Project Budget:  $150,000

Deadline for Submissions- Part 1:  March 10th, 2023 @5:00 p.m. ET

The City of Philadelphia’s Percent for Art Program and Rebuild announce a competition to commission a site-specific, community driven public artwork for the Blanche A. Nixon/ Cobbs Creek Library. The Blanche A. Nixon/Cobbs Creek Library is a Rebuild designated project consisting of interior and exterior library renovations and exterior site improvements.

This public art project will be an outdoor sculptural representation of Blanche A. Nixon on the library grounds, near the Cobbs Creek Parkway and Baltimore Ave corner. The purpose of this Percent for Art opportunity is to create a beautiful and enduring work of public art that is permanent, site-specific, and reflects the culture, values, and diversity of the Cobbs Creek community. An important goal for this public art project will be to honor the life and legacy of Blanche A. Nixon, the community activist for whom the library is named. Artists will be encouraged to interpret Blanche A. Nixon’s story and the history and culture of Cobbs Creek in meaningful and engaging ways, using materials that are appropriate and durable for exterior use.

The City of Philadelphia’s Percent for Art program invites all interested artists or artist teams to apply for this public art commission. Priority will be given to artists or artist teams who reflect the diversity of the Cobbs Creek community, and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) and female artists or artist teams are strongly encouraged to apply.  Qualified local artists or artist teams who live or work in the community around the Blanche A Nixon library will also be prioritized for this opportunity, but any artist may apply.

Public input and participation will be vital to ensuring the voices of the community are reflected in the development of the Blanche A. Nixon sculpture. Community engagement opportunities will allow Semi-Finalists to hear directly from members of the public about their ideas and aspirations for this project. Semi-Finalists will be encouraged to align their proposals with input and feedback provided by the community.

A total budget of up to $150,000 has been allocated for this Percent for Art commission. This sum is inclusive of all artist(s) fees, renderings, insurance, fabrication, installation, travel, and all other project related expenses.

The full Call for Artists, along with additional project background, information, and submission instructions can be found at the pdf below.