MSB Interpretive Panels Project Budget: $250,000  

• Read and Download the Call for Artists
• Questions about the application should be sent to paige.phillips@phila.gov
• On June 24th from 6PM-7:00PM, Creative Philadelphia will host an Artist Informational Meeting via Zoom to provide interested applicants an opportunity to learn more about the project and application process. To register for the meeting, click here.  

Project Overview:  

Creative Philadelphia announces a call to commission a series of permanent interpretive panels with integrated augmented reality (AR) components at the Municipal Services Building in Center City Philadelphia. 

This public art commission is part of a broader initiative that includes an upcoming public sculpture of Dr. Sadie T.M. Alexander by artist Vinnie Bagwell. Inspired by Sadie T.M. Alexander’s groundbreaking legacy in public service, these interpretive panels will celebrate the City of Philadelphia’s dedicated municipal employees, past, present and future, and provide deeper context for understanding Dr. Alexander’s impact on generations of Philadelphians. The interpretive panels will be located in front of the building’s landscaped areas, flanking the upcoming sculpture. The panels are intended to complement and support the overall site experience. 

This commission will provide an opportunity for an artist team to design and fabricate four (4) permanent, sculptural interpretive panels. These panels will incorporate augmented reality (AR) elements to expand storytelling beyond the physical surface of the artwork. 

All interested artists are invited to apply. Artists based in Philadelphia are strongly encouraged to apply; however, artists from outside the region will be considered. Please note that multiple in-person site visits will be required throughout the project, and all associated travel costs must be covered within the project budget. 

This is a two-part selection process consisting of: 

• Part 1: Submission of Qualifications 
• Part 2: Finalist Proposals and Interviews  

Up to three (3) finalists will be invited to submit short, concept proposals and attend an interview. At no point should artists submit design proposals.

View the Call for Artists for full details View Sample Percent for Art Semi-Finalist Terms of Agreement View Sample Public Art Contract

Technical Questions?       Check out the Submitter Resource Center or contact Submittable Customer Support.

Application Questions?       Contact paige.phillips@phila.gov

What is Art in City Hall

Creative Philadelphia's Art In City Hall exhibition program invites Philadelphia’s cultural community to present proposals to exhibit art in display cases in the public corridors of historic City Hall.

Art in City Hall is an exhibits program that transforms the public corridors of City Hall into a platform for the arts. It provides an opportunity for Philadelphia’s diverse cultural organizations  to present their artistic expressions and utilize the visual arts to amplify community voices, and foster dialogue, healing, civility, and hope in the most important civic building in the city – The People’s Building. The program is committed to presenting a wide range of ideas and artistic explorations to showcase the important role the arts play in our communities.

Eligibility

Local nonprofits, art programs, and cultural organizations are invited to submit proposals. Collaborations between organizations and other partners, such as with local schools are welcomed, but one organization needs to lead the application process. For group exhibitions, not all of the artists have to live in Philadelphia, but at minimum should be from the Philadelphia region, which includes the five-county Delaware Valley. Artists can be self-taught or professionally trained.

At this time, we do not present solo exhibitions and encourage the organizations to select enough artists to utilize all the display cases in City Hall.

Exhibition Locations

15 exhibit display cases are located on the First through Fourth Floors of City Hall near the offices of the Mayor, City Council, and City Council Chambers.

Exhibition Dates

There are four exhibit opportunities year round. The calendar is usually booked up to six months or more in advance.

• May – July
• August – October
• November – January
• February - April

Exhibition Installation and Programming

Participating organizations are expected to deliver and install the exhibition and supply all exhibition hardware and printed materials. They are also expected to plan ONE educational program that complements the exhibition. OACCE may assist the partner organizations in the development and coordination of the exhibit programming, but the organization is responsible for all expenses for the events.

City Hall Hours

City Hall is open to the public Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and closed on weekends and holidays. Visitors must sign in at the Northeast corner Visitor’s Entrance, have personal belongings checked, and follow COVID protocols.