SOLANA BEACH — Artists are invited to contribute their creative talents to the city of Solana Beach through three public art projects that are currently seeking proposals.
The city is currently accepting proposals for the 2024-26 Temporary Public Arts Program, which displays sculptures throughout the city, and the City Street Banner Program and Fletcher Cove Storm Drain Beautification Project.
Under the Temporary Public Arts Program, selected artists will receive a $3,000 stipend for the city to temporarily display their work at one of five sites for a two-year period. The program seeks unique sculptures made from sturdy materials that can withstand the natural elements of the coastal environment.
The current high-visibility locations include San Andres Drive at Las Banderas Drive, the Solana Beach Town Center at San Rodolfo Drive, the Lomas Santa Fe median in front of Skyline Elementary School, and the Seascape Sur Beach Access Path.
For the 2024-26 program, the city also adds a fifth location at Highland Drive in front of the Lomas Santa Fe Country Club.
In the past, the city has displayed works for a one-year period with a stipend of $1,500. City leaders decided last fall to expand the program with higher pay and a longer loan period to attract more artists. Applications are due Sept. 16 at 5:30 p.m. More information can be found online at cityofsolanabeach.org/en/temporary-public-arts-program.
Solana Beach is also seeking an artist to design 20 new unique city street banners to be displayed year-round along the city’s major corridors. The banners will replace the current banners from 2013. The selected artist will receive a stipend of $5,000.
The new set of street banners must reflect five city themes — active transportation, arts and culture, City of Kindness, environmental sustainability, and local dining and shopping—with four unique designs for each theme.
The designs should reflect the coastal and community spirit of Solana Beach and convey specific attributes or landmarks of the city, among other guidelines. Artists may submit conceptual designs for the banners to then be developed into final designs if selected.
Applications are due by Oct. 18 at 5:30 p.m. More information is available at rb.gy/c2cgw5.
Lastly, the city’s Storm Drain Beautification Project seeks proposals from artists for designs or renderings of a new, attractive stainless steel outlet grate to replace the current aging grate at the base of Fletcher Cove Beach.
According to the city, the proposed design should enhance the storm drain structure’s visual appeal and, like the street banner program, reflect Solana Beach’s coastal and community spirit and convey the city’s attributes or landmarks.
The selected artist, chosen by the Solana Beach City Council, will receive a stipend of $2,000 to cover the design work. The manufacturing and installation of the grate will be handled by a contractor. Applications are due by Aug. 23 at 5:30 p.m. More information, including engineering specifications, is available online at rb.gy/gwtrfa.
