Lakewood Seeks Artists For Public Art Corridor

LAKEWOOD, OH — The city of Lakewood is looking for artists to complete work as part of the Detroit-Sloane Pedestrian Safety Improvements project.

Over the past four years, Lakewood has been investing in public-private art projects to attract and retain residents and businesses. City officials said response to previous projects has been positive and on Tuesday, Lakewood released a call for artists for the Detroit-Sloane project.

The deadline for applications is Feb. 1, 2021. The budget for the project is $95,000, which must cover design, installation and honorariums for finalists.

Three finalists will be selected based on their previous design and fabrication experience with sculptural elements, lighting and two dimensional work. Officials expect teams of artists to apply. Finalists will work with the Public Works and Park departments, the city's architect and the general contractor for the Detroit-Sloane improvements.

The city said it wants the selected project to:

• Complement the identity of the corridor and Lakewood
• Utilize lighting to enhance design, and
• Follow one of these themes, which define Lakewood:
  • Connectivity — "Lakewood’s connection to nature; The connections we have to each other"
  • Synergy — "The relationship between Lakewood’s natural environment and architecture; streetcar history, prominent front porches"
  • Diversity — "The countless ways residents and visitors are loving Lakewood and it’s diverse offerings; restaurants, businesses, the arts, parks, transportation, architecture

The deadline for proposals is Feb. 1. Finalists will be notified by Feb. 15. The subsequent proposal deadline is March 19. Interviews and artist selection will happen in April, and projects should be completed by December 2021.