The Springville Public Art Program is seeking poems, poetic lines, or excerpts from poems in English or Spanish from Springville-based artists and writers for its Sidewalk Poetry Public Art project.

The project gives Springville residents the opportunity to display their own writing publicly and enables the participation of artists or writers without previous public art experience. The poems, poetic lines, or excerpts from poems, should highlight Springville’s heritage, identity, and unique characteristics. They should consider Springville’s rich traditions, natural beauty, or “Art City” moniker. Use the following question to help guide you:

How do you experience Springville? What do you see, hear, smell, or feel when you explore your neighborhood? What resonates with you when you visit places like Hobble Creek, Bartholomew Pond, Dry Creek Trail, the Museum or any other notable public spaces in Springville?

Chosen poems, poetic lines, or excerpts from poems, will be formatted and printed on vinyl specific for sidewalks. These will be installed along 100 E between the Library and Museum beginning Spring 2026. Eventually they may be made into metal concrete stamps and imprinted into the fresh concrete of new sidewalks throughout Springville. Springville will be responsible for fabrication and installation of the infrastructure for these poems.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 01/30/2026

SUBMISSIONS: All entries should be submitted through Submittable, the link can be found at https://smofa.com/public-art-opportunities You will need to create a login to Submittable to apply, if you don't already have one. 

COMMISSION: Up to $250 per commission; up to 20 available commissions

ELIGIBILITY: This Call for Artists is open to all *emerging and professional artists or artist-led teams who currently reside or work within Springville, Utah, regardless of race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, political opinion or affiliation, or mental or physical disability. Must be 8 years or older.

*Emerging, without previous public art experience, are strongly encouraged to apply.

SUBMISSION DETAILS:

• No AI allowed, only original, human-created works will be considered
• Open to ages 8 & up
• Writers/poets whose work is selected will receive up to $250
• Please prioritize brevity
• Each line printed or stamped will be approximately 3” tall
• 150 characters or less. You may submit an excerpt of a longer writing, or you may submit an entire poem and give permission to the selection committee to choose the excerpt
• The selection committee will choose and curate the final exhibition  
• The final poems will be placed on the sidewalk along 100 E. in Springville. The selection committee will determine the placement of each poem.
• If the committee is selecting an excerpt, they will keep the original intent and work with the writer/poet to edit as needed
• Springville City reserves the right to change or modify this project at any time

QUESTIONS: All questions regarding this Call for Literature are to be directed to the Springville Public Art Coordinator by email at LGleaves@SpringvilleUtah.gov. 

*Applications are accepted January-October of each year. November-December will be closed for new applications to allow for current mural artists in the pool to update or withdraw their information.

Introduction  Springville City’s Public Art Program seeks to commission artists to create original murals at various sites around Springville City. A selection panel of community representatives, arts and culture professionals, and civic leaders will be assembled to select and recommend an artist or artist team for the projects. This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is ongoing and applicants will be added to the artist pool. Springville City, city departments, and Springville businesses will review applications as projects arise. Artists in the pool may or may not be contacted to create a proposal for a project.  

Eligibility  This project is open to all artists, but preference will be given to local and regional artists. Artists may apply as individuals or as a group. Up to five artists from the pool may be selected as finalists to present a design concept proposal for a project. Finalists will receive an honorarium to develop and present their artwork design concepts. Each finalist will be required to sign a release of liability and indemnity agreement. .  

Project Description  The Springville Murals Program is designed to enhance Springville by adding refreshing vibrancy and beauty to public spaces in Springville. Successful murals will contribute to Springville’s brand as “Art City.”  

Design, Theme, and Selection Criteria  The Public Art Program seeks artists that will develop designs that are vibrant and refreshing, while celebrating Springville’s heritage, identity, and unique characteristics. Murals could speak to Springville’s rich traditions, natural beauty, “Art City” moniker, or emerging mixture of old/traditional and new/fresh. Abstract and realistic designs are both welcome. Selected designs will be appropriate for family viewing, and not contain images or words that are profane, lewd or politically divisive.  

Site Descriptions  Descriptions for specific projects will be sent to finalists chosen for specific projects.  

Submission Process  Applications will be received through our submittable account. You must have an account to apply. To request an accommodation for a disability, please email the Public Art Coordinator, Leslie Makai Gleaves at: LGeaves@SpringvilleUtah.gov  

1. Artist Information, which includes the following:

 a. Contact information   b. Artist bio and/or personal statement   d. CV or resume  

2. A statement of approach which communicates experience with projects of various scope and scale. 

3. At least 3-5 references of fabricated and installed artwork. Relevant mural projects preferred, but not required. If applicable, information to provide includes the following:

a. Scope and description of project

b. Project location

c. 3-6 digital images of the project.  

Selection Criteria

The selection panel will select finalists and award the project based on the following criteria:

• Artistic excellence, vibrancy, and originality - 50%
• Documented experience of the artist in completing similar projects - 25%
• Appropriateness of the approach and/or design for its site in the Springville community - 25%

Policies

• During the calendar year, Artists in the Mural Artist Pool may or may not be chosen as a finalist for a mural project in Springville.

If an artist or artist group is chosen as a finalist and then is selected as the artist:

• Springville City will issue a contract outlining the terms of the project.
• Springville reserves the right to change or cancel any project at any time.
• The selected artist must have liability insurance for the duration of the project and provide a Certificate of Insurance at the time a contract is issued that lists Springville City and its officers, agents, and employees as additional insured or sign a liability and indemnification release provided by Springville City. 
• The artist is responsible for cost overruns of the project.
• The artist will keep the project manager up to date on the status, timeline, and progress of the project. 
• Upon completion, the City will become the owner of the artwork.
• The artwork may be removed and/or painted over by the City at any time.

Application Edits

At the end of the calendar year, an email will be sent allowing you to choose one of three options:

1. update your application information (including adding new projects, new website, address, etc.)

2. keep your application information the same

3. withdraw your application from the pool

Project Contact  Leslie Makai Gleaves

Public Art Coordinator  LGleaves@SpringvilleUtah.gov  801-491-5700