MainStreet Oceanside announces a call for artists for a new public art project at the Oceanside Transit Center.
The opportunity is part of MainStreet Oceanside’s Art That Excites Program, which seeks to enhance the cultural and visual landscape of downtown Oceanside. The public art project, in partnership with the North County Transit District, aims to transform the pedestrian tunnel at the transit center into a large-scale art project that reflects Oceanside’s cultural and environmental character.
The Oceanside Transit Center is the primary transportation hub for North County, serving as a connection point for NCTD’s Coaster and Sprinter rail lines, Breeze bus service, and Amtrak and Metrolink rail services. The project will focus on the pedestrian tunnel, including the stairways and ramps, offering a prominent canvas for large-scale artwork that will be experienced by thousands of daily commuters.
NCTD has received a grant from the Caltrans Clean California Local Grant Program to support the project. In addition to the artwork, the funding will allow NCTD to include security improvements such as cameras and speakers to increase safety for pedestrians.
Caltrans’ Clean California Grant Program funds projects that beautify and improve transit centers, among other locations. The selected artwork will enhance riders’ public transportation experience, creating a welcoming and visually inspiring atmosphere in this key transit corridor.
The Request for Qualifications is open to all artists and collaborative artist teams. Local artists are encouraged to apply, although it is not a requirement. The project scope includes designing and installing art on the pedestrian tunnel’s interior walls, with the opportunity to expand the design onto the adjacent ramp and stairway walls.
The total contract amount to be awarded to an artist or team for the Project is $165,000. Artists are asked to create a design that reflects the vibrant spirit of Oceanside and its commitment to community and the environment.
The Request for Qualifications is open now, with a submission deadline of 1 p.m. on Dec. 6. All applicants must be able to provide proof of insurance and meet all submission criteria outlined in the RFQ.
Interested artists can download the full RFQ and find submission details on the MainStreet Oceanside website at mainstreetoceanside.com/artthatexcites.
For additional information or assistance with the application process, contact Bobbie Mills at 760-754-4512 or email Bobbie@MainStreetOceanside.com.
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