The Water Public Art Challenge is seeking collaborative temporary public art projects that build connectivity between cultures through creative expression.

Projects should honor the legacy of the ancestral Sonoran Desert people (Huhugam)*, whose irrigation engineering and agricultural achievements delivered water, creating the foundation for life in the Valley of the Sun. 

*Previously referred to as the Hohokam People

The Process

1

Register

August 16, 2018

We want to see your proposal for a temporary public art installation that builds connectivity within the greater Phoenix area and emphasizes the historical importance of water to life in the area. If you have a creative idea, register no later than Thursday, August 16, 2018, at 5:00 PM Pacific.

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2

Apply

August 30, 2018

Collaborative teams aiming to creatively educate and inform the public about the influence of the Huhugam* ingenuity that first brought water to the Valley of the Sun and that meet eligibility criteria must apply no later than Thursday, August 30, 2018, at 5:00 PM Pacific.

Application
3

Peer-to-Peer Review

September 5, 2018

Each valid application receives scores and comments from five other applicants during a Peer-to-Peer Review process, using a trait-scoring rubric with four criteria: relevant, visible, feasible, and compelling. Participating in Peer Review is required for each team lead who applies.

Peer Review
4

Technical/Cultural Review

September 19, 2018

After Peer-to-Peer Review, the top-scoring submissions will be reviewed by the Technical/Cultural Advisory Committee to ensure cultural appropriateness and to determine how well the project integrates the Hohokam culture. Applicants who advance past this stage will be named as Finalists.   

Meet the Reviewers
5

Selection Committee Review

October 10, 2018

A Selection Committee will use the trait-scoring rubric with four criteria – relevant, visible, feasible, and compelling – to score and comment upon the Finalists. Based on the Selection Committee review, five Winners will be determined.

Meet the Reviewers
6

Winners Named

November 7, 2018

The five winning teams will be announced at a celebratory event on November 7, 2018. Each Winner will receive awards of $50,000. The event will also provide the Finalists an opportunity to showcase their proposed projects. 

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Meet the Judges

Questions & Answers

What is the Water Public Art Challenge?
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Why is this competition focused on the culture and history of the Hohokam culture?
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Who can participate?
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How do I apply?
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How will applications be assessed?
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What can I win?
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How is the Water Public Art Challenge different from other art competitions?
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What are you really looking for?
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Where should my proposed project be located?
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If I have questions about the challenge or my application, who should I contact?
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close

How will you build connectivity through creative expression?

Submissions Have Closed

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Supporting Partner