SCULPTURE WALK AT TUSTIN LEGACY PARK

The Tustin Public Art Commission invites artists to submit completed sculptures for the inaugural biennial Tustin Legacy Sculpture Walk exhibition to be installed in summer 2027.  The goal of this national juried exhibit of original three-dimensional art is to present works from artists who wish to have their pieces displayed in an outdoor setting that draws art lovers into the recently re-conceptualized environment of Tustin Legacy Park.

Five sculptures will be selected:

• Three sculptures will receive a $7,500 honorarium for a three-year exhibition
• Two sculptures will receive a $5,000 honorarium for a two-year exhibition

ABOUT THE PARK

Tustin Legacy Park will be one of the most prominent features of the Tustin Legacy development, envisioned as a linear connection for the community. The sculptures identified herein will be in the first phase of the park located at the intersection of Red Hill Avenue and Barranca Parkway. Future phases of the park will expand incrementally northeast to the Metrolink Station located at the intersection of Edinger Avenue and Jamboree, each containing different elements/amenities and varying in width and function. Pedestrian bridges over major arterials will allow pedestrians and bicycles to seamlessly traverse Tustin Legacy Park as it grows.

ELIGIBILITY

Artists 18 years of age or older are invited to submit proposals individually or collaboratively.

ARTWORK REQUIREMENTS

• All submitted artwork must be original, one-of-a-kind works created by the artist.
• Sculptural methods including stone, metal, wood, and mixed media are accepted, but must be weatherproof and able to endure three years outdoors.
• All artwork must be completed at the time of submission. Proposals for conceptual works or artwork that has not yet been fabricated will not be considered.
• Delivered artwork must match the artwork approved through the selection process. Artwork that differs significantly from the approved application may be rejected.
• Artwork must be suitable and safe for viewing by audiences of all ages.
• Artwork must be designed for outdoor display and capable of being securely anchored to an existing concrete pad.
• Sculpture pads measure approximately 7 feet by 7 feet, are designed to support artwork weighing up to 1,250 pounds, and are intended for artwork up to 12 feet in height.
• Electrical service and lighting are not provided at the sculpture sites. Artwork should be designed to be viewed without supplemental lighting.

GUIDELINES

Proposals are welcome from both individual artists and collaborative teams. Eligible artwork includes, but is not limited to, freestanding sculptures and site-specific installations. Preference will be given to works that complement the character and setting of Tustin Legacy Park.

Because selected artwork will remain on display for two or three years, proposals should demonstrate long-term durability. Materials and construction methods should be appropriate for continuous outdoor display and should not adversely impact the surrounding environment, wildlife, or park visitors.

The City may request additional information, documentation, or supporting materials during the review process to assist in the evaluation of a proposal.

Artworks may be available for purchase from the artist.  Any inquiries received by the City of Tustin for purchase of art will be directed to the artist with all proceeds going to the artist.  The artwork would be required to stay on display for the duration of the contract even if sold by the artist.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Proposals will be judged on the piece of artwork being submitted for consideration, along with work experience and supporting materials.

SELECTION PROCESS

A juror appointed by the Public Art Commission will review eligible submissions and recommend artworks for consideration by the Public Art Commission. The Public Art Commission will then forward its recommendations to the Tustin City Council, which will make and approve the final selection.

ARTIST COMPENSATION 

Selected artists will receive an honorarium based on the duration of the exhibition:

• Three-year installations: $2,500 upon installation, $2,500 at the beginning of the second year, and $2,500 upon deinstallation, for a total of $7,500.
• Two-year installations: $2,500 upon installation and $2,500 upon deinstallation, for a total of $5,000.

INSTALLATION

Artwork must be installed by summer 2027. Unless otherwise specified, all costs associated with the transportation and installation of the artwork are the responsibility of the artist. Limited assistance and equipment from the City of Tustin's Public Works Department may be available on a case-by-case basis at the City's discretion.

The City of Tustin will provide signage and perform basic site maintenance throughout the exhibition period. Upon installation, the City will assume limited liability for irreparable damage or theft of the artwork, excluding works constructed of ceramic, glass, or other fragile materials, as well as damage resulting from faulty design, construction, or materials.

DURATION

The artwork will remain on display for a minimum of two or three years, depending on the selected installation site. The artwork is expected to remain continuously installed and on public display throughout the exhibition period.

The City of Tustin reserves the right to request that the artist repair or remove the artwork at any time if safety, maintenance, or other unforeseen circumstances warrant such action.

The artist shall retain ownership of the artwork throughout the exhibition period. By mutual written agreement between the artist and the City, the display period may be extended beyond the initial term.

PROMOTION

The City of Tustin will promote the Sculpture Walk through its website, social media platforms, and other City communication channels. Any additional marketing or promotional efforts undertaken by the artist shall be at the artist's expense.

ARTIST RESPONSIBILITIES

Selected artists are responsible for providing information for the artwork plaque, including:

• Artist name
• Artwork title
• A narrative (maximum 100 words) describing the artwork

This information will be displayed on the artwork plaque and published on the City of Tustin website.

Artists are responsible for maintaining current contact information with the City throughout the exhibition period.

Artists are responsible for promptly uninstalling and transporting their artwork at the conclusion of the loan period. Artwork not claimed within the designated removal period may be subject to storage and other City operational fees until it is removed.

APPLICATION MATERIALS

Deadline: December 31, 2026

Submissions must include all of the items listed below. Please include your first and last name on each submitted document.

1. Resume. 2 pages max.

2. Artist Statement. 1 page max.

3. Proposal. 1 page max. Proposal should be clear and specific, outlining a plan and description of sculpture. Consideration should be given to location or site, materials, connection to natural world, and how viewers will engage with the work.

4. Installation Plan. 1 page max.  Describe how the sculpture will be transported, installed, and permanently secured to the provided concrete pad. Include the proposed anchoring method, equipment required, estimated installation time, and any special site or safety considerations. If known, identify whether the work will require assembly on-site and describe any anticipated maintenance or future removal considerations.

5. Artwork Value. 1 page max. The identified value of the sculpture should incorporate design, materials, fabrication, and other related costs and fees as applicable. 

6. 5–10 images. Photos should show multiple views and details of the work. You are encouraged to include a rendering of the proposed project at the site within your written proposal.

7. Title, materials, weight, year completed, dimensions, and optional description for each image.

CALENDAR

Submission Deadline: December 31, 2026

Artist Notification: April 1, 2027

Installation: summer 2027

NOTIFICATION

You will be notified by email of application status by April 1, 2027.

APPLICATION MATERIALS

Deadline: December 31, 2026

Submissions must include all of the items listed below. Please include your first and last name on each submitted document.

1. Resume. 2 pages max.

2. Artist Statement. 1 page max.

3. Proposal. 1 page max. Proposal should be clear and specific, outlining a plan and description of sculpture. Consideration should be given to location or site, materials, connection to natural world, and how viewers will engage with the work.

4. Installation Plan. 1 page max.  Describe how the sculpture will be transported, installed, and permanently secured to the provided concrete pad. Include the proposed anchoring method, equipment required, estimated installation time, and any special site or safety considerations. If known, identify whether the work will require assembly on-site and describe any anticipated maintenance or future removal considerations.

5. Artwork Value. 1 page max. The identified value of the sculpture should incorporate design, materials, fabrication, and other related costs and fees as applicable. 

6. 5–10 images. Photos should show multiple views and details of the work. You are encouraged to include a rendering of the proposed project at the site within your written proposal.

7. Title, materials, weight, year completed, dimensions, and optional description for each image.

See above in long description.