Houston seeks artist pitches for public installation at upcoming Montrose Library

The city of Houston is seeking submissions from artists, both local and national, for the design and installation of a permanent work of public art at the upcoming Montrose Library, expected to open in 2023.

The city is taking submissions from artists and art teams from across the U.S. who are over the age of 18, according to a Dec. 2 news release. Submissions will be open through 5 p.m. Jan. 9.

The new Montrose Library is under construction at the Montrose Collective mixed-use development at 1001 California St., Houston. Filings with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation indicate construction could wrap up in March, and Houston City Council voted to provide additional funding for the project in November to keep work moving forward.

"Integrating a new library location into a mixed-used development is a big step forward in meeting communities where they are," Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said in a statement. "This artwork will live in the new Montrose Library to showcase the vibrant character and history of the area and to highlight and celebrate the rich diversity of our Houston neighborhoods."

In the Dec. 2 release, city officials specified the artwork will be displayed inside the library and should "tell the story and history of Montrose by engaging with the library collections, services, staff and community." The release also noted Montrose's history as an LGBTQ community in Houston that has also attracted many artists over the years.

Art types that will be considered include surface application with relief or sculptural elements, light-based media, nontraditional installations, murals and other two-dimensional works.

Houston Arts Alliance and the Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs have been tasked with selecting the artist and have been given a budget of $85,000, according to the release. The alliance is able to provide support for Spanish-speaking applicants.

The library, upon completion, will feature reading areas, technology access, a children’s area, a teen area and meeting spaces.

More information on how to submit a proposal can be found here.