparks delight. This is your chance to go big and bright — the construction site is rough and busy, so the art should cut through that with confidence.

Format & Deliverables

• Five digital designs, each sized for 10' x 6' fencing panels
• Photography, digital illustration, or high‑resolution scans of traditional media are all welcome
• Final print‑ready files delivered to the City (printing + installation handled by the City)
• For the application: sketches, concepts, or sample work are totally acceptable — fully finished designs are not required to apply

Site Context

The banners will be installed at the future Downtown Library & Affordable Housing site on Cedar & Cathcart, including the alleyway between Cathcart and Lincoln. This is an active outdoor construction site, so the artwork must withstand weather, shifting placement, and long‑term display.

What We’ll Be Evaluating

• Visual Impact: Does it read well from far away? Does it enhance the construction zone and nearby businesses?
• Storytelling & Color: Is the theme clear? Do the five designs relate to each other? Are the colors bold enough to print well on mesh material?
• Feasibility: Can the artist complete the final artwork by the June 28 deadline?

Timeline

• Applications due: June 10, 2026
• Artist selected: June 14, 2026
• Final artwork due: July 5, 2026
• Installation: July 2026
• Display duration: ~12 months

Budget

Selected artist/team receives a $3,000 award.

Eligibility

Open to all California‑based artists, with preference for Santa Cruz City residents. All experience levels welcome — this is a great opportunity for artists new to public art.