Seeking artists for new public art for new City park

Artists or artist teams in Northern California can apply to be considered for the creation of two vertical public art pieces that also offer nesting and shelter for birds and non-stinging insects in a new public park.

These permanent, durable artworks would bracket the ends of the park being developed on the former Santa Fe railroad track bed in West Berkeley.

The pieces should seek to achieve a variety of goals, such as strong design aesthetics, a focus on environmental awareness and complementing the surrounding area.

Applicants must have a history of creating art designed for and installed in public spaces. As part of their submission, artists must include a portfolio with 5 to 10 images of completed works demonstrating creativity and qualifications relevant to this project.

Artists eligible for the $150,000 contract must also live in the 21 counties within the Northern California Megaregion – as far north as Sonoma, Yolo and Sutter counties; east to the Nevada border and south to Monterey and San Benito counties.

Artists from historically underrepresented communities, including African, Latinx, Asian, Arab, and Native American populations, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Apply on the Submittable application portal by 5:00 pm on January 12, 2026.

Artwork requirements, locations

Each artwork must stand at least 10 feet tall, remain permanently installed, and use materials that can withstand long-term outdoor conditions.

Designs must include a bird habitat box at the top for native and migratory birds as well as an insect habitat box placed at least four feet above the base.

The two installations must fit in with the surrounding landscape of the two intended sites:

• Community Garden Park, between Blake and Parker Streets
• Urban Farm and Education Park, between Derby and Ward Streets

The $150,000 contract covers all project costs, including the design fee, environmental research, engineering, fabrication, transportation, and installation.

Artists must live in one of the following counties: Alameda; Contra Costa; El Dorado; Marin; Merced; Monterey; Napa; Placer; Sacramento; San Benito; San Francisco; San Joaquin; San Mateo; Santa Clara; Santa Cruz; Solano; Sonoma; Stanislaus; Sutter; Yolo; Yuba.

Application submissions and artist selection process

Applications will be reviewed for creativity, relevant experience, and how well they address the project’s requirements.

After the qualification’s deadline on January 12, 2026, a panel will review the submitted materials and select up to three artists or artist teams whose work aligns with the project’s goals.

Finalists will be invited to prepare site-specific design proposals and will receive a $1,500 honorarium. The finalist proposals will be shared for public review and feedback on the City’s online forum.

Then proposals will go to a review panel that includes representatives from City commissions, project architects, environmental specialists, and community members. The panel will recommend one artist or team for selection to the Civic Arts Commission, the body that will make the final decision.

Creating a new park space at Santa Fe trackbed

The public art will be part of the Santa Fe Trackbed to Park Conversion, a four-block park under development between Blake and Ward Streets along Acton Street.

The project will complete a long-term City vision to transform a former rail corridor into new neighborhood park. The design includes a community garden, dog park, outdoor exercise stations, a playground with a tot cycle track, and an outdoor classroom with a teaching garden and orchard.

Funded by a $5 million Proposition 68 Statewide Parks Program grant through California’s Outdoors for All initiative, the park will expand access to green space for nearby residents and is anticipated to open in summer 2027.

This public art opportunity is part of the City’s broader effort to integrate creativity into shared spaces. The Civic Arts Program builds community connection by commissioning artists to create works that reflect Berkeley’s character.

Artists who would like to be considered must apply online by 5:00 pm PT on January 12, 2026.   

Links

• Santa Fe Trackbed Park Public Art: Application to submit qualifications
• Civic Arts Program: grants, newsletter sign up
• Santa Fe Trackbed to Park Conversion