Sugar House State Liquor Store - Utah Public Art

Request for qualifications from Utah artists and/or artist teams interested in creating site-specific artwork(s) for the Sugar House State Liquor Store. Professional artists and artist teams residing in Utah are eligible for this commission.

UTAH DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE SERVICES

The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services (DABS) operates more than 50 liquor stores throughout the state. Modern stores are designed to create comfortable, safe shopping experiences. The DABS is proud to showcase some of Utah’s most talented artists at store locations, helping to create a welcoming atmosphere at each of our stores.

The Utah State Legislature created the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control in 1935, tasking the department with conducting, licensing, and regulating the sale of alcoholic beverages in Utah. (The department later updated its name to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services, in 2022.) The purpose of DABS is to make alcoholic products reasonably available to adults who choose to drink responsibly–but not to promote the sale of liquor. Utah is an alcohol-control state, which means the state controls the sale and distribution of alcohol. By keeping liquor out of the private marketplace, no economic incentives are created to maximize sales, open more liquor stores, or sell to underage persons. Instead, all policy incentives to promote moderation and to enforce existing liquor laws are enhanced.

COMMITTEE STATEMENT

It is the intention of the Art Committee to commission exterior artwork from a Utah-based artist for the upcoming Sugar House State Liquor store location. The Committee has identified the following locations as potential artwork sites (see renderings on pages 7-8 of the linked document):

• Exterior entrance plaza
  • Subject to adjustment as needed during construction process

The Committee is seeking exterior sculpture and/or installation artwork, and hopes for proposals that reflect a contemporary sculptural approach. The architecture and building layout for this location does not provide suitable opportunities for murals, and as such they are not being solicited.

The Sugar House neighborhood has a unique history within the Salt Lake region, a history that became the architectural inspiration for the design of the new building. The specific aesthetic driver for this store location were images of the old Sugar House Mill. The Committee is very interested in artwork that also draws inspiration from the history and iconic signs and structures of Sugar House. 

The artwork’s subject matter and content must be appropriate for public exhibition and not contain advertising, religious references, sexual or violent content, or convey political partisanship.

SUGAR HOUSE, SALT LAKE CITY

Located in Salt Lake City’s District 7, Sugar House is a charming historic neighborhood featuring a mix of residential, commercial, and public park areas. Originally established in 1853, early settlers attempted to utilize the area to build a sugar beet factory. The venture was ultimately unsuccessful, but the neighborhood’s sweet legacy remains in the name “Sugar House.”

Sugar House has often been referred to as Salt Lake City’s “Second Downtown,” a moniker earned by the walkable, varied retail options and distinct local aesthetic. Sugar House still retains a number of historic signs and business fronts, as well as several monuments and public art pieces that have become iconic parts of the landscape. Across from the major retail centers, Sugar House Park is a popular public area for locals and visitors alike, including numerous walking and cycling trails, sporting areas, a scenic fountain pond, and garden center. 

BUDGET

$33,000 is available for the project. This project budget is for all related expenses of this Public Art commission, including (but not limited to) artist fees, fabrication, support structures, insurance, shipping, travel, lighting, installation, documentation, etc.

ELIGIBILITY

Professional artists and artist teams residing in Utah are eligible for this commission. Artists living in Salt Lake County will receive additional weight in the review process. Applicants must have a U.S. Tax ID Number (SSN, EIN, ITIN, or other). Art Selection Committee members and staff of Utah Arts & Museums, Jacoby Architects, or the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services are not eligible to apply for this commission. All Art Selection Committee members will declare any conflict of interest and recuse themselves from the vote when reviewing artist applications.

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

Interested Utah artists may submit applications online via CallForEntry.org. 

Register at www.callforentry.org and follow the directions for registration and submitting material for this Public Art Request for Qualifications. The application process will prompt you for all necessary documents and information. This includes up to 10 images and/or up to one movie file of previous work, a CV or résumé, and a Statement of Interest explaining your interest in the project and how your work might relate to the project. Utah Arts & Museums will not be responsible for delayed applications or damaged electronic files. Faxed or emailed applications cannot be accepted.

To request an accommodation for a disability, please complete an Accommodation Form at least two weeks in advance of the November 20 deadline. Accommodation forms can be found at artsandmuseums.utah.gov/accessibility. 

DEADLINE

Complete application packages must be RECEIVED by November 20th by 11:59p.m. MT

SELECTION PROCESS AND SCHEDULE

The Selection Committee will review all properly submitted qualifications, from which a short list of semi-finalists will be selected. Semi-finalists will be asked to present a full proposal to the Committee on February 9th to include concept, budget, and timeline. All semi-finalists will be awarded an honorarium to help defray the costs of the development of the proposal. The honorarium will be applied toward the commission amount for the artist(s) awarded the commission(s.) Utah Arts & Museums will not be responsible for applications delayed or lost. The Sugar House DABS Art Selection Committee reserves the right to withhold the award of a commission or re-release the call for entries.

Questions or assistance requests must be made at minimum 48 hours before the submittal deadline.

Schedule:
November 20, 2026, 11:59 p.m. MDT | Deadline for receipt of preliminary materials
December 7, 2026 | Committee review and finalist artist notification
February 9, 2027 | Finalists interviews and presentations
Winter 2028 | Artwork completed
Spring 2028 | Project substantial completion

ARTIST SELECTION COMMITTEE

Rob Robinson, Project Manager, Division of Facilities Construction & Mgmt

Sanae Adams, Architect, Jacoby Architects

Regina Esparza, Communications Manager, DABS

Val Barnes, Division Director Retail Stores, DABS

Adrienne White, Sugar House Community Council

Laurie Bray, Visual Arts Specialist

Please do not contact committee members directly. If you have any questions about this or other projects, information is available at: artsandmuseums.utah.gov/publicart/. Or contact: Hannah Nielsen at henielsen@utah.gov

Interested Utah artists may submit applications online via CallForEntry.org. 

Register at www.callforentry.org and follow the directions for registration and submitting material for this Public Art Request for Qualifications. The application process will prompt you for all necessary documents and information. This includes up to 10 images and/or up to one movie file of previous work, a CV or résumé, and a Statement of Interest explaining your interest in the project and how your work might relate to the project. Utah Arts & Museums will not be responsible for delayed applications or damaged electronic files. Faxed or emailed applications cannot be accepted.

To request an accommodation for a disability, please complete an Accommodation Form at least two weeks in advance of the November 20 deadline. Accommodation forms can be found at artsandmuseums.utah.gov/accessibility. 

Professional artists and artist teams residing in Utah are eligible for this commission. Artists living in Salt Lake County will receive additional weight in the review process. Applicants must have a U.S. Tax ID Number (SSN, EIN, ITIN, or other). Art Selection Committee members and staff of Utah Arts & Museums, Jacoby Architects, or the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services are not eligible to apply for this commission. All Art Selection Committee members will declare any conflict of interest and recuse themselves from the vote when reviewing artist applications.