RFP - Temporary Public Art at Artscape 2026

Create Baltimore is seeking proposals from Maryland-based artists and artist teams for large-scale temporary public art projects to be installed at this year's Artscape festival. 

Over the years, Artscape has been home to a number of large-scale interactive installations. From a 20-foot-tall kaleidoscope to an octagonal maze to the world's largest poster, area artists have brought some extraordinary projects to past festivals and we want to bring some of that magic to downtown.

We want to see your weird, your whimsical, your otherwordly, your wildest proposals for temporary public art installations at Artscape 2026.

Project Overview

Artscape 2026 will take place Memorial Day Weekend, May 23–24, in downtown Baltimore near City Hall. Create Baltimore will fund selected proposals to produce large-scale temporary public art for inclusion in this year's festival.

We are especially interested in projects that:

• Tell a clear story,
• Include an interactive element, and
• Utilize recycled or repurposed materials.

Goals & Objectives

Based on feedback from festival-goers, large-scale installations are a hallmark of the Artscape, showcasing the imagination and ingenuity of some of our most innovative creatives. Our goal is to re-incorporate this crowd favorite into the festival in its new footprint. To that end, we aim to solicit a wide range of original and engaging proposals from which to select the project(s) that will receive funding. 

Eligibility 

This request for proposals is open to all professional artists over the age of 18, legally living or working within the State of Maryland. Baltimore-based artists will be given preference in the instance of identical scoring.

Artists can apply individually or as an artist team. 

Current employees of Create Baltimore and the Mayor's Office of Arts, Culture, & Entertainment (MOACE) are not eligible to apply.

Requested Qualifications 

Artists must submit all of the items below. Applicants who fail to submit all of these items will not be considered. 

• Artist’s Statement (100 words or less)
• Resume/CV (PDF; 5 MB or less)
• Project Description
• Proposed Budget 
• Inspiration Images (optional)

Selection Process 

A panel of professional creatives and community stakeholders will join Create Baltimore and MOACE representatives in evaluating and choosing the selected artists.

In considering some applications, we may ask for additional information. The email address you provide is the email address we will use to contact you if more details are needed. 

All artists will receive a decision no later than April 1, 2026. 

Budget

Budgets of up to $15,000 will be considered. The final project budget must include an artist contingency of 10% and an artist fee of at least 15%. 

Timeline

• The application deadline is February 20, 2026, at 5:00 PM
• Artists will receive a decision by April 1, 2026. 
• Installation will begin the week of May 17, 2026. 
• Artscape is Memorial Day Weekend, May 23–24, 2026. Festival hours are 11AM–10PM.