Feature image: Courtesy of Rochester Art Center
Call for Artists: Downtown Wayfinding Public Art Project
Qualifications Due: October 25, 2026
Project Budget: Up to $23,000
Location: Downtown Rochester, MN
Submitted
Rochester, MN – The City of Rochester, in partnership with Rochester Art Center, is seeking an artist or team of artists to create artwork and visual concept that complements Rochester’s “Detours Lead to Discoveries” interim downtown wayfinding campaign.
Rochester is experiencing multiple major construction projects between 2026 and 2028. In response, the City launched “Detours Lead to Discoveries” in 2026 with $300,000 committed over the first 2 years by the DMC. This interim wayfinding program is to help residents, visitors, patients and families navigate downtown while continuing to connect people with Rochester’s businesses and arts and cultural destinations.
With support from a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), this project will add a creative component to the existing wayfinding campaign. The selected artist(s) will develop artwork that encourages people to explore downtown on foot or bicycle and includes visual elements that can be reproduced or adapted for use on temporary wayfinding signage.
Up to $23,000 is available for the project. This total budget must cover all project expenses, including the artist’s time for concept development, design, production, and public engagement, as well as materials, fabrication, graphic design, and other necessary project costs.
This will be a two-part selection process beginning with a letter of interest responding to this RFQ followed by an invitation-only submittal of a final proposal.
About Rochester Art Center
Rochester Art Center is a museum of contemporary art located along the Zumbro River in the heart of historic downtown Rochester, MN. Founded in 1946, the Art Center hosts an ongoing schedule of exhibitions of work by local, regional, national and international artists; dynamic educational programs for all ages; and an array of community partnerships and visitor engagement initiatives. Through world-class exhibitions and programs, the Art Center presents a welcoming, integrated and diverse experience that encourages questioning, creativity and critical thinking.
Contact
Kalianne Morrison, Advancement Director
kmorrison@rochesterartcenter.org