CALL TO ARTISTS: Public Art Project--Bookshop's Artful Reading Benches

Public Art Project
Artful Reading Benches in Santa Cruz City Parks

Bookshop Santa Cruz is celebrating our 50th anniversary in 2016. As a way of giving back to the community and inspiring the next generation of readers, we are funding the creation of three art benches to be placed in public playgrounds in the city of Santa Cruz. Bookshop Santa Cruz will provide a large media campaign around the art benches and their installation, culminating in the last bench installation which will coincide with our 50th anniversary celebrations. We are looking for artists to transform each bench into an artful homage to the joy of reading. In particular, it should inspire children about the joy of reading.


* Benches will be placed near play areas, creating a reading spot for families.
* Benches will be poured at the site by Tom Ralston Concrete. Artwork will need to be painted or installed on site.
* All finishes must be durable and suitable for public use.
* Proposals will be reviewed by a panel formed of representatives of Bookshop Santa Cruz, Arts Council Santa Cruz County, the City of Santa Cruz and local artists.
* Finalists will be selected by April 22, 2016
* Artists will be paid a $1,250 stipend per bench. Artist's name(s) will be included in a plaque on the bench.
* This project is open to all experienced professional artists who are Santa Cruz County residents. The selected artist must provide proof of general liability insurance.

Proposals must be received by March 18, 2016

Please see our website for further details, including bench specifications.