CALL TO ARTISTS

2025/2026​

​​Summit Public Art (SPA) is an all-volunteer, non-profit city organization whose mission is to bring art to public spaces in Summit, NJ. Since its inception in 2002, SPA has installed nine permanent works and over 110 temporary works created by nationally and internationally renowned artists and emerging artists. These artworks incorporate a broad range of media, including metal, stone, wood, cement, ceramics, fiber, and synthetics.

This is a call for temporary art, with a possibility for extension, and potential for permanent acquisition

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SPA TEMPORARY ART PROGRAM:

• Installations remain in place for 1 - 2 years.

  • Artists receive a stipend to cover all expenses, including shipping, installation, and de-installation. 

•  Installation sites are typically situated in the Summit downtown business district, parks, and other high-visibility locations.

• SPA provides identifying signage for all installations, plus public relations opportunities.

 

REVIEW/APPROVAL PROCESS:

• The SPA Art Selection Committee reviews and votes upon Temporary Art proposals.

• Approved proposals are forwarded to the full SPA Committee for a vote.

• SPA Committee-approved proposals are presented to the City of Summit governing body for final approval.

• A signed contract between the artist and the City completes the process. 

 

Submission Information:

SPA welcomes proposals for our upcoming installation cycle. A Temporary Public Art Application can be found on the SPA website, https://www.summitpublicart.com/, and should be returned via our email address, summitpublicarts@gmail.com. 

 

ARTWORK FOR CONSIDERATION SHOULD AVOID:

• Fragile and easily damaged or breakable materials.

• Sharp edges, points, projections, or pinch-points that may cut, puncture, or cause injury by impact, catching passing pedestrian clothing, or entrapment of limbs.

• Overhead parts that present a hazard to pedestrian traffic. Artwork should follow minimum sign height requirements in areas where pedestrian traffic is likely.

• Unsafe climbing opportunities for children/adults.

• Obstruction of any traffic control device.

• Cynical, political, pornographic, and otherwise obscene artwork deemed inappropriate for general audiences.

• NOTE: All work must be suitable for outdoor display in the Northeastern United States with its variety of climatic conditions, including rain, snow, and high winds.

 

THE FOLLOWING NON-ARTISTIC ITEMS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED:

• Reproductions of original works of art.

• Mass-produced “Art Objects.” 

• Directional or other functional elements such as supergraphics, signs, color coding, or Maps.

 

ARTIST'S RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Fabrication, transportation, installation, and deinstallation.

• NOTE: SPA does not provide tools, materials, and equipment. 

• Personal Insurance for installation and de-installation 

• Timely and proper installation and removal of artwork.

• Technical reports prepared by a licensed engineer, if needed. Maintenance of artwork, if necessary.