Forecast Public Art activates, inspires, and advocates for public art that advances justice, health, and human dignity.
Forecast supports artists, partners, and communities throughout the entire process of creating public art that advances justice, health, and human dignity. We partner with decision-makers and stakeholders on arts and cultural planning efforts, and support public artists with funding, training, and opportunities to create partnerships and advance their public art careers. We also help others find, select, curate, fund, and commission public artists. Forecast emphasizes access for artists of color, indigenous artists, and groups that are traditionally excluded.
Forecast firmly believes that culture and creativity are important drivers of creating a more just society. As one of the country’s first nonprofit organizations dedicated to advancing the field of public art, we are called to advocate for and advance public art practices that advance justice, health and human dignity. We are invested in public art that plays a crucial role in creating a sense of belonging, and supporting people to realize their potential and live healthy lives.
What is public art?
Public art plays a crucial role in shaping our culturally vibrant and sustainable communities. Artists of all disciplines are treating public space as a venue for creative experimentation. Public art offers opportunities for community collaboration, for ideas to shape our environment, and to influence change. The definition is always expanding — performance art, interventions, land art, and wrapped buildings are just some examples — and artists are redefining public art every day.
Forecast Public Art invites Minnesota-based artists of all experience levels to submit qualifications for the digital design of utility boxes to be installed near and adjacent to two of Downtown Saint Paul’s signature parks locations: Mears Park and Kellogg Mall Park.
Positions Available: 4 (open to artist teams)
Artist Stipend: $4,000 per artist or artist team. This includes all artist time, design development, preparation of print-ready files, and coordination with the production team.
Applications Due: Thursday, August 7, 2025, no later than 11:59pm CST
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Forecast Public Art invites Minnesota-based artists of all experience levels to submit qualifications for the digital design of utility boxes to be installed near and adjacent to two of Downtown Saint Paul’s signature parks: Mears Park and Kellogg Mall Park. Selected designs will be professionally wrapped onto utility boxes, transforming everyday infrastructure into captivating public art that reflects the identity and vitality of Saint Paul. This opportunity seeks artists who are excited to explore themes of the Mississippi River, MN land, Saint Paul’s rich park systems, local history, culture, and the diverse residents who shape the city.
ELIGIBILITY
Selected artists should:
- Reside in Minnesota.
- Demonstrate the ability to complete a digital design for a medium scale application.
- Have an interest in public art and love Saint Paul!
- Be comfortable using technology including, but not limited to
- Communicating in a timely manager via email or telephone
- Online research tools
- Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Slides
Priority will be given to artists who live or work in Saint Paul. No prior public art experience is required.
LOCATIONS
The utility box locations will be in Downtown Saint Paul, near and adjacent to Mears Park and Kellogg Mall Park.
Each selected artist will be assigned no more than 4 utility boxes. Designs must be digitally rendered and suitable for vinyl wrap production.
BUDGET
Each selected artist will receive a $4,000 artist stipend. This fee includes all artist time, design development, preparation of print-ready files, and coordination with the production team. The City and Forecast will manage installation.
TIMELINE
Deadline to apply is Thursday, August 7, 2025 at 11:59pm CST
If needed, interviews will take place the week of August 11, 2025.
To apply: Fill out our online Application Form
Questions? Please contact us by email at boo@forecastpublicart.org later than Friday, August 1, 2025.