San Rafael is seeking an existing sculpture for a yearlong exhibition at City Hall’s front entrance, offering the selected artist or team a stipend of $5,000 to $7,000.

The City of San Rafael and San Rafael Arts issued the call Oct. 20, according to the CaFÉ application listing. The city posted its announcement Oct. 28.

The exhibition is planned for August 2027 through August 2028. Artists and artist teams residing in California, Oregon, Nevada and Washington may apply. There is no entry fee.

Stipend and sculpture requirements

The stipend covers structural engineering, modifications needed for outdoor display, round-trip transportation, installation and removal labor, insurance, and routine maintenance or repairs during the exhibition.

Heavy-equipment rental is provided separately at no cost to the artist, but equipment operators are not included. City permits, inspections, fees and temporary signage are also provided at no cost.

The sculpture must be between 8 and 18 feet tall, including its base or pedestal, no more than 9 feet wide and weigh no more than 3,000 pounds. It must be suitable for outdoor display and comply with the city’s Public Art Review Guidelines.

The city says a California Arts Council grant supports the initiative, which is connected to downtown San Rafael’s cultural district designation. The state announced the district’s selection among its 14 inaugural California Cultural Districts in July 2017.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted through CaFÉ by 11:59 p.m. Pacific time Friday, Nov. 20. The city says applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis and encourages artists to apply early.

Required materials include a statement of interest, a resume or CV, three to six images of the proposed sculpture and an explanation of its construction, durability and public safety features.

A curatorial team representing Local Edition Creative, the city and San Rafael Arts committee stakeholders will review submissions.

The estimated schedule calls for curatorial review and finalist notifications in December, Public Art Review Board consideration in January 2027, City Council review in February and artist selection in March. Installation is anticipated in July or August 2027. Those dates are subject to change.

Local Edition Creative manages the project. Questions may be emailed to [email protected] until noon Pacific time Nov. 20.