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@cityofwatsonville.org or 831-768-3242. 

Current Opportunities

Clean California Program

The City of Watsonville seeks local artists or artist teams to create and install various sized murals along Highway 152 (Main Street) and State Route 129 in Watsonville. This project is part of a State Highway Beautification Project, sponsored by the California Department of Transportation and the Clean California Program. 

Launched by Governor Newsom as part of his California Comeback Plan, Clean California is investing $1.1 billion for state and local governments to clean up trash and debris statewide, beautify community gateways and public areas along highways, streets and roads, and to provide good jobs to thousands of Californians

The two (2) Request for Proposals are for: 1) a Mural on a retaining wall on Highway 152, Main Street between Clifford Avenue and Progress Avenue and 2) Murals on utility boxes along Highway 152 and State Route 129. 

Request for Proposals for Mural at Retaining Wall on Highway 152 (Main Street)

Request for Proposals for Murals on utility boxes along Highway 152 and State Route 129

Addendum #1 for Request for Proposals for Mural at Retaining Wall on Highway 152 (Main Street) AND Request for Proposals for Murals on Utility Boxes along Highway 152 and State Route 129.

All proposals must be submitted by FRIDAY, JULY 8, 2022 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@cityofwatsonville.org 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.