The City of Redondo Beach is a vibrant coastal
community celebrated for its creative spirit,
cultural diversity, and close connection to
Southern California’s natural beauty. Through its
Public Art Program, the City seeks to enhance
the public realm with artwork that reflects
Redondo Beach’s identity, strengthens civic
spaces, and fosters meaningful connections
between people and place.
This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) invites
professional artists and artist teams to submit
qualifications for consideration for future public
art commissions along the Artesia Boulevard
corridor. As one of the City’s primary east–west
gateways, Artesia Boulevard connects
neighborhoods, local businesses, and civic
destinations from Inglewood Avenue to Aviation
Boulevard. Through the thoughtful integration of
public art, the corridor has the potential to evolve
into a welcoming, visually engaging, and culturally
expressive destination. Public art opportunities
may include permanent, semi-permanent, or
functional artworks integrated into streetscapes
and civic sites.
This Call for Artists is informed by prior City
planning efforts and is supported by established
public art funding, including the John Parsons
REDONDO BEACH PUBLIC ART
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
REDONDO BEACH CALL FOR ARTIST RFQ AND FAQ
Public Art Fund, which supports the
implementation and long-term maintenance of
public art on City-owned property and within
the public right-of-way. Opportunities identified
through this RFQ will span an array of budgets
and project scales, allowing for a broad range of
artistic approaches and levels of experience.
Artists may be considered for one or multiple
projects based on qualifications, project needs,
and funding availability. Collaboration with City
staff, consultants, and community stakeholders
will be an important part of the process.
This RFQ is not a request for proposals or
design concepts.
The City of Redondo Beach seeks to establish a pool of qualified artists and artist teams for future public art commissions along the Artesia Boulevard corridor. Projects will vary in scale, medium, and location and will be commissioned as permanent installations. Opportunities are intended to enhance visibility, strengthen placemaking, and reflect the cultural identity of Redondo Beach.
Potential public art opportunities may include, but are not limited to, the following project types and locations:
• Median Installations that create visual interest and serve as artistic anchors along the corridor
• West Monument (east of Aviation Boulevard) marking the western gateway into Redondo Beach on Artesia Boulevard.
• East Monument (west of Inglewood Avenue) marking the eastern gateway into Redondo Beach on Artesia Boulevard.
• Artist-designed Benches that integrate functional seating with creative expression • Crosswalk Enhancements incorporating artistic treatments within pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure
• Sculptural Artwork near the Redondo Beach North Branch Library that contributes to the civic and cultural character of the site
Each opportunity will require a site-specific approach that responds to context, scale, visibility, and public interaction. Selected artists may be invited to respond to one or multiple opportunities based on project needs, artist qualifications, and funding availability.
OVERALL PROJECT OPPORTUNITY
CURATORIAL EXPECTATIONS
This program is searching for innovative Artists and Artist Teams with an ability to creatively approach engaging and active public art, and a deep understanding of how public art complements and challenges our community and civic environment. Artists or Artist Teams shortlisted through this RFQ will be asked to address the selected locations as landmark visual opportunities and to create an engaging and dynamic element inviting residents and visitors to the City to interact, connect and utilize the spaces around the art.
Each of the individual locations demand unique approaches and creative uses of materials and sustainability and we invite Artists and Artist Teams to offer their approaches to attaining the project goals. Artist and Artist Teams should take the following under consideration across each of the opportunities:
• Creating artwork that encourages public interaction and engagement • Responding thoughtfully to site context, scale, and visibility • Considering multiple viewpoints and approaches
• Designing artwork that functions across different times of day • Demonstrating material durability, sustainability, and long-term maintenance awareness
ELIGIBILITY
Artists age 18 or older may apply as an individual or as a team. The RFQ is open to all and not restricted to any geographic location but the following considerations will be strongly considered:
• Artists who can demonstrate the ability to oversee the design, fabrication and installation of public works - or who have a history of working with design/build/engineering/fabrication teams to accomplish these needs.
• Artists without previous public art experience that demonstrate an ability to manage a team to accomplish the goals are still strongly encouraged to apply. • Artists in traditionally and historically underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
The City of Redondo Beach will evaluate all responses to this RFQ and present a short list for review by the Community Panel for selection.
Selected Artists or Artist Teams will then be invited to create a RFP (Request for Proposal) and tasked with delivering site specific concepts and designs. These invited Artists will be provided a stipend upon submitting responses. The stipend totals will depend on their individual location opportunities. Invited Artists and Artist Teams will be given additional site details as well as sample contracts to review during this process.
The evaluation and scoring of Artists submitting an RFQ will center around the following criteria:
1. ARTISTIC ABILITY
Quality, originality, and strength of prior work as demonstrated through submitted materials.
2. EXPERIENCE AND CAPABILITY
Ability to successfully complete projects of similar scale or complexity, including collaboration with public agencies or multidisciplinary teams.
3. CONNECTION, INCLUSIVITY, AND REPRESENTATION
Demonstrated sensitivity to diverse communities and ability to create inclusive, culturally responsive public artwork.
SELECTION PROCESS
Budgets for public art commissions are anticipated to range from $8,000 to $100,000, depending on the scope, scale, and complexity of each project.
Final commission contracts will be determined based on approved proposals, site conditions, and the specific needs of each artwork.
Unless otherwise noted, commission budgets are inclusive of all costs associated with the creation of the artwork, including artist fees, design, fabrication, installation, engineering, insurance, transportation, and any required foundations, footings, lighting, signage, or related expenses.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
1. Letter of Interest: Include the Proposer’s name, address, phone number, and email. Compose a statement (maximum 1000 words) outlining relevant experience completed within the past five years and your interest in developing a public art proposal that would positively impact the City of Redondo Beach.
2. Resume or Curriculum Vitae: Highlighting relevant professional experience, education, and past commissioned or public work.
3. Samples of Past Work (Up to 5): Showcase up to 5 relevant past projects. Details must include appropriate images and photography as well as information including - Title, budget, client, location, media/materials, year completed and a short description of the project.
A PDF and details may be uploaded to the submission platform.
4. References: Submit two references that include client name and contact person along with title, contact details, and specific project information associated with the listed reference.
References will only be contacted if the candidate meets the qualifications to continue on in the selection process.
BUDGET
The following schedule may be updated by the City at any point, but the below is the intended RFQ timeline:
RFQ released: February 02, 2026
Deadline for questions: February 16, 2026
Response to questions posted: February 20, 2026
Deadline to apply: March 30, 2026
Selected Shortlisted Artists to start on conceptual designs: May 2026 (date TBD) Shortlisted Artists present concepts to the Cultural Arts Commission: June 2026 (date TBD) Finalists Selected: July 2026 (date TBD)
Dates listed are tentative and may be subject to change Artists may be considered for project opportunities over a multi-year period following the establishment of the artist pool.
Applications must be submitted electronically via Submittable https://lebasseprojects.submittable.com/submit
Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered.
All questions regarding this RFQ must be submitted in writing to:
RFQ TIMELINE
HOW TO APPLY
PHASE ONE ARTWORK LOCATIONS
Artwork Installation Map
East Monument
(west of Inglewood Avenue)
LGBTQ+Sculpture (1x)
Median (2x)
Concrete Benches (5x)
Crosswalk (1x)
West Monument
(east of Aviation Boulevard)
OPPORTUNITY 1: WEST MONUMENT
WEST MONUMENT ( east of Aviation Blvd. )
Budget: $40,000
Artwork Opportunity: Artist-Designed West Monument
Location: On the median along Artesia Boulevard, east of Aviation Boulevard.
Concept: Development of a new, standalone artistic landmark monument and establish a visual identity for the city.
Impact: Establishes a refreshed and inviting visual statement that signals entry into Redondo Beach and strengthens the overall character of the corridor.
Material Possibilities: Metal or stone base with dimensional lettering, tile mosaic, integrated lighting, and durable surface finishes designed for longevity and visibility. 1 OPPORTUNITY 2: EAST MONUMENT
EAST MONUMENT ( west of Inglewood Ave. )
Budget: $40,000
2 Artwork Opportunity: Artist-Designed East Monument
Location: On the median of Artesia Boulevard, west of Inglewood Avenue.
Concept: Development of a new, standalone artistic landmark monument and establish a visual identity for the city.
Impact: Establishes a refreshed and inviting visual statement that signals entry into Redondo Beach and strengthens the overall character of the corridor.
Material Possibilities: Metal or stone base with dimensional lettering, tile mosaic, integrated lighting, and durable surface finishes designed for longevity and visibility.
OPPORTUNITY 3: MEDIAN INSTALLATION
ARTESIA BLVD MEDIAN INSTALL ATION
Budget: $100,000
3 Artwork Opportunity: Sculptural Artwork on up to two medians on Artesia Boulevard.
Location: Medians along key sections of Artesia Boulevard.
Concept: Sculptural or illuminated features integrated within the landscaped medians to unify the corridor through rhythm, repetition, and nighttime vibrancy.
Impact: Enhances the pedestrian and vehicular experience by introducing visual continuity and a sense of movement across multiple nodes.
Material Possibilities: Powder-coated steel, resin or acrylic elements, low-energy programmable LED lighting, or cast concrete with embedded lighting accents.
OPPORTUNITY 4: BENCH ARTWORK
CONCRETE BENCH ARTWORK ( 5 )
Budget: $40,000
Artwork Opportunity: Functional Artwork on five benches.
Location: Existing cement benches located along Artesia Boulevard at bus stops, gathering points, and other high-traffic pedestrian areas.
Concept: Artist enhancements to existing cement benches through surface treatments, color, or integrated design elements that transform standard seating into visually engaging and cohesive features of the corridor.
Impact: Revitalizes existing infrastructure while improving comfort and creating continuity across multiple sites. These redesigned benches will serve both functional and aesthetic purposes, contributing to a more welcoming and artful streetscape.
Material Possibilities: Painted or coated concrete, tile inlays, mosaics, or durable surface finishes suitable for long-term outdoor use and easy maintenance.
4 OPPORTUNITY 5: CROSSWALK ARTWORK
CROSSWALK ARTWORK
Budget: $40,000
Artwork Opportunity: Crosswalk Artwork.
Location: A key intersection and pedestrian crossing along Artesia Boulevard that provides continuity across the busy corridor for a prominent bike path stretching throughout the northern portion of Redondo Beach
Concept: Artist-designed crosswalks that incorporate pattern, color, or geometric design to enhance visibility and create a sense of identity along the corridor. These treatments turn functional infrastructure into an artistic experience that connects different zones of the boulevard.
Impact: Encourages pedestrian engagement and safety while adding vibrancy and rhythm to the streetscape. Collectively, the crosswalks serve as connective visual elements that unify the corridor and strengthen its sense of place.
Material Possibilities: High-durability street paint, thermoplastic coatings, or preformed materials engineered for heavy pedestrian and vehicular use with long-term color retention. 5 OPPORTUNITY 6: SCULPTURE INSTALLATION
LGBTQ + LIBRARY INSTALLATION
Budget: $25,000
Artwork Opportunity: Sculpture.
Location: Along Artesia Boulevard near the Redondo Beach North Branch Library, an area with consistent pedestrian activity and strong civic visibility.
Concept: A permanent sculptural artwork that celebrates LGBTQ+ identity, inclusion, and community connection. The artwork may take the form of an iconic landmark, abstract or figurative sculpture, or integrated sculptural element that reflects themes of visibility, resilience, and belonging. The piece should feel welcoming and accessible, serving as both a cultural marker and a point of reflection within the public realm.
Impact: Creates a meaningful civic landmark that reinforces the city of Redondo Beach’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity. Positioned at a central community destination, the sculpture offers a place for gathering, recognition, and dialogue while strengthening the cultural identity of the Artesia Boulevard gateway.
Material Possibilities: Durable outdoor materials such as bronze, stainless steel, powder-coated steel, stone, or composite materials suitable for long-term public display. 6 FAQS
1. Who can apply to the Redondo Beach Public Art RFQ?
The RFQ is open to artists 18+.
2. What qualifies as an eligible artist or artist team? The following considerations will be strongly noted:
• Artists who can demonstrate the ability to oversee the design, fabrication and installation of public works - or who have a history of working with design/build/engineering/ fabrication teams to accomplish these needs.
3. Will artists need to propose a concept to apply?
No, this RFQ is for qualifications only. A shortlist of artists will be selected from the applicants to move on to the next stage of developing concepts to present to the Redondo Beach Cultural Arts Commission. These finalists will receive a stipend for their concept design work. Applicants should not propose a concept when applying to the RFQ.
4. Can artists apply for multiple installation locations? Yes, artists are encouraged to apply for the installation opportunities that best fit their qualifications. Please apply only for opportunities best reflected by past work and practices.
5. Will artists need to submit an application for each location? No, artists will only need to submit one application. The application will allow artists to check each location they are interested in applying for.
6. Will artists receive a stipend for their work?
Selected finalists will be asked to create site-specific concept designs to present to the Redondo Beach Cultural Arts Commission. These selected artists will receive a stipend for their concept work.
7. When is the deadline to apply?
The deadline to apply to the RFQ is March 30, 2026.
8. How should artist teams submit their CVs?
Artists can combine their CVs into a single PDF for submission.
9. Is there a maximum word count for providing the associated project information under References?
There is no maximum word count, but a short description of the project and artwork done is preferred.
10. If applying as an artist team, will the collective experiences of the artist team be considered, or will selection be based primarily on the work of one artist?
Selection will be based on the collective experience of an artist team. It is more advantageous to provide experience of the team as a whole in order to showcase the work of the group.
11. How can artists submit the descriptions of the five work examples? Artists can submit five different files, one for each work example, with the description of that artwork in each of those files. Artists can also combine all work examples and descriptions into a single PDF.