The City of Ontario is seeking an artist or artist team to develop public art that will be placed at the entrance of the newly constructed City Services Building.
The City’s Museum, Arts & Culture Department is seeking an artist or artist team to develop public art that will be placed at the entrance of the new City Services Building in downtown. Artists will develop site-integrated sculptural work of art that fosters community, connectivity, and civic pride, while reflecting multiple cultural identities and intergenerational values. This work of art will be placed into the City’s permanent public art collection, and will ultimately become a well-known visual landmark at this site for all to enjoy.
This location provides the artist a space of high-visibility and accessibility during the day and in the evening, will become meaningful to the City staff who work there, and to all who visit. The project will continue to increase the community’s interest in public art, as well as heighten the visibility of artists and the arts in Ontario.
Museum, Arts & Culture Director Marissa Kucheck shared, “We’re thrilled to launch the first permanent public art project with support by our newly established Public Art Advisory Commission. This marks a bold step in our vision to make Ontario a thriving destination for arts and culture — a place where creativity is not only welcomed, but celebrated in our public spaces. We invite artists to be part of this historic moment and create a lasting piece that reflects our shared values, stories, and aspirations.”
With this public art installation, it is the goal of Ontario’s Public Art Advisory Commission and the City of Ontario to achieve the following:
- Create a design that is visually captivating and engaging from all vantage points
- Have a strong visual presence both day and night
- Generate a site-specific work of art that evokes a memorable sense of place authentic to the City as a premier destination for arts and culture in the Inland Empire
The City’s Public Art Advisory Commission identified some potential themes for the artists to consider when applying for this project. Artwork should be unique to and a reflection of Ontario, while inspiring a sense of community, connectivity, and civic pride.
At a glance
Seeking artists or artist teams who design site-integrated sculptural works of art and have experience working on previous public art commissions with other municipalities. Their work process aligns to national public art trends, and they live and are based in California, and eligible to work in the United States.
Key dates and project budget
- Submission deadline: August 7, 2025 by 4 PM (PST)
- Budget: up to $300,000
- If you are interested in submitting:
- Submissions for the Call for Artists Qualifications shall be submitted through the online platform Submittable.com at: Call for Artists Qualifications, City Services Building Public Art
- To learn more about this project, review the Full Version – Call for Artists Qualifications, City Services Building Public Art
