Rotating Art in the Depot Plaza

Call for Artwork header with Mill Valley Arts Commission logo

Rotating Art in the Depot Plaza installation locationThe City of Mill Valley and the Mill Valley Arts Commission are seeking artists to showcase their art as part of this project by creating Public Art to be placed throughout the City of Mill Valley. The goal of this project is to enhance the beauty and vibrancy of Mill Valley, showcase artists and their work to a broader segment of the community, and bring art to unexpected places. The City’s intent is to have rotating art in various locations, starting with The Depot on the Downtown Plaza.

Eligibility

All entries must be an original design and meet dimensions of 4’ W x 8’ H, include all items required in the application packet, and artwork must be suitable for viewing by all ages and be able to withstand weather elements as all artwork will be displayed outdoors.

While all artists and ages are invited to apply for this program, priority will be given to artists who either live or work in the City of Mill Valley or greater Mill Valley area. Student artists are also strongly encouraged to apply. Artists may enlist assistants or art instructors to help them complete their artwork.

Each chosen artist will receive a $500 stipend from the Mill Valley Arts Commission.

Description and Location 

The location is at The Depot Café and Bookstore in downtown Mill Valley on the Plaza and will be within one of the existing arches.

The dimensions and information as to size, suggested materials that the art is applied to are as follows:

Dimensions: 4’ (width) by 8’ (height) and limited to two-dimensional (2D) art only.

Suggested Material: Plywood, metal or other material that is appropriate for outdoor installation and can be screwed, stapled, or temporarily mounted onto plywood. The artist is responsible for providing all supplies to complete their artwork.

The method of attachment will be assisted by Department of Public Works, and/ or Mill Valley Recreation and Mill Valley Arts Commission and by appointment only.

The artwork should enliven, and transform the location, and reflect the neighborhood or area where it is located. The art should be visible from a few feet distance; therefore, artists may choose to utilize bold colors and designs. Artists may submit more than one concept for consideration.

A detailed Artist Agreement must be signed prior to the start of work. Artists under the age of 18, must have a parent or guardian also sign the Artist’s Agreement.

Entries that use a copyrighted or trademarked image will not be accepted. The art must be original and appropriate for viewing by all ages and segments of the community. Entries must not defame or invade the rights of any person(s), living or dead. The art may include the artist’s name (no larger than 1” x 2”) in one area.

The artwork is anticipated to remain in place for 90 days with a possible extension. 

The applicants acknowledge that vandalism, damage or theft could occur to their work

The City holds no liability should artwork become vandalized, damaged, or stolen. 

Checklist for complete application:

Please review the checklist below. Applicants who do not submit a complete application will not be considered.

  • Fill out the Call for Artist online application below.
  • Upload a conceptual COLOR drawing showing the planned artwork via the online application below. Submissions may be hand drawn or computer generated. It does not need to be to actual scale.
  • Upload an Artist Statement, via the online application below, (2,000 characters maximum) that describes the artist’s interest in displaying their artwork, previous experience with public art projects, the artist’s inspiration, and how the artist believes the art will enrich the area.
  • Upload a résumé, via the online application below, that does not exceed four pages and includes either (a) exhibition history and past projects or (b) a brief description of cooperative, community-based projects is strongly encouraged. Students may submit a letter of recommendation from an art teacher in lieu of a résumé. Artists under the age of 18, are not required to submit a resume.
  • Upload a minimum of two (2) examples of previous work as well as a brief description of the artwork samples via the online application below. Artists under the age of 18, are not required to supply (2) examples of previous work.

Note: Youth entries may provide a paragraph on their design inspiration and why they would like to be selected in lieu of artist statement, resume and examples of previous work.

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Selection Process 

  • Review by the Mill Valley Arts Commission Public Art Committee
  • Committee recommendation to the full Arts Commission
  • Full Arts Commission approval via a juried presentation

Note: Final approval may be required by the City Council as well.

Selection Criteria

  • Artist’s experience and ability to complete the project within established time frame
  • Creativity and originality of the proposed artwork
  • Artwork that relates to the location and surrounding area
  • Artwork that emphasizes the City’s unique characteristics, historic heritage, or an activity/event in the area.

If you are selected:

Selected artists must sign a City of Mill Valley liability release and complete the Artist Agreement before beginning work on the selected piece. 

Selected artists must provide completed artwork on the agreed to installation date. If artwork will not be ready for installation on the agreed to installation date artist must notify the City within 30 days prior to installation date.

Selected artists must safely remove artwork on the agreed to de-installation date. Should artist not remove artwork on the agreed to de-installation date the City may retain the artwork.

Questions: Please contact Mill Valley Arts Commission at (415) 383-1370 or artscommission@cityofmillvalley.org.

Thank you for your interest!

Call for Artwork - Rotating Art in the Depot Plaza - Artist Application Form

  6. Is the artist a minor (under the age of 18)?*
  20. I understand that my artwork submission is intended for the specified Rotating Art in the Depot Plaza exhibition space only.*
  22. I understand that I am submitting 2D artwork only and that my artwork will meet the required dimensions of 4' W x 8' H.*
  24. I understand that, if chosen, the method of attachment will be assisted by the Department of Public Works and/or Mill Valley Recreation and Mill Valley Arts Commission and by appointment only.*
  26. I understand that a detailed Artist Agreement must be signed prior to the start of work. Artists under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian also sign the Artist Agreement.*
  28. I understand that entries that use a copyrighted or trademarked image will not be accepted.*

    The art must be original and appropriate for viewing by all ages and segments of the community. Entries must not defame or invade the rights of any person(s), living or dead. The art may include the artist's name (no larger than 1" x 2") in one area.

  30. I understand that the artwork is anticipated to remain in place for 90 days with a possible extension.*
  32. I understand that vandalism, damage or theft could occur to my artwork.*

    The City holds no liability should artwork become vandalized, damaged, or stolen.

  36. Please upload two examples of current artwork in jpeg format as well as a description of the artwork (including the medium).

  42. I certify that I have created the above artwork.*

  44. Please upload a conceptual color drawing showing the planned artwork.

    Submissions may be hand-drawn or computer generated. It does not need to be to actual scale.

  48. Please upload an artist statement.

    2,000 characters maximum. The statement should describe the artist's interest in displaying their artwork, previous experience with public art projects, the artist's inspiration, and how the artist believes the art will enrich the area.

  52. Please upload your resume.

    Please do not exceed 4 pages. Including either (a) exhibition history and past projects or (b) a brief description of cooperative, community-based projects is strongly encouraged. Students may submit a letter of recommendation from an art teacher in lieu of a resume. Artists under the age of 18 are not required to submit a resume.

  58. Terms of Submission

    I agree that (1) my submission(s) and their content will automatically become the property of the City of Mill Valley, (2) The City of Mill Valley may use or redistribute the submission and their contents for any purpose and in any way, (3) there is no obligation for the City of Mill Valley to review the submission, and (4) there is no obligation to keep any submission confidential. Further, I agree to waive any and all rights in the Visual Artists Right Ace, 17 U.S. C §§ 106A and 113(d) (“VARA”), the California Art Preservation Act, Cal. Civil Code §§ 987 and 989 (“CAPA”), including but not limited to rights of attribution and rights to removal or possession. 

  66. The City has agreed to waive the normal submission fee at this time. The City reserves the right to reinstitute a submission fee.

    Disclaimer

    have read the attached information and agree to the rules and regulations stated. The undersigned agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the City of Mill Valley, its Council, Officers, Boards, Commissions, Agents, associated Foundations and Employees for any loss or liability which results or is alleged to have resulted from my participation in this event, including any claim arising out of the applicants’ entry, acts, or omissions in said contest or any accident, injury or damage involved therein, including but not limited to attorney fees and court costs. 

    Although the Mill Valley Arts Commission staff and panelists will make every effort to handle artwork with care, the Mill Valley Arts Commission and the City of Mill Valley cannot assume liability for any damage or loss that may occur. (It is suggested that participants consider carrying separate insurance.)

    I have read fully and understand these policies.

    73. Leave This Blank:

  75. This field is not part of the form submission.