Call for Artists: Imperial Beach Splash Pad

Call for Artists: Imperial Beach Splash Pad

Project Description

The Port of San Diego and City of Imperial Beach are making a series of improvements to the iconic Imperial Beach Pier and adjacent Portwood Pier Plaza to activate and beautify it. As part of the Imperial Beach Pier Enhancements project, the Port and City are adding a Splash Pad at Portwood Pier Plaza.

The Port, in collaboration with the Imperial Beach Arts Bureau, is seeking an artist to develop artwork to visually enhance a mechanical enclosure next to the Splash Pad.

Project Goals

• Create two, unique two-dimensional artwork files to be installed on an outdoor, perforated metal mechanical enclosure.  
• Create artwork that presents a welcoming feeling of belonging and is resonant with thematic elements of the immediate area (including beach and urban environment). Ideas may explore, but are not limited to, regional history, human experience, dialogue, and interaction between people – people; people – ocean; people – urban/industrial landscape; or people – place.
• Bring energy, engagement, and visual excitement to the community.

Project Details

• The finished enclosure will contain two sides of graphic artwork (comprised of two unique, related designs).
• The structure is 9 feet by 16 feet. Each side of the enclosure, where artwork will be applied, is made up of eight square panels separated by narrow structural supports. The structural supports will receive a solid color selected by the artist using a palette supplied by the manufacturer.
• Photography, design and illustration are identified as the preferred media choices. Traditional murals, such as a direct paint application, are not an option for this project. The artwork will be applied to the mechanical enclosure by a process similar to powder coating using an artist-supplied .eps file.  
• Applicants should note that the finished artwork file can include photographic images no less than 200dpi at full scale.
• Renderings of the enclosure style can be found at the Aquatix manufacturing website.

Artist Application Criteria

• This opportunity is open to all professional artists in San Diego, Imperial, Orange and Riverside Counties, with local artists residing in Imperial Beach strongly encouraged to apply. We encourage artists from every community, identity, and lived experience to apply, ensuring the tidelands reflect the full spectrum of artistic voices and abilities. To apply, click on the "APPLY HERE" link below.
• We seek to broaden the diversity of artists exhibiting on the tidelands and therefore encourage applications from artists of all backgrounds, identities and abilities.
• Applicants must submit documentation of past completed artwork, a resume, and an artist statement.  

Items to be submitted

• CV / Resume: Attach a current resume or CV for the artist / artist team. Include your full contact information at the top including name, address, phone number and email address. The file should be clearly named (Example: Last name_First name Resume.pdf)
• Artist Statement: Please provide a statement describing your artistic practice, no longer than 250 words. Please attach to your CV or resume*.
• Work Samples:  
  • Submit four (4) digital images/videos of past work by the artist/artist team and one (1) Concept Proposal for the Splash Pad mechanical enclosure.  
  • Detail shots may be submitted as part of the four (4) digital images/videos. Video files must be no more than 30 seconds each.  
  • The filename for each work must include the following four components for your application to be considered: Title, dimensions, materials, and location.  
  • Do not attach one portfolio file with multiple images/information.
  • Applications that do not follow the requested format will be considered incomplete and will not be accepted.

*Submitted resume and artist statement must be no longer than four pages, in PDF form and be vertically oriented to be considered acceptable for this application. Hyperlinks will not be viewed, please do not include in documents. Do not include additional images within the resume and artist statement.  

Apply here

Selection Panel Review

The Port of San Diego uses a panel of arts professionals as part of the artist selection process.  The Selection Panel will be comprised of:

• Two IB Arts Committee Members
• Three Arts Culture & Design Committee (ACDC) Members

The selection panel is expected to meet twice to conduct its evaluation.  

• Selection Panel Meeting One: Evaluate applications based on evaluation criteria pursuant to BPC Policy No. 609: Public Art Programs and the project goals. Identify the top candidates to interview.  
• Selection Panel Meeting Two: Interview top candidates with the goal of recommending three qualified artists/artist teams to be voted upon by the ACDC. Detailed artwork submissions specific to the site will be requested from the three finalists.

The ACDC will review the proposals recommended by the selection panel and make a recommendation to staff.  

Project Timeline

The following timeline lists important dates and application deadlines. All dates are subject to change.  

• September 25 – October 24: The Call for Artists application is open.
• Late October/Early November: The selection panel will review, interview, and select top proposals for recommendation.
• Early November: The ACDC subcommittee will notify three finalists who will be invited to develop a full proposal of artwork using detailed dimensions and material specifications.  
• Early December: ACDC members will vote on the proposals and provide a recommendation to the City of Imperial Beach.
• Mid-December: The City of Imperial Beach will review the recommendation for approval and award the selected proposal.  
• January 2026: The selected artist will provide final revisions and completed file delivery.
• Early 2026: The artist/artist team's artwork will be applied to the mechanical enclosure by the industrial fabrication team.

Questions:  

Contact the Port of San Diego at arts@portofsandiego.org.