When is the submission deadline?

Submissions are due August 14, 2026. Questions must be submitted by August 5, 2026.

What is the budget for this RFP?

The published budget is $42,500.

It was issued by City Of Santa Cruz. The work is located in Santa Cruz, California, United States.

Who is a good fit for this opportunity?

Experience curating municipal or public art programs. Expertise in commissioning, installing, and managing public sculpture projects. Strong network of artists and art professionals. Proven track record of community engagement and art accessibility initiatives. Based in or with established presence in California.

Public Art Program Curator Services (Due August 14, 2026)

Seeking a curator to manage and enhance the city's public art program by showcasing diverse sculptures, supporting artists, and creating engaging art experiences.

Must have 3-5 years of curatorial experience in public art, sculpture, outdoor exhibitions, or museum exhibits
Must have demonstrated experience managing multi-artist exhibitions or public art programs
Must have proven ability to coordinate installation of large-scale or outdoor artworks
Must have experience developing and managing project schedules, budgets, and contracts
Must have demonstrated ability to manage/advise on logistics for transportation, installation, and deinstallation
Must have strong written and verbal communication skills
Must have experience with community engagement or public-facing programming
Must have ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders
Must be able to meet insurance requirements including general liability, workers comp, and auto
Must comply with city/vendor registration requirements
Must have no outstanding legal or contractual conflicts with the City of Santa Cruz
If submitting as a team, must contract with one legal entity (one taxID)

Release Project Date: June 25th, 2026

Optional Pre-Proposal Site Visit: July 1st, 2026

RFP Questions and Response Due Date: August 5th, 2026

Proposal Submission Deadline: August 14th, 2026

Primary procurement contact — name, title, email, and phone

Additional decision-makers and their departments

The city is seeking a vendor to provide curator services for its public art program. The selected curator will be responsible for presenting high-quality, diverse, and engaging sculptural works that activate public spaces and enhance the cultural vibrancy of the community.

The scope of work includes supporting artists in the sale of their works, providing accessible art experiences for both residents and visitors, and strengthening the city’s identity as a cultural destination. The contract period will be for one year. An optional pre-bid site visit is scheduled, and all questions must be submitted prior to the specified deadline.

Public Art Program Curator Services

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