Project Overview
Artspace, in partnership with Raleigh Area Land Trust (RALT), Raleigh Raised Development, Haven DesignBuild, and members of the Idlewild Neighborhood Art Committee, invites artists to submit proposals for a public art installation in the Idlewild neighborhood of Raleigh, North Carolina. This project is funded with support from the Jandy Ammons Foundation.
This project builds on the 2025 Idlewild Community Engagement process and is part of the Cottages of Idlewild, an affordable housing development rooted in African American homeownership, family histories, and community legacy.
The selected artist will create a site-responsive public artwork that reflects themes identified by the community, including:
- Family and intergenerational connection
- African American homeownership
- Black history and cultural legacy
- Community resilience and belonging
This project centers creative placemaking and honors Idlewild as a historically Black neighborhood with deep social, cultural, and civic roots.
RALT’s mission is to increase affordable housing opportunities in Raleigh and Wake County. We expand affordable homeownership opportunities for families with low to moderate incomes so that they are able to live or remain in the communities of their choice. Learn more at www.ralt.org
The Cottages of Idlewild offers a range of affordable homeownership and rental opportunities for individuals and families at 30-80% AMI. This project was made possible through a unique public-private partnership that was formed to maximize success and ensure that community interests are prioritized and protected beyond what any single organization could do alone.
Artist Eligibility
This call is open to artists who meet all of the following criteria:
- Artists based in North Carolina
- Demonstrated experience working with BIPOC and historically Black communities
- Strong background in community-engaged, socially rooted, or public art practices
- Ability to collaborate with community members, and project partners
Artists may work in any durable medium appropriate for an outdoor public installation. Both individual artists and artist teams are eligible to apply.
Project Scope
The selected artist will be responsible for:
- Developing a public art concept rooted in community-derived themes
- Engaging with Idlewild residents and stakeholders through interviews, meetings, or engagement activities
- Designing, fabricating, and installing a permanent artwork
- Coordinating with Artspace, RALT, and the site team throughout the project
Artspace will support the artist with project management, coordination, documentation, promotion, and community engagement logistics.
Location
The proposed public art site is located within the Cottages of Idlewild development in Raleigh, NC. The installation area sits along the primary pedestrian walkway connecting the residential cottages to the shared green space and streets. The site is publicly visible and accessible from the main entrance drive.
Site Type
Outdoor, open-air installation adjacent to landscaped lawn and concrete walkway.
Approximate Dimensions
Primary installation footprint: approximately 46 feet (L) x 58 feet (W)
Maximum recommended artwork footprint within that area: 43 feet (L) x 55 feet (W)
Height limit: Up to 10 feet (final height subject to engineering and approval)
Clearance from walkway: Minimum 3 feet must remain unobstructed for ADA access
Distance to nearest structure: Approximately 6–8 feet from cottage façade
Surface & Ground Conditions
Ground surface is compacted soil with planned landscape installation.
No existing concrete pad is currently installed.
Underground utilities will be confirmed prior to final installation.
Environmental Considerations
Full sun exposure for most of the day.
Installation must withstand outdoor weather conditions, including rain, wind, heat, and seasonal temperature variation.
Artwork’s materials must be durable, low maintenance, and suitable for a residential setting.
Utilities
No dedicated electrical connection at site (unless otherwise noted in addendum).
Solar or self-contained systems preferred if lighting is proposed.
Visibility & Audience
Primary audience: residents of the Cottages of Idlewild and visitors.
Secondary audience: neighborhood pedestrian traffic.
Artwork should be viewable from both pedestrian walkway and adjacent streets.
Budget Consideration
Artists should design proposals that can be fabricated and installed within the stated project budget, inclusive of materials, engineering (if required), and installation.
Budget & Compensation
Project Budget: $20,000
$20,000 Artist Commission
(Includes artist fee, design, materials, fabrication, community engagement activities, and installation.)
Artist Payment Schedule:
25% upon contract signing
50% upon design approval
25% upon final installation
Selection Process
Artist proposals will be reviewed by a selection panel convened by Artspace, including representatives from:
- Artspace
- Raleigh Area Land Trust
- Idlewild Neighborhood Committee and community partners
Final artist selection and design approval will be made collaboratively by Artspace and RALT, with community input guiding decision-making.
Project Timeline
March 2026: Call for Artists open; proposals collected
April 2026: Proposals due by Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
Artist selection process begins and one finalist notified
May–November 2026: Community engagement, design, and installation
Installation timeline and exact site details will be confirmed with development partners, yet at this time the project should be completed by end of November 2026.
How to Apply
Artists will be asked to submit the following through an online interest form:
- Artist statement of interest
- Brief description of relevant community-engaged or public art experience
- Work samples (3–5 images or links)
- Short written response describing approach to community collaboration
- CV
Accessibility & Equity Statement
This project is grounded in equity, respect, and care for the Idlewild community. Artists are expected to work with cultural humility, responsiveness, and accountability to community voices throughout the process.
Accessibility Statement // Artspace is committed to increasing accessibility and broadening access to the arts; we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the creative process. Everyone is welcome at Artspace. Artspace is part of a Learning Community of 11 arts organizations that collaborate to advocate for and improve access to the arts for people with disabilities. The collective is funded in part by the City of Raleigh Arts Commission and the United Arts Council of Raleigh + Wake County.