Public Art Commissions City of Hampton

The Hampton Commission on the Arts, in partnership with the Hampton Arts Foundation, invites professional artists and artist teams to submit entries for the creation of permanent public artworks in Downtown Hampton. This initiative aims to enhance the city’s cultural landscape through the commissioning of impactful landmark pieces that celebrate Hampton’s history, identity, and spirit while enhancing the vibrancy of its public spaces.

 The Hampton Commission on the Arts is dedicated to advancing creative placemaking and cultural investment across the city. Guided by the belief that art has the power to transform public spaces, the Commission supports projects that inspire civic pride, spark dialogue, and strengthen the shared sense of community that defines Hampton.

Downtown Hampton is a historically rich and vibrant waterfront community on the Chesapeake Bay. As one of the nation’s earliest English settlements, it blends deep history with a lively, modern urban district. The area features tree-lined streets, cobblestone paths, and a working waterfront, alongside restaurants, shops, art galleries, museums, and marinas - all within a walkable setting. Visitors and residents alike enjoy year-round festivals, cultural events, and the scenic beauty of the coast, making Downtown Hampton both a destination and a community gathering place.

Site A: Settlers Landing Parking Garage - Located near the Hampton History Museum and the Virginia Air & Space Science Center, this site offers opportunities for exterior murals, with additional potential for creative treatments within interior stairwells. Together, these elements would transform the arrival and parking experience into the first step of an immersive journey. Exterior treatments are the priority. Budget: $100,000

Site B: Corner of Queens Way and Kings Way (next to the bank building) -Located adjacent to a pedestrian-only corridor at the heart of Downtown, Queens Way serves as a hub for events, festivals, and community activity. This site is ideal for sculptural or installation-based artworks that animate the space and invite interaction. Budget: $150,000

Together, these two sites provide opportunities for public art that connects Hampton’s history, culture, and coastal identity with the energy of its downtown core. Artists may apply for one or both locations.

The artwork should serve as a powerful visual focal point that reflects Hampton’s history, diversity, innovation, and coastal character. It should invite public interaction, spark meaningful dialogue, and strengthen community identity. Ultimately, the work should contribute to a vibrant sense of place—celebrating Hampton’s unique story while inspiring connection, pride, and imagination.

Local and regional artists are strongly encouraged to apply.

 Artwork must be original, site-specific, impactful, and permanent.

Acceptable forms include murals, sculptures, installations (including interactive or kinetic elements), and integrated landscape features.

Designs should be appropriately scaled and oriented for visibility from multiple vantage points, engaging both pedestrians and drivers in Downtown Hampton.

Artists must use durable, weather-resistant materials (e.g., metal, stone, ceramics, or resilient mixed media) to ensure longevity.

Pieces should balance bold visual impact with compatibility in the surrounding urban context.

All proposals and final artworks must adhere to community standards of decency and respect.

o   Profanity, vulgarity, and offensive or discriminatory content are strictly prohibited.

o   The Hampton Commission on the Arts, in coordination with relevant City departments, reserves the right to reject proposals or remove non-compliant artwork.

Submissions will be evaluated based on the quality of past work, demonstrated technical capability, and alignment with Hampton’s identity and the theme, From the Sea to the Stars: Past, Present, Possible. Artists are not required to submit a concept at this stage, though they may choose to include one if desired. Primary consideration will be given to submitted work samples, which will be used to identify finalists invited to participate in interviews and concept development.

This Call for Entries is open to:

• Professional artists or artist teams, age 18 or older
• Artists legally authorized to work in the United States
• Artists with demonstrated experience in public art or other large-scale projects