Call For Artists For San Pedro Creek Tricentennial Art Installation

SAN ANTONIO, July 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Bexar County announced today that it has engaged the San Antonio River Authority (SARA) to assist the county with the process of selecting an artist whose work will be the signature public art project of the joint Tricentennial Celebration of Bexar County and the City of San Antonio during the commemorative week, May 1 through 6, 2018. The county has set a budget of $735,000 for the art installation and the application deadline has been set for August 12, 2016.

The permanent art installation will be the centerpiece of San Pedro Creek Plaza, the entryway of a major public works project: the restoration and improvement of historic San Pedro Creek, and development of San Pedro Creek Culture Park in downtown San Antonio. The final installation will be revealed at the grand opening celebration of Phase 1 of the project on May 5, 2018, as part of the official Tricentennial Celebration events organized by the county concurrently with the city and the Archdiocese of San Antonio.

The goal is to convey the compelling fundamental elements of the story of San Pedro Creek as well as the culture and values of Bexar County and San Antonio to current and future generations. "This piece of art must create a lasting reflection of our culture and community," said Bexar County Precinct 2 Commissioner Paul Elizondo, adding that Bexar County and SARA have defined a process and plan for public art along the creek. "The result of this will be something I hope the community will be proud of."

The plaza is situated near the historic origin of Bexar County and the City of San Antonio – the first location of Mission San Antonio de Valero, the first Spanish Colonial Mission established in the area (which became known as "The Alamo" after it was moved to the banks of the San Antonio River). The site offers the opportunity to create a landmark that will dramatically transform the Westside of downtown San Antonio. In addition, it will serve as a lasting commemoration of the rich, interweaving cultures that are evident throughout the community and which qualified the five San Antonio Missions to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Features of the artwork should engage the viewer to thoughtfully commemorate and appreciate the 300th anniversary of human events that compelled the integration and fusion of diverse cultures, languages and traditions of the people who inhabited the land and those who arrived to introduce new ways which historically evolved into a major modern community with a bright future. The imagery of the work should address the diversity, inclusivity, traditions that give direction to the future of Bexar County and San Antonio.

Bexar County's art installation budget includes all artist design fees; artist travel; artist models and renderings of artworks; the fabrication, transportation, and installation of artwork; required insurance; signage for the artwork; and documentation of the final art installation. Additionally, a stipend of $5,000 will be provided by the county to each of three finalists during the competitive selection process.

An informational meeting for prospective applicants will be held at 10 a.m. Central Time on July 22, 2016, at the Christopher Columbus Italian Society located at 201 Piazza Italia, San Antonio, Texas 78207. If unable to attend in person, please contact Bridget Hinze for video conferencing information.

Bexar County and SARA will administer a competitive selection process among interested artists that includes stakeholder reviews, with final approval by Bexar County Commissioners Court. Artists are invited to submit qualifications via the online application by visiting http://spcproject.org/spctricentennialartwork.  

For more information about the open call for artists, please contact Bridget Hinze with SARA at (210) 302-3257 or [email protected]. 

San Pedro Creek Improvements Project
Bexar County and the San Antonio River Authority, in coordination with the City of San Antonio, are transforming San Pedro Creek as a cultural park to reflect its place in our cultural history, improve its function in flood control, revitalize natural habitat and water quality, and catalyze economic development. To learn more about the San Pedro Creek Improvements Project, visit the project website at www.spcproject.org.

SOURCE San Antonio River Authority

Related Links

http://www.sara-tx.org