Housing PROJECT OVERVIEW
The historic Tucson House, Tucson’s largest public housing complex, is undergoing major renovations to enhance housing for residents aged 55 and older. Located in the Blue Moon neighborhood at 1501 N. Oracle Rd., the project includes full apartment renovations, new mechanical and security systems, elevator replacements, upgraded amenities, and new public art throughout the building.
This affordable housing project is a public-private partnership utilizing Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) and additional sources. 4% LIHTC equity and additional funding through: HUD Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant, City of Tucson HOME Loan, Pima County General Fund Gap Funding, City of Tucson General Fund Gap Funding, Federal Historic Tax Credits, and the State Housing Trust Fund.
Core project partners for the public art project include the City of Tucson’s Housing and Community Development Department, Poster Mirto McDonald, and Gorman & Company, and the Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona.
The redevelopment is co-led by El Pueblo Housing Development and Gorman & Company through a public-private partnership using 4% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and funding from HUD, the City of Tucson, Pima County, Federal Historic Tax Credits, and the State Housing Trust Fund.
Public art partners include the City of Tucson Housing and Community Development Department, Poster Mirto McDonald, Gorman & Company, and the Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona.
For more info: https://www.thriveinthe05.com/thredevelopment
PUBLIC ART Overview
The City of Tucson seeks an Art Curator, Artist, or Designer with demonstrated experience developing exhibitions or interior design that include multiple artworks unified by a cohesive theme. Applicants may apply individually or as a team. This project is part of the renovation of a 17-story, affordable housing complex. Art will be installed throughout the building to create a vibrant, welcoming environment that celebrates Desert Landscapes and Tucson History, based on input from residents.
PROJECT GOALS
- Enhance shared spaces such as lobbies, corridors, and amenity areas
- Create a sense of home and community
- Reflect themes of desert landscapes and Tucson history
- Support wayfinding through color-based visual cues
ART COMPONENTS
There are two art components for Tucson House:
- Curated Framed Artwork – Licensed prints or reproductions
- Vinyl Wall Graphics – Original digital designs that complement the framed artworks
1. Curated Framed Artwork
- Media: Licensed prints or reproductions of two-dimensional artworks (no original works due to liability)
- Theme: Desert landscapes and historic photos of Tucson and the Sky Islands region
- Quantity & Placement:
- 82 Framed artworks; finish size 30” x 42”
- Artwork location map and detail: https://www.tucsonaz.gov/files/sharedassets/public/v/1/hcd/hcd-news/rfp/tucson-house-art-graphics_01.21.25.pdf
- Guidelines:
- Artist responsible for procuring all licensed artwork, printing, and framing
- Installation provided by a renovation team
- Project specifics will be provided during project team orientation
2. Vinyl Wall Graphics
- Media: Digital designs only (no physical fabrication required by artist)
- Theme: Desert landscapes and historic photos of Tucson and the Sky Islands region
- Quantity & Placement:
- 5 unique digital designs for select site-specific locations
- Artwork location map and detail: https://www.tucsonaz.gov/files/sharedassets/public/v/1/hcd/hcd-news/rfp/tucson-house-art-graphics_01.21.25.pdf
- Guidelines:
- Artist responsible for creating or subcontracting digital design work
- Printing and installation provided by a renovation team
- Project specifics will be provided during project team orientation
Image 1: Framed Art Inspiration – Elevator Lobby Rendering
Image 2: Vinyl Art Inspiration – Level 17 rendering
SCOPE OF WORK
Public art project timelines follow the schedule of the larger improvement. Dates subject to change.
| Thursday, November 20, 2025 | Request for Qualifications Application Posted | |
| Thursday, January 22, 2025 | Application Deadline at 11:59 p.m. Arizona Time | |
| March 2026 | Artist Selection Meeting 1 (Panel only): The Panel will select three (3) finalists to interview. All applicants will be notified of their status. Finalists will begin preparations for Panel Meeting 2. | |
| April 2026 | Artist Selection Meeting 2 (Panel and Finalists): The Panel will interview Finalists in a virtual Zoom meeting. Finalists will deliver a 15-minute presentation, followed by a 10-minute question and answer session with the panel. | |
| May-September 2026 | Project Team Orientation: The selected artist(s) will meet with the project team to gain more specific insights into the project’s goals and expectations. Design Meeting 1 (Panel and Artist): The selected artist(s) will meet with the panel to discuss the project’s community, place, and historical context. The artist(s) will use this input to create three conceptual themes for the next meeting. Additional Design Meetings (Panel and Artist): The artist(s) will present their concepts, and the panel will select one concept to develop further. If no design is chosen, the artist(s) will continue refining their concepts. The panel will meet as needed until a final concept is approved. | |
| September 2026-November 2027 | Artwork Deadlines Digital artwork submission deadline (for all vinyl graphics): September 1, 2026 Framed artwork submission deadline: November 1, 2027 |
ARTWORK BUDGET
The all-inclusive maximum budget listed above is for all artworks and related costs. The all-inclusive budget includes, but is not limited to, the artist fee(s), printing and framing materials, subcontracting artists, insurance, stamped engineering plans, tax requirements, research, community engagement, contract, labor, fabrication, platforms, earthwork, lighting, permits, and all related costs required for the installation of the artwork(s). Please note that due to recent changes in federal import/export policies, production material prices will change during the scope of this project.
ELIGIBILITY AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST
This public art opportunity is open to all professional curators, artists, and designers with demonstrated experience developing exhibitions or interior design that include multiple artworks unified by a cohesive theme. Applicants may apply individually or as a team. Artists may apply as a team or as individuals.
Any person in a position to receive financial gain from the selection of artist(s) will be ineligible to serve on a Panel. All Panel members must declare any conflicts of interest and recuse themselves if any conflicts arise.
Applications must be completed solely by the artist or team lead applying for the project. Applications submitted from Artists’ representatives, managers, or galleries will not be accepted. The Arts Foundation will disburse funds only to this individual. The team lead will also be the point of contact for all communications. Artists applying as members of a team are not eligible to apply as individuals.
PUBLIC INTERFACE AND EXPECTATIONS
Community feedback and participation are essential to creating artwork that benefits and represents the diverse identities reflected in the project’s themes and concepts. The selected artist(s) will be required to attend at least two (suggestion) meetings with the panel.
ARTIST SELECTION PROCESS
Artists are selected through a fair and equitable selection process by a Panel comprised of project participants, stakeholders, and members of the community. New Panels are formed for every public art project. Arts Foundation staff do not directly participate in the selection of artists or designs. The role of the Arts Foundation staff is to facilitate the public art processes and discussions. The community panel will review and assess all artist submissions based on published criteria, and participate in two meetings to deliberate, interview, and select the recommended artist for this project. During the first meeting, the panel will determine which three artists/artist teams will be invited to interview as finalists. During the second meeting, each of the three finalists will deliver a presentation to the Panel demonstrating the scope of their work, conveying their qualifications, and articulating their interest in this specific project. Each presentation will be followed by a question and answer session with the panel.
Evaluation Criteria
The following criteria will be considered during the review of applications:
- Does the applicant show the ability to translate artistic concepts into materials suitable for public spaces, while considering public interaction, safety, maintenance, and the Sonoran Desert climate?
- Does the applicant demonstrate the ability to collaborate with project participants to create artwork designs that reflect local cultural and historical themes relevant to the project?
- Does the applicant demonstrate a high probability of successful completion for the scale and scope of this specific project?
Finalist Interview Questions
If you are a finalist for the project, you will be asked to present to the Panel with the following criteria and questions:
- Format: You will provide a 15-minute presentation, followed by a 10-
minute Q&A with the Panel.
- Presentation Preparation: For your presentation, you will share examples
of your work as well as your experience and methods in public art. You will also share with the Panel why you are interested in this particular project. You may use any format for your presentation.
- Please address the following in your presentation.
- What excites you about this project?
- How do you come up with your design ideas?
- How do you involve the community in your public art projects?
- How do you stay on schedule and within budget?
*Additional questions may be asked if appropriate to a specific project.
Presentation preparation tips
- Provide a diverse range of examples of your work in your presentation. Read through the Project Overview and Exhibition Component outlined above to identify appropriate artwork media specific to the public art project.
- Research the area or subject of the project, potential significant history, culture, and vision of the program. Panelists appreciate candidates who have done their research and know what they are signing up for.
- Provide specific examples of community engagement tools that you have utilized during your work as an artist and/or for public art projects.
- Take time to prepare your responses and presentation. We give you the questions ahead of time so you can provide thoughtful answers.
HOW TO APPLY
Carefully review the eligibility, expectations, and scope of this opportunity prior to submitting your application.
Prepare Application
- Prepare your artist statement. The statement must describe your qualifications for this position, your motivation to work with the community, and your interest in this particular project theme. Your artist statement is a key part of the review process. We encourage you to be thoughtful and intentional when writing. 300-word limit
- Prepare your resume. Two page maximum. Acceptable file types: .doc, .docx, .pdf
- Prepare six (6) samples of your artwork. Artwork samples must represent completed work by the applicant(s). Proposals or renderings will not be accepted. For each sample submitted, if applicable, please include the title, date, location, dimensions, materials used, budget, and your role in the project. Acceptable file types: .jpg, .jpeg, .png
Submit Application
- Go to Submittable: artsfoundtucson.submittable.com/submit
- Select the project from the list.
- Login or sign up for an account.
- Complete all applicant Information.
- Submit your artist statement.
- Upload your resume.
- Upload (6) artwork image samples and details.
- Review your application and submit the form.
A confirmation email will be sent to the email address you used to create your Submittable account.
You may be contacted regarding your application via Submittable, email, or by phone.
APPLICATION HELP
If you have questions about the application process or the content of your application, please email us at publicart@artsfoundtucson.org or call (520) 624-0595.
If you encounter any technical issues with the online application platform, please email the Submittable at support@submittable.com or call (855) 467-8264.
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