City of Plano to accept art submissions for a $125K downtown sign through July 27

The city is looking for an artist or team to create a new sign for downtown Plano with a $125,000 budget.

The city will be accepting submissions through July 27, according to the special projects department.

The gist

The first phase of the project is open for artists nationwide to submit an artwork to be permanently hung at the northeast corner of G Avenue and 15th Street.

Downtown Plano Manager Michelle Hawkins said the city is looking to commission an artist that can take inspiration from the city’s historic period, roughly between 1890 to 1936, while also creating a piece that feels welcoming in the present.

“We saw a chance to refresh the corner of G Avenue and 15th Street in a way that means something,” Hawkins said.

Finalists from the first phase of the project will be asked to create a rendering and plan for their concept in the second phase, Hawkins said. The full list of requirements for the project and submission process can be found online.

Dig deeper

The $125,000 will cover the artwork concept and fabrication, according to the city, and site demolition, foundations, utilities and landscaping will be done by a different contractor.

Hawkins said the new sign will replace the standard monument sign located at the same intersection.