Public Art
Purpose of the Public Art Program
To promote, support and increase the creation of public art displays within the City of Watsonville to provide an opportunity for personal and community reflection, promote the City’s attributes and enhance its image for the enjoyment and benefit of the residents, businesses, employees and visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Please find a list of our most frequently asked questions related to Public Art in the City of Watsonville here. For any additional information you would like added here, please contact Adriana Flores at adriana.flores@watsonville.gov or 831-768-3242.
Current Opportunities
Call for Artists - City Plaza Revitalization
The City of Watsonville (City) would like to invite artists to apply for a permanent art component for the heart of downtown Watsonville, the City Plaza. An artist will be selected to create one or more elements for the public art component for the City Plaza Revitalization Project at the City Plaza in Downtown Watsonville where work will be viewed by residents and guests of all ages.
Artists are encouraged to visit the City Plaza to familiarize themselves with the current elements and ambiance as well as review the proposed site plan with the new changes that will be made to the Plaza. Plans can be found here. The proposed site-specific artwork should enhance the experience of those who utilize the City Plaza and should express relevance to Watsonville’s rich history and culture. Proposed art should be free-standing piece(s) to be installed in one or more of the areas in the Plaza and the artwork must satisfy reasonable standards of permanence and safety, meet all relevant codes required for public places, and offer reasonable proof of soundness against theft, vandalism or excessive maintenance and repair. It is desired to procure an art piece(s) that is/are interactive and add to the placemaking nature of the Plaza and surrounding downtown.
Request for Proposals for City Plaza Revitalization
All proposals must be submitted by MONDAY, JUNE 12, 2023 by 5:00PM to:
Attn: Adriana Flores, Senior Administrative Analyst, City of Watsonville, 231 Union Street, Watsonville, CA 95076
Any questions please contact Adriana Flores at adriana.flores@watsonville.gov or 831-768-3242.
City of Watsonville Public Art Program
The City’s Public Art Program promotes the creation of art throughout the community. The approval process for public art projects is dependent on the project’s funding sources and proposed locations.
Program | Funding Source | Location |
Phase 1: Community Initiated Public Art Projects | Fully privately funded: - Private investment - Donations - Grant funding | Public Spaces, City Buildings and Rights-of-Way OR Privately owned commercial spaces visible from public spaces or rights of way |
Phase 2: City Initiated Public Art Projects | Partially City Funded OR Fully City Funded | Public Spaces, City Buildings and Rights-of-Way |
Community Initiated Public Art Projects
This program was developed for the approval of public art projects that (1) Will be fully privately funded through private, donation or grant funding, and (2) are proposed to be installed on public spaces, City buildings and rights-of-way or privately owned commercial spaces visible from public property or rights of way. The public art application fee is $200.
Community Initiated Art Guidelines
Community Initiated Art Application
City Initiated Public Art Projects
This program is scheduled to commence in the spring of 2020. See this page for more information in the future.